Battersea Dogs Home has a long history of caring for dogs which have been abandoned or whose owners were unable to cope. The Home cared for over 9,000 dogs from many different backgrounds in 2003 and this year is looking just as busy.
Unfortunately many dogs at Battersea arrived because their previous owners only considered what they wanted their dog to look like – not its background and behaviour patterns.
As a result Battersea has seen a rise in the number of pure breed dogs it receives as well as a rise in the number of dogs that need country homes.
The most popular dogs purchased by misinformed town dwellers are, incredibly, Border Collies. These dogs love mental and physical stimulation – they are literally bored silly in the city and need space and air and things to chase.
Other breeds unhappy with life in the city are Jack Russell Terriers (miniature whirlwinds), Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers (both have endless reserves of energy and stamina), Springer Spaniels (originally bred for retrieving they have energy and stamina reserves to rival the Labradors and Golden Retrievers) and Lurchers (a very strong chase instinct coupled with very bad recall means a three legged Lurcher in the city).
Battersea has also lately seen a rise in Japanese and American Akitas. These awe inspiring dogs were originally used as hunters in Japan, therefore they have a very low tolerance of other dogs and so need to move to an area with a low dog population.
These are examples of some of the breeds which are unhappy in the city, and over the next few months dogs like these will be looking for places to live where they are more at home, with loving owners who can give them the attention they need.
This month, the dogs needing immediate housing are Blaze and Scruffy.
Blaze
Rhodesian Ridgeback cross
One to two years old
Male
A strong, playful, goofy young thing, Blaze is definitely not for the faint hearted! Larger than life and with a ton of energy, owners will need to keep Blaze mentally and physically stimulated whilst also encouraging calm behaviour.
He’s a soppy, affectionate boy once he calms down and gets to know you, but he does become easily spooked when faced with unfamiliar people. Owners must be dedicated to following a training programme provided by the Behaviour Unit to ensure that this behaviour is handled in the right way.Blaze is looking for owners with experience of large breeds such as Mastiffs or Rhodesian Ridgebacks, and experience of dealing with under-socialised dogs.
He needs to live in a semi-rural or rural environment, in a calm, adult household with owners who are prepared to dedicate time to training. He could possibly live with an older female dog if they were a good match, but not with another male dog.Blaze is a great dog who will make a fantastic companion for owners who can keep up with him!If you are interested in learning more about Blaze then call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 020 7627 7884 or email mailbehaviourrehoming@dogshome.organd quote reference 05/06414
Scruffy
Jack Russell Terrier cross
One to two years old
Male
Scruffy is one of a very special family of dogs we like to call ‘long dogs’ – being half big, half small, and slightly stretched in the middle! He has lots of personality and an abundance of energy but he does not find the kennel environment easy to cope with, so potential new owners have so far overlooked this lovely little lad.
He is an intelligent and responsive dog who will be a delightful companion in the right home, but he does need dedicated owners who are happy to spend time on his training.Scruffy is looking an adult household in a semi-rural or rural environment, with owners who lead an active lifestyle. They will need previous experience of owning dogs, and time to invest in giving him the guidance he needs, as they will need to continue his training and gradually build up the time he is left alone.
He could live with a mature, relaxed dog, if they were a good match.If you are interested in learning more about Scruffy then call Battersea Dogs & Cats Home on 020 7627 7884 or emailbehaviourrehoming@dogshome.organd quote reference 05/40236.
