Barney is a loving, deeply affectionate boy with the most incredible scruffy muffin face! He absolutely adores the people he knows and trusts, and once he feels comfortable, his lovely personality really begins to shine through. He is a clever, attentive boy who is eager to learn and has shown us just how much he can relax when he feels safe and there is no pressure placed directly on him.
Barney can find unfamiliar people difficult, particularly when they approach him directly or enter his space. If he meets a stranger on a walk, he can become anxious and unsure, but he is noticeably happier and more relaxed if that person has another dog with them. Barney loves other dogs and seems to take great confidence from their presence. Rather than feeling the pressure of an unfamiliar person, he is much more comfortable engaging when there is a friendly dog alongside them.
We have seen a really lovely side of Barney at the rescue. In outdoor social settings, surrounded by multiple people and other dogs, he has done brilliantly. When he is able to explore at his own pace, without anyone putting pressure on him to interact, he is happy, relaxed and playful. He enjoys being around the other dogs and will happily explore and engage with them, showing us that his worries are much more manageable when he has the right environment and support around him.
We feel Barney would really benefit from living with a confident, friendly dog who can help him feel secure and show him that the world isn’t such a worrying place. A canine companion could be a huge source of reassurance for him and we think he would thrive with the right dog by his side.
Barney has lived with a cat in the past and may potentially be able to live with a cat if carefully introduced, particularly an established, confident cat, but this would need to be assessed on an individual basis. He has responded well to passing livestock animals but will chase birds.
Barney can be protective of his family and his behaviour around unfamiliar people needs to be carefully managed, so his new family will need to be experienced, sensible and understanding of his needs. He needs people who will allow him to build relationships at his own pace, rather than expecting him to immediately accept or interact with strangers. Visitors will need to understand that ignoring Barney and allowing him to approach in his own time is essential. He should never be forced into interactions or approached directly when he is uncomfortable.
Barney is a very clever boy who is incredibly attentive to his people. When he is relaxed, he is wonderfully trainable and enjoys learning and engaging with you. He enjoys positive training and enrichment and loves playing tug. He can be left alone for several hours, is fully house trained and is non-destructive in the home. He benefits from mental enrichment, sniffing, chewing and licking activities, as well as fun positive-reinforcement training.
For the right person, Barney has the potential to become a wonderful companion. He needs someone willing to walk alongside him, build his trust and show him that the world can be a safe place.
Adoption fee: £250
