Meet Sergeant - A Loyal Companion Looking for His Safe Haven
Sergeant is a stunning large breed dog with a heart as big as his paws. While his handsome looks are sure to turn heads, Sergeant is more than just a pretty face-he's a complex soul with a history that requires a thoughtful, experienced adopter ready to meet him where he's at.
Sergeant has been working closely with our team on his behavioural needs, and while he has made great strides, he will require a specific type of home to continue thriving. He can be fear reactive to strangers and other dogs, and has shown some resource guarding over the people he's bonded with. Because of this, Sergeant is looking for a calm, low-traffic home with no children or other animals, where he can decompress and feel safe.
He's not a dog for a busy household or one that frequently entertains guests-especially during his transition period. He needs a patient and committed guardian who will advocate for his space, help him feel secure, and not allow others to overwhelm or pressure him. While he can be more nervous around men or people who approach too quickly, he blossoms with calm, respectful handling.
Due to past trauma, including severe burns on all four of his paws, Sergeant is still a bit sensitive to certain sounds and touch-especially around his feet. Thankfully, he's healing beautifully and continues to make steady progress.
Despite his past, Sergeant has so much love to give. He adores fetch, chest scratches, and snuggling with his favourite people. Once you're in his circle of trust, he's an affectionate, goofy boy who wants nothing more than to be by your side.
***We will not be accepting walk-in inquiries for Sergeant. All interested adopters will be required to submit an application, speak with our canine specialists and, if selected, commit to several meet-and-greets to ensure a positive and safe introduction process.***
***We know Sergeant's adoption requirements might not be for everyone-and that's okay. Our job is to advocate for his needs and ensure that his next home is his forever one. If you believe in meeting dogs where they are and have the heart and home to support a loyal companion with a sensitive soul, Sergeant just might be your perfect match.***
IN-SHELTER NOTES & IDEAL HOME
SIZE:
68 lbs.
HOME TYPE:
House or Townhouse. Sarge can be vocal and nervous. He would do best in a home without shared walls or entryways.
CHILDREN:
No- Sarge would do best in an adult only home as he is nervous can be jumpy and mouthy.
CATS & SMALL ANIMALS:
No- Sarge would do best as the only animal in the home.
OTHER DOGS:
No- Sarge would do best as the only animal in the home.
ACTIVITY/ENERGY LEVEL:
High; will need a lot of daily exercise, enrichment and mental stimulation.
HUMAN COMPATIBILTY:
Fearful dog experience required. His new family ideally should have previous large dog experience and be willing to work on difficult behaviours such as separation anxiety, fear based behaviours, resource guarding and reactivity.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/NEEDS:
At least three in-person training sessions to work on socialization, basic training, manners, resource guarding separation anxiety and reactivity.
HUMAN SOCIAL IN SHELTER:
Very human social. Sarge loves tummy and chest rubs and will always seek out people he is comfortable with for attention.
FAVOURITE THINGS:
Loves playing with toys! He is especially fond of tennis ball and splashing in the pool.
**For more information on any behaviours stated above, please check out our behaviour fact sheet: https://kwsphumane.ca/BehavioursandDefinitions
**Please remember that animals are coming back from foster care to the centres for their meet and greets. They will be experiencing a new environment and meeting new people, which means they may not exhibit the same behaviours they did in their foster videos or while in foster care.
If you are viewing this through 24PetConnect by PetPlace or Adopt-A-Pet, please visit our website https://kwsphumane.ca/adopt/process to submit an application. Any applications submitted outside of www.kwsphumane.ca may not be received.
