we are now looking for a very experienced foster home, prior to permanent adoption, to continue his training in a home environment.
Located in Devon we will be prioritising homes in the South West region but will consider out of area applications for the right home.
PIPPIN
Age: 7 months (DOB 22/6/25)
Sex: Male entire
Weight: 30kg currently
Other: Black, Long coat, Straight back GSD. Vaccinated & microchipped.
Location: South Devon
Pippin is a very gorgeous but full on, boisterous pup with much potential in the right hands. He is in need of training & guidance which he did not get as a young puppy due to being in the wrong environment. He has consequently developed some unwanted behaviours which we are working on, but he now needs to continue his training & socialising in a home environment. He does respond very well to the training and input from our team, but as an adolescent he will be a challenge, and he is a big strong dog at 30kg now, who will get bigger and stronger.
If I didn’t already have a house full myself he would 100% be coming home with me permanently & I do like a challenge!
The Good:
Loves people, super friendly Loving dog that enjoys cuddles and affection. Travels very well in crate in van Housetrained Responsive to training and focused on his handler. Enjoys food and toys which can be used as a distraction. Loves to sniff which is a great way to calm and distract him out & about. Good with children but not suitable to be homed with children due to his size, jumping up & mouthing. Good with vet & groomer.The Bad
Jumping up this is extreme, and it is his default bad behaviour. He no longer does this to the team working with him who have set boundaries, but he does need regular reminders. This needs to be worked on as it is not acceptable and could potentially cause injury.Mouthing is something he will do, and he has previously, in some situations, become overaroused, and this could lead to biting. Again, not something he does to our team, but we know that he does have potential, so this needs work.He needs to be given firm boundaries; he will barge around and is impatient generally, so work on impulse control is needed. Pulls badly on the lead initially and needs to go back to basics with lead training. We have used a 2-point harness for safety and to give greater control which is effective. We will look to try headcollar options also as they can really help with some shepherds.Pippin will bark at other dogs on first seeing, some breeds more that others but given space and time does accept their presence and stop. He has been walked with several different dogs with us and it is manageable but was given distance and time but this will need work.Cats absolutely blow his mind so a definite no.He would chase & bark at livestock at this stage given the opportunity so this needs to be carefully managed.Tendency to lunge at vehicles, however he has done much work with us in busy streets and public places with traffic and has not shown this behavior but we are aware that it has been an issue on occasion.We are looking for an adult only home for Pippin with much experience of the breed and dealing with unwanted behaviours and with the skills to train. Pippin has had much change in his short life and now needs stability and consistency and will need someone at home, he would not cope with being left alone in the initial period.
He needs a home that will engage his brain and keep him mentally occupied & someone with the time and appetite to commit to this lovely dog.
He is where he is behaviour wise due to no fault of his own and now needs to find the right home to get him back on track. Note Pippin has suffered a skin infection and is on a hypoallergenic diet and veterinary medication. It is much improved and during a foster arrangement associated costs would be covered.
to get him back on track. Note Pippin has suffered a skin infection and is on a hypoallergenic diet and veterinary medication. It is much improved and during a foster arrangement associated costs would be covered.We feel Pippin would benefit from being an only dog or possibly with a mature trained, calm dog but this would need careful consideration & introduction.
You would need to be prepared to travel to meet Pippin in the South Devon area.
A home check will be required and an adoption fee payable once a permanent home is found.
Pippin is available to foster at this stage with a view to permanent adoption through South West GSD Rescue – Forever Homes Wanted.
If you are interested in Pippin please complete an adoption enquiry form on the website or feel free to email for more information as below: enquiries@southwestgsdrescue.org.uk
