PLEASE READ HIS WRITE UP CAREFULLY AND DONT RUSH IN JUST BECAUSE YOU SEE A CUTE PHOTO, THIS BOY NEEDS A VERY SPECIFIC AND EXPERIENCED HOME SO PLEASE DONT WASTE OUR TIME OR YOURS IF YOU DONT MEET HIS CRITERIA IN FULL.
Ernie is a 4yr old miniature poodle (possibly with a bit of a mix of something else), he is castrated, vaccinated, microchipped, flea and worm treated and has a clean bill of health, he will be rehomed with 5 weeks free pet insurance.
Ernie came to us after he was found in a terrible, badly neglected condition. He was initially sent to a large well known rehoming centre but after biting they were going to put him to sleep if he wasn't found another, more understanding rescue! (same story different day unfortunately), so he came to us.
Ernie is a complex little lad who's past trauma has left him with anxieties and emotional scars....understandably. He can find things overwhelming and needs to build a bond and trust with "his" person, which from our detailed assessment of him, has been a man every time. He has built an amazing bond with our fosters husband and really likes her son too, we can only assume his neglectful former owner was maybe a woman.
When he first arrived with us he was anxious and fearful and looking for a way out, trying to scale a 6ft fence and a real flight risk. He showed reactivity to our female foster, lunging and trying to bite her feet if she approached. Over the next few days and then weeks and with the help of reward based motivation (he is very treat and food focused which helps) he has settled down a lot and is now much more manageable but it is totally on his terms with the female in the home. As soon as his foster dad comes home from work he is all over him, straight on his knee, giving kisses and letting him pretty much do anything with him.
Ernie has not been able to effectively live with other dogs, he is ok out on a walk and will ignore them but in the home environment he will randomly pick on other dogs sharing the home so he 100% needs to be an only dog and cannot live with cat or children of any age.
He is house trained, he sleeps down stairs quietly at night, he is ok being left for a few hours and he is now really enjoying his long walks after initially being nervous on the lead.
Coming from a big city area to a more rural location with us has really helped with this, he will need a home with someone who is fit and active.
He has only been groomed under a sedation since being found, he will allow his trusted person to brush him but he will need work with a trusted groomer going forward for professional grooming.
He will need a home with a VERY VERY secure garden, minimum 6ft fences and it goes without saying he needs a home with a male owner who is very experienced with nervous reactive dogs, will be hands off with Ernie until he trusts and listen to our "rules" about what to do and not do when he comes home, we don't want to set anyone up to fail and we will be VERY particular about where Ernie goes.
Being fostered in Swadlincote, Derbys and we would prefer homes within a 1hr distance if possible as multiple visits may be required for this boy. Subject to home check and adoption donation of £200
If you feel you have the skills and experience to give this boy the life he deserves after such a terrible start please email us a DETAILED email telling ALL ABOUT yourself, your home (inc FULL ADDRESS and contact number) about your working hours and importantly your experience to wonkypetsrescue@gmail.com