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ANXIOUS DOG - PLEASE ONLY READ IF YOU ARE WILLING TO WORK THROUGH JAKE'S ANXIETY AND CAN OFFER HIM THE MOST AMAZING HOME.
It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I am looking for a new home for my Dalmatian, Jake. I rehomed Jake from his breeder at 4 months old and have had him for the past 1 year 8 months. When we picked up Jake he was incredibly nervous and did not want to interact with people at all, since then, he has become more confident in himself and although still not 100% certain on people until he gets to know them, he now does approach people on walks.
Jake is the most affectionate dog once he has your trust, and loves nothing more than to be cuddled up on the sofa or in bed with you. We rehomed Jake as a companion to our Labrador, and had hoped that the confidence our lab has, would radiate through into Jake, but it seems to be having a reverse affect and now our Lab is becoming more anxious in certain situations since having Jake, that wouldn't have bothered him before.
One thing in particular that I would like a potential new owner to know, is that Jake whines almost constantly, until he is taken out. We have tried to work through this with him, and he has gotten better since being with us, but he continuously whines until he is taken out on a walk. I work from home 4 days a week and the whining does not stop until I finish work, which then I take him out straight away. I can provide lots of videos/pictures and more information regarding this if you would like to enquire.
I have tried numerous things to try to keep Jake occupied during the day including giving him his breakfast/lunch in a kong that he needs to knock over and there is a small hole on the side, as well as snuffle mats, puzzle games and treasure hunts around the house. Unfortunately Jake just wants to be outside, and if I leave the door open for him to venture out into the garden, he just waits at the garden gate whining.
Jake is not deaf and passed his BAER test (This was completed when he was with his breeders). He is also KC registered, in-tact, and is up to date with all worming/flea treatment and has had his vaccinations.
Jake is incredibly smart, and picks up training very well. Whilst he has been with me, we have been working on getting him walking well on the lead, he can be let off and does have recall however this is not 100% as he can get distracted and follow scents, but he has never ran off.
Jake is great with cats as well as dogs, but does like to play with my cats (my cats give him a good run for his money!) therefore this would need to be monitored if he did go to someone that did have a cat.
Jake absolutely loves to run, therefore a home that can suit his exercise needs is a must, as dalmatians are very high energy and especially with his whining issue. He would be the best hiking/running companion, and he absolutely loves getting zoomies in long grass.
I would honestly say that Jake would suit a country style lifestyle, somewhere that has lands for him to stretch his legs whenever he wants.
If you would like to know anything further, or have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am in no rush to rehome Jake, and I will only consider rehoming him to a home that I believe can meet all of his needs. Price is to reflect potential owners that are genuine and are interested in offering this lovely boy a fantastic home.