Description
Merlin is a 1 year old Collie boy who joined us from a very sheltered, unstable life. We believe he didn't spend much time alone and hasn't seen much of the outside world.
Merlin has made great progress since joining us, his confidence is growing every day and he's eager to learn new things!
Merlin is looking for a home with a confident resident dog, with children over 13 years old.
Character –
Merlin is an affectionate, intelligent and goofy boy. He bonds hard and fast to his human and is content as long as he is with you, he will be your shadow. His favourite activities are rolling on the rug, flinging toys in the air, and walks up the field. When he’s not gallivanting around he loves to curl up on the sofa, get all the cuddles and chase his pooch pals around the garden.
Merlin isn’t particularly food-orientated, taking preference for grazing his meals over gobbling them, but he loves his meaty treats (such as dried chicken) and takes them very gently when offered.
When Merlin first arrived, he was very anxious of even small things, he would cower away from washing on the line, a mop or broom being carried etc. but he has quickly settled in and overcome those fears in just a small amount of time. He is now such a happy boy, loving his off lead walks in a secure field, garden play time or just taking himself off to play with his toys quietly.
Even in times of high stress, like being handled when he first arrived, he’s had zero negative reactions – He was even an angel at the vets having his tail bandages changed, just laying there unfazed. When other dogs have grumbled at him or told him off he’s been submissive and not reacted at all other than to back off.
Merlin is anxious of meeting new people and will be tempted to initially cower away. It hasn’t taken long for him to show affection to new people once he’s been brave enough to say hello. People just need to be calm and patient when they first meet him, get down to his level and let him approach when he’s ready. Once he’s had a fuss he’s your best friend!
It is likely Merlin has had no basic training in his early life but he has already begun to learn the basics during his short time in foster care and is very receptive to voice. Merlin was also very scared of the car initially, with regular short trips and reassurance he is slowly overcoming this fear. On his 6th day in foster he started to get into the car under his own steam knowing he was going for a fun walk with his friends, though he’s still drooly in the car. He’s fine being picked up, he enjoys it and any physical affection. He is a very cuddly and affectionate boy, sometimes forgetting he weighs 18kgs and he rolls around on you for fusses.
Type of home –
Merlin is looking for a home where someone is around all the time, particularly initially so he can gradually build up his confidence being left. During his time in foster, he has been left for a few short periods, having the run of the house with the other dogs monitored on a camera and has initially looked for his human then been settled with his pals hunting for scattered kibble. He will need to be able to sleep close to his adopter as being away from people at night is highly stressful for Merlin.
Merlin must go to a home with another, confident, dog to help guide him. They would ideally like to play chase, as this is one of Merlin’s favourite things to do. Although Merlin is very gentle and loving, he should only go to a home with calm, older children, as young noisy ones will scare him.
Due to his sheltered past, busy places with lots of passers-by can be overstimulating and cause anxiety for Merlin. He will need a home with a good outside space to run around in, that is quiet to avoid too much stress.
Potential adopters will need to be dedicated to Merlin’s ongoing training and confidence building to make him a well-rounded dog. He’s going to make an amazing companion with the right support!
Health –
Merlin joined us with a tail injury which we later found out had a very bad infection and needed significant intervention via tail amputation. Merlin is now recovering well from his amputation.
Merlin will be adopted on a neutering contract to be completed when he is of a suitable age.
Adopting –
Merlin is currently in Axbridge and potential adopters will need to visit them here or at the local secure field near Cheddar Reservoir.
Our catchment area for rehoming is Somerset and the local surrounding areas (such as Bristol, Bath, Weston Super Mare and Wiltshire).
Adv. ID:FWxSrC-gA
