Kolo is a handsome 6 year old boy looking for an experienced, new home.
His family are unfortunately wanting to rehome him due to his tendency to nip/bite, which has got worse in the last few months. With two young children in the house his owners feel this is now too risky.
His owners’ views are that the nips/bites have been ‘warning’ bites - only one has broken the skin. There have been triggers for the reactions leading to bites such as the owner trying to stop him going upstairs, or trying to get a plastic wrapper or food from him. Another time was when grabbing his collar to take him for a walk (he has become anxious about local walks). There have also been a few occasions where his owners think he was protecting his house and family.
A while ago, when mum was walking him, on lead, another dog approached and got in his space. Kolo ended up nipping the other dog’s ear so she tried to stop him and then got bitten in the crossfire.
Kolo was taken to puppy classes as a youngster. His owners then engaged a trainer a few years ago and he had residential training, but they aren’t sure his methods were appropriate. Kolo is keen to learn and understands lots of commands (that can be shared). He would suit an active home where he’s given a ‘job’ to do, or where he does something like canicross or bikejoring.
Kolo walks on a figure of 8 lead. He is trained to recall to the whistle. His recall is pretty good, though better once he’s used up some energy.
He was bitten by a large dog from a house a few doors away a year or so ago and this may have contributed to his anxiety about local walks. Kolo is great with the young children. They cuddle him and he takes himself away if he’s had enough.
He gets on best with similar breed dogs. He can be unpredictable with large dogs. He sometimes reacts to seeing a cat, but not always. He’s ok on a lead around livestock.
Kolo sleeps in a crate and can be left for a for a few hours on his own (though not for as long as he used to manage). He’s fine being handled to dry his paws and shower.
Kolo likes : Long countryside / forest / beach walks (not the sea); antlers / peanut butter Kongs; his bed time biscuit; sun bathing; attention / stroking (but probably not too much); watching the world go by; travelling in the car; treats (especially dairy products -milk / cheese / yoghurt); blankets (including humping them after his meal); toys / balls in the house / garden (though he will destroy them); beds / his 'home' (crate); rolling in horse / cow / fox poo.
Koko Dislikes: local walks; Fireworks / bangs / noisy cars; bigger dogs (especially Belgian Malinois' / German Shepherds and especially when on lead); people he does not know coming to the house (though this can be managed by visitors following instructions).
Kolo will steal items that are lying around the house (so only has access to certain rooms). He also counter surfs. He will whine and bark sometimes .
Kolo is an active and healthy boy. He has well managed epilepsy (he takes 2 x Pexion tablets per day). However his owner is planning to take him to the vets to check he has no signs of pain, since his behaviours have got a little worse in the past few months. He may also need his ears checked. He is fed on a balanced raw diet.
Kolo is currently in the Newcastle area. If you feel you have the time and experience to help this handsome boy feel a bit less anxious in life, please email us on gsprescueuk@gmail.com.
We can support with epilepsy medication and initial behaviourist or trainer support. He will be rehomed under our GSP Rescue UK terms and conditions, and with five weeks free Agria insurance.
