ANGUS​

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In foster near Chester.

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● Neutered

● Microchipped

● Bite/nip history

● Unable to live with children due to this

● May live with dogs with careful introductions

● No known history with cats

● Not keen on livestock, including horses

● No separation anxiety

● Not a car chaser but air snaps at big vehicles

● History of resource guarding, none recently

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Angus is a 4 year old red and tan Australian Kelpie from working parents. He is an affectionate, high energy, highly intelligent, headstrong yet sensitive soul, who needs a confident and experienced owner who is patient, gentle and consistent in order to get the best out of him. He needs a Frank Finger to his Lucifer (#musterdogs) as he has the potential to be your dream dog and best friend, but in the wrong hands could be an absolute menace. This must absolutely be his last home, as he has moved far too many times in his 3 short years.

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Angus has sadly returned to us after 18 months following a change in adopter's circumstances, which caused him distress and resulted in some unwanted behaviour including fearful nips (an untreated injury will have contributed to this). He has returned to his previous fosterers and thankfully has quickly recovered from recent events, albeit with a few lasting hangups around being handled.

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He has been seen by a physio for a rear-end injury, and although he is still taking metacam, occasionally adopts a pacing gait and is still building his muscle back up, he is running comfortably around the countryside. He previously enjoyed canicross and regularly ran alongside a mountain bike, but we would advise caution in building up mileage, so as not to cause him injury again. He has also shown great promise with mantrailing and has an excellent nose. He is extremely intelligent and could probably excel at any activity or that uses his brain.

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Angus is super affectionate, which although an absolute joy for those wishing to be snogged by a 20kg dog, may be a little much for visitors who are not as comfortable with canine displays of affection. He can be a bit much for visitors but equally loathes being shut out for fear of missing out and barks loudly and persistently with frustration. So further work will be needed to encourage a calm neutral response to visitors.

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Out and about, he is very good off the lead in safe areas and his recall is going from strength to strength. At present, he can't tolerate a harness but doesn't pull too badly on the lead. He is usually good off lead with other dogs, greeting them in a measured way and taking their cue as to whether they wish to play or just have a cursory sniff and be on their way. He can become a little barky and herdy with over excited dogs, and can be a little influenced by how his foster brother reacts. On lead, he can sometimes come across as a little intimidating as his bark is "all teefs", but it seems to be as a result of being a frustrated greeter. Unfortunately, in his expectation that all humans must adore him, he will jump up to greet anyone that gives him the slightest encouragement, a smile, hello or even quick glance in his direction, and can become quite persistent if they try to push him away or ignore him. So again, this needs patient training.

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He travels well in a car, sleeps downstairs and can be left for moderate length periods. He has a past history of resource guarding high value items, but this hasn't been seen at all in the last 9 weeks since he has been back in foster. He was a rather intense teenager but has mellowed considerably with age, and has adapted to a new routine very well, as well as living with another dog.

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Angus has never been keen on being handled for the purposes of animal husbandry, despite loving being stroked on his terms. Sadly, he has returned to foster less comfortable with handling, which we feel is probably a combination of avoidance and a chronic pain response. He no longer tolerates a harness and changeover of collar must be done swiftly and confidently. He is slowly building up his tolerance again for being towel dried with lots of tasty treats. Although he was successfully neutered and vaccinated first time in foster care, he has been too scared to have his boosters this time. His foster folk are working on muzzle training so this can be accomplished and he is about 3 months overdue at present (as of Oct 2024). Angus does have a bite/nip history and will use his teeth if he feels pressurised and that you aren't listening to him, but there are subtle signs present before this that should be heeded. He needs to build trust with you and feel that you respect his boundaries, whilst you slowly and gently push at his comfort zones to improve his tolerance. This will be a long term project and any potential adopter will have to accept that he can't be fully examined, bathed or have his nails clipped until his trust has been gained and work put into make him comfortable with each step.

If you are willing to put the effort in and work with Angus on his terms, you may just find your canine soul mate.

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​For more information and to see what Angus has been getting up to please take a look at his Facebook page  

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