Sex: Male
Size: Large
Age: 3 years old
Breed: German Shepherd Dog
Have I been neutered? No – will be homed with contract to neuter if not neutered before adoption
Energy needs? Medium-High
Can I live with children? I would prefer a home without young children
Can I live with dogs? Yes with other medium-large sized dogs
Can I live with cats? Not tested
Where will he travel from? He is currently in foster in Oxfordshire
Willow is an extremely handsome, intelligent and loving 3 year-old long-haired German Shepherd Dog. He is a fan favourite at the kennels and wins over everybody he meets with his sweet nature. He is very much a family dog – he wants to be with people and have affection.
Willow is calm and gentle when meeting new people and he is quick to bond with you. In the home, he loves to be around people, usually laying at your feet whilst you work/watch television/read. He can feel stressed being left alone at times but he tends to settle well at night if he has a comfortable safe space. He has the potential to be a fantastic companion for his adopting family.
He has had some basic training in his previous home and knows simple commands such as “sit”, “lie down” and “turn around” and has the potential to be a very well-trained dog in a home that will put in the work to expand on his repertoire. He is very motivated by high value training treats which come in handy when teaching him new cues!
He is very polite in the home. He is fully house-trained and is able to indicate when he needs to be let outside to the toilet and he also has excellent manners around food and when taking treats.
In his previous home, Willow lived with another small male dog. We think he would do well either as the only dog in his new home or paired with another calm, confident dog. During his time in kennels, Willow has been exercised outside of the kennels regularly and has even visited busy environments, managing to stay very calm around many other people and dogs. He walks very well on the lead.
Ideal adopter and home
As a large, intelligent GSD, Willow needs a confident adopter with large breed experience who has the time and drive to work on his training. He will be happiest in a home with a good-sized garden and with an adopter who is home most of the time or takes him out and about with him. He’s not a dog that should be left alone for hours on end – he is too clever and active for that.
As a long-haired GSD, Willow needs regular grooming to keep his coat in good condition and to keep him comfortable. In the summer, care must be taken to keep him cool. His adopter should be aware of this.
Although Willow has lived with young children in his previous home, we are looking for an adult-only home for him because we believe he will be happiest in a home that has the time to dedicate to his training and fulfilment with dog sports/activities. We would consider a home with teenage children depending on the home’s suitability and experience.