Description
💙🐶 SHADOW – A Beautiful Boy Ready for His Second Chance
🏠 LOOKING FOR FOSTER-TO-ADOPT
🇬🇧 Colchester CO2
Meet SHADOW
SHADOW is a l 6-month-old German Shepherd pup (14kg) with a heart full of potential and a strong will to learn and thrive.
This little boy has faced neglect, he was kept crated and closed, without human love and care, never walked, never knew how beautiful and interesting could be doggy life. He arrived malnourished, with a scruffy coat and no understanding of the world around him.
After a rough start, he was lucky to go to a wonderful and experienced foster home, where he’s already begun to show his true potential.
His first week in foster care has revealed his true nature—a loving, playful, and determined pup ready to flourish with the right guidance.
Assessment Details from his Foster:
“Shadow wasn’t toilet trained, didn’t know any commands or boundaries or how to walk on the lead, with little experience of the great outdoors. But he has already proven to be a fast learner and very food motivated! In his first week in foster care, he has already learned toilet training and wees on a puppy pad if he can’t hold it. He had to be crate trained due to severe overexcitement and anxiety around resident pets (cats & dogs), and he is taking to the crate very quickly, sleeping through the night.
He lets us bath him without much fuss as long as he has treats. He is quickly learning that going outside is fun, but gets anxious and barks/lunges at things he is unsure about. He has not had much movement in his short life and needs gentle but frequent exercise to build up strength in his back legs.
Shadow has separation anxiety, needing someone to sleep in the same room and be nearby at all times; otherwise, he cries, barks, and howls (this separation anxiety is most likely a matter of not yet settling, as this is very early days—usually, it’s gone after a pup is settled and feels safe in a new home, typically 3–5 weeks). He is LOUD, so beware if you have grumpy neighbours! Shadow is slowly learning that he is okay when his people are out of sight, but will need patience and commitment.
Shadow is a typical playful loving dog at home, with big puppy energy. However, Shadow is reactive to strangers outside. Due to his looks and size, this can be misunderstood, so he needs an understanding and experienced kind guardian. He has potentially already become protective of his foster parents, as they are the first to show him love and attention. An experienced home who is used to large breeds is an absolute must.
Shadow has an undiagnosed skin condition where he has loss of hair around his back legs, feet, and eyes. This is hopefully just due to malnutrition but has not been properly diagnosed due to being reactive with a vet who approached him too quickly without making friends first. Shadow barked and lunged at the vet, who was unable to examine him. He is young and scared, so a safe home with structured and ONLY no-force positive reinforcement behavioural training/group socialisation classes starting as soon as possible will help.
Shadow travels well in the car (quiet and calm) but gets travel sick. The back seat is better than the boot. He really benefits from a clear routine (which he has never had until now) to make him feel secure. He needs mental enrichment & at least two good walks per day. He is not ready to be off-lead, but enjoys a run in a secure field.
Shadow will make a loyal and loving companion for his lucky forever home, we are smitten with him. He needs patience and time, but once he trusts you, he is just gorgeous. The way to his heart is through his stomach! He needs a home with lots of space, as he is going to grow into a large, strong dog. With the right home and lots of love, he is going to be the most handsome all-black German Shepherd!”
Ideal Forever Home for SHADOW
This sweet boy needs an experienced home with a guardian familiar with large breeds or German Shepherds. His ideal home includes:
🐾 Adults Only: No young children; older, dog-savvy teenagers considered.
🐾 No Cats or Small Animals: Shadow may view them as playmates or prey.
🐾 Resident Dog? Maybe!: A calm, older large dog could be a great mentor, but no hyperactive or frail pets, as Shadow is still learning polite play.
🐾 Active Lifestyle: Shadow needs physically capable pawrents who can give him structured exercise and training.
🐾 Secure Space: A home with space to grow and a secure outdoor area to play safely.
🐾 Patient Trainer: Shadow thrives with routine, guidance, and plenty of positive reinforcement to manage his reactivity and build confidence.
💙🐶 Why SHADOW is Worth It
Shadow may be a project, but the reward will be immense. He is fiercely loyal and full of love once trust is built. With continued training, patience, and the right environment, Shadow will grow into a magnificent, devoted companion.
Health Information
SHADOW is fully healthy. Not Neutered due to early age (rescue will take care of it when time will come). RBU, post-adoption support, and 4 weeks free PetPlan insurance provided upon adoption.
If you wish to adopt (foster-to-adopt), please complete Preadoption form
💌 https://forms.gle/vHdDRdjFzXngqzUC9