Adoption information
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About Handsome Harlem
The biggest heart you’ll ever know – Harlem is the most affectionate dog I have ever had the pleasure of looking after. Harlem loves to snuggle, so close and lean into you, he wrap he’s paws around you, forgetting his size a lot of the time. All he asks for is love and in return you will receive it back tenfold.
Harlem lazes about during the day, lots of sleeping, changing positions, sleeping, having a play with his kong (toy) and some more sleeping. His foster parents work from home and he loves the company but can be left alone here and there with no issues. Harlem is a great inside dog, mostly sleeping on his bed when left alone or when you're on the couch. He loves a bone or vegemite stuffed frozen kong toy to keep himself busy whilst you're away.
Harlem currently lives with a very relaxed, calm older Ridgey x Staffy foster sister who he's grown very comfortable with, and could suit a similar dynamic in time and with a slow introductions, but would also benefit from an all human home whilst he is training in social skills.
Harlem had been one of the K9 socialisation rock stars when he was at the shelter - he met every new dog in controlled off-lead play sessions and was also used in assessments with the more trickier dogs.
We have found that in new environments he needs help from his people to overcome some anxieties and nervousness. We can help you learn how to help Harlem become comfortable with on lead walks in his new area as this can be challenging for him, but of course he has come so very far since day 1!
With new dogs, he will benefit from calm structured introductions, and best canine mates for him in a home would be well socialised, relaxed female dogs who are fine with a bigger brother.
An ideal match for this guy is a human family who have some experience with dogs and who are willing to work with our trainers to create the best relationship possible with Harlem and teach him that new experiences need not be scary!
He would like someone to help him build his confidence & feel safe in our scary loud & weird world which he hasn't quite yet gotten comfortable with. Coming from a home where he wasn't socialised, trained or walked - to learning it all now as an adult dog has been a triumph for Harlem to see where he is now.
He would prefer to avoid meeting other dogs on walks and in parks at the moment whilst he is still learning his social skills & outside manners. However with ongoing regular training, social classes or dog school weekly, it will surely help him feel safe & confident, and you will learn a thing or two about dogs too!
On occasion, Harlem does let out the occasional “someones here! or What's that noise” bark when the door bell goes off, or some noises happen outside, but that settles quickly once told or brought back inside the home - and once he meets and greets your welcomed guest with lots of love and affection (he only gets pats once he settles though of course ;P ).
His foster carers would like his new forever parents to have experience with strong & big doggies like Harlem.
Now to SING his praises some more! This handsome boy is super intelligent, his house manners are wonderful, he is toilet trained, knows all basic obedience & more (see video). Sit, drop, shake, high 5!, wait, stop, yes (good boy), no, stay, leave it (with treats he waits till you say OKAY) and he would love to learn even more with you! Harlem’s recall outside of the home isn't up to scratch yet, but in a calm environment this is something he's working on.
If you’d like to know more about Harlem and come and give him a cuddle (which he will love!) please get in touch.
NO CATS
Harlem is gentle with kids.
Preferably not left home alone a lot as he just loves company.
Located in Yarraville 3013.
Medical notes
Happy healthy handsome man, vaccinated, chipped, desexed and in great health.
Adoption details
Please click on the button 'Find out more about this Pet' to receive an Expression of Interest Form. One of our friendly Volunteer Adoption Coordinators will explain our process to you and walk you through each step. (Please note that completing the Expression of Interest form does not place you under any obligation to adopt.)
This pet has been adopted and found love with its new family.
The rescue group has removed this pet and it is no longer available for adoption.
The rescue group is no longer taking adoption applications for this pet.