Dougie

Dougie is an incredibly Flat Coated Retriever x boy who might as well have been named Goofy, given his quirky and endearing personality. He is a character who will keep you thoroughly entertained with his amusing antics and playful nature. Dougie is a bundle of love and affection, always eager to shower his humans with attention, sometimes forgetting about the concept of personal space in his enthusiasm, which often leads to some amusing moments.

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YOU MUST COMPLETE THE ADOPTION APPLICATION
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When it comes to his favorite activities, Dougie has quite a list. He loves playing ball, a game that never fails to bring out his energetic side. Chewing on his cow hoof and playing tug-of-war is a thrilling activity for him, and he takes great delight in de-fluffing soft toys, a task he approaches with determination. Chasing sticks down at the creek, splashing around, and having the time of his life.
In terms of his interactions with humans, Dougie is an affectionate fellow who would happily spend the entire day hanging out with you if given the chance. He is still learning about personal space and often tries to sit in your lap, believing he is a lap dog. He has a charming habit of booping you with his nose to request more pats and attention. While he does tend to jump in excitement, he is learning that sitting patiently earns him the much-desired parts he craves. Dougie would do well in a household with children who are of primary school age and older, provided they can handle his exuberant behavior.
When it comes to interacting with other animals, Dougie currently lives with three other dogs. However, it is believed that he would thrive best as an only dog or perhaps with a very tolerant older female dog. Like a typical teenager, he can be quite pushy and annoying at times, which occasionally leads to him being put in his place by the other dogs. Despite this, he enjoys playing and doing his zoomies with them, although his excitement can sometimes get the better of him. He does love to run with other dogs, playing a bit of chase.

Inside the home, Dougie is still learning his manners. He has a tendency to want to be right next to you on the couch, so he is being taught to settle on his mat instead. Otherwise, he has been well-behaved, but as a young dog, he is not left inside unsupervised.
Outside the home, Dougie is learning to spend time on his own. Initially, he was quite stressed in a new environment, so he will need a family that can maintain a consistent routine and help him settle into his new home. Over time, he has adjusted well and is less anxious. While he is not overly barky, he may whine a bit if left alone for too long, but he eventually settles down and goes about his day. After a few weeks in care, he is now used to his routine and settles well.
Dougie’s exercise and enrichment needs are important to him. He loves his daily walks, where he can sniff and follow his nose to his heart’s content. He is making progress with loose lead walking and is learning not to pull. At the park, he enjoys time on a long lead and is working on his recall skills. Dougie is eager to learn, so a family willing to invest time in training and mental stimulation would be ideal for him. He is currently learning commands such as sit, off, up, drop, mat, and wait. He is learning to wait at the door before walking, wait for food, and wait before his ball is thrown.
In terms of grooming and hygiene, Dougie enjoys being brushed and will require regular grooming to keep his medium-length coat in good condition. He is toilet trained, with only a couple of inside accidents when he first arrived, which is not uncommon for dogs new to a home. He goes outside in the morning and evening and has access to a doggy door. He enjoys water and often likes to get his head wet when people shower, lol.
Dougie is crate trained, and it is highly recommended that this routine continues, as he knows the crate is his place to rest and switch off. He sleeps well through the night in the crate, although he has a quirky habit of slowly pulling the cover into the crate if it is covered.

When it comes to car travel, Dougie enjoys car rides and travels well, jumping in and out without any issues.
Regarding food, Dougie was initially not very interested, but he is now transitioning well to a high-quality kibble. He enjoys chewing on cow hooves or a Kong and takes food very gently from your hand. Dougie is fed separately from other dogs as he does like his food to himself.
Initially, he took some time to settle into the home and was quite stressed, but with crate training and boundaries, he has made significant progress. He may display some unsettled behavior when moving again, so short-term medication ( under our advice)will be provided to assist with his transition.
The ideal home for Dougie would be one that is prepared to continue his training and provide mental stimulation. A family willing to help him transition to his new home, establish a routine, and maintain consistent boundaries would be perfect for him. An active family that is home more often than not, especially during his initial settling-in period, would be ideal. A home with secure fencing and a medium-sized yard is necessary, as he is not suited to apartments or small units. Dougie would do best as an only dog if his family is home often or with a tolerant, playful female dog. Dougie needs a quiet home, especially when transitioning to his new home. A few quiet days are extremely important at the start.

LINK TO THE ADOPTION APPLICATION FORM
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