Introducing..

Troy is a sweet soul who loves a big fuss, his soft brown eyes look straight at you with so much expression and character, he melted my heart.

He is a GSD x, we think there is Labrador retriever in there somewhere.

He loves, loves his walks, loves water, sniffing, sniffing and more sniffing, loves to play scent games with both high value treats and toys, but sometimes needs encouragement to get him to play.

Troy is a bright, loving, funny, agile and intelligent 10 year old GSD crossbred.

Learning about Troy

Troy has many typical GSD traits with a deceptively strong character, this became apparent more each day, when in the home.  Clearly, he is used to doing what he wants in a home environment… so he does.  However, he did respond to training, time and effort, he will listen and with a fair, firm, caring and loving handler he will be the best that he can be..  GSD traits

• Intelligent – Troy may be 10 years old, but he is far from too old to learn..
• Sensitive – he can be reactive to some dogs when they approach him directly into his space, but this did not show in the early days.
• Protection – he was protecting his house within 4 days, his guarding instinct is strong.
• Athletic – for a 10-year old, he is exceptionally strong and athletic. He can turn on a sixpence and unexpected turns, can have you over.
• Chase – he will join in any chase games going, especially other dogs, a squirrel, a cat etc.. His energy levels are heightened by overactivity and excitement.
• Fast learner –Troy is a fast learner and capable of much more. In the short time he was with me, he had..
  • A good ‘WAIT’ and a good ‘STAY’ (and the difference)
  • ‘This way’
  • ‘Find it’
  • ‘Down’
  • ‘Stand’
  • ‘Paw’
  • ‘Around’
  • ‘In’ or ‘Get In’
  • ‘Come’ (on longline and from the garden) and more.
  • To wait until his lead was fastened and get out of the car when asked
  • Wait at intervals to go down steps
  • Walk calmly on a harness
  • Walk calmly on a collar after 10 minutes
  • Troy already sat when asked.

Exercise and stimulation

Troy is fit and athletic and does require exercise and stimulation in abundance.

Whilst staying with me, he had 2 walks daily, we did mantrailing which he got in one. He enjoyed the attention when training and doing scent games (always made fun).. his smiley face was always there ready and waiting for the next thing to do.

Troy loves playing with toys, although at first needed encouragement.. He enjoys a tug game and is easily managed when you want to stop.  In addition, he enjoyed a ball or Frisbee game, but when he has had enough, he will leave you to it!

Troy does not want any dogs in his face, who he does not know and will react.  An unexpected approach, he can react strongly.

Troy learnt to walk calmly alongside our neighbour’s Golden retriever, Alfie, after an incident of boundary frustration.  My neighbour and I met to walk them together.  After just a few walks, they were walking side by side without reaction, with both dogs completely relaxed.

Troy & Food

Troy does not have any signs of food aggression.

He is far from keen on kibble and will leave it repeatedly.  After establishing a feeding routine, he was clearing his bowl every time on a variety of raw food with muscle meat, offal, bone, oily fish and eggs.

His table manners were appalling on arrival, but after 10 days or so, he was sitting quietly outside the open door, waiting for us to finish and for his plate of scraps reward, for being so good.

Building trust

Troy enjoyed being groomed, I could check his pads and paws over, check for burrs etc. and he trusted me to do it.  Trust was definitely starting to build, as a result of training, playing, exercise, grooming, making a fuss of him etc..

Concluding..

Troy is a massive character, with a strong personality, he is a sweet boy and I will always have a big soft spot for him.

Soon after arriving, he was clearly not concerned about pleasing a new person, but perfectly happy to please himself!

Troy needs guidance, a GSD savvy home where the handler/s will need to be physically and mentally strong and is prepared to fulfil his needs.  He may be 10 years old, but he is physically agile and requires exercise, training and stimulation. He has potential to form a close bond with a GSD savvy handler, one who is prepared to put in some work, build trust and the bond will follow.

Good luck Troy, you so deserve a home of your own and with a great pet parent you will be amazing.

 

 

Apply to adopt

Location:

Cornwall - KENNELS

Sex:

Male

Age:

DOB 12.8.14 (est)

Neutered:

Yes

Good with children:

Yes - Older Only

Good with other dogs:

Careful introduction

Good with cats:

OK in Home