Juniper is a bright, affectionate and intelligent young dog who is very much in his adolescent phase. He is full of potential, loves to play, enjoys enrichment and toys, and settles exceptionally well in his crate, using it as a safe space to relax and sleep. Like many adolescent dogs, he is still learning appropriate behaviours and will benefit from consistent boundaries, routine and ongoing training.
During a short foster placement, Juniper settled quickly and formed a strong bond with the female carer. During this time, it became apparent that he was much more comfortable around her than the man in the home and displayed some potential guarding behaviours towards his preferred person. This highlighted that when Juniper feels uncertain, he can become overly attached to one individual and make poor decisions. As a result, he is looking for an experienced owner who can provide clear boundaries, build his confidence and continue working on these behaviours through positive, consistent training.
Juniper has also nipped on a number of occasions when he has felt unsure during handling, particularly when having his harness put on or his lead removed. These incidents appear to be linked to uncertainty rather than deliberate aggression, but they reinforce the need for a confident owner who understands canine body language, is prepared to work at Juniper’s pace, and can build his confidence through calm, positive handling.
For this reason, Juniper is looking for a confident, experienced owner who understands adolescent dogs and can provide calm, consistent handling without using force or intimidation. He will need clear boundaries, positive reinforcement training and someone who is able to recognise when he is becoming uncomfortable and give him the space and guidance he needs to succeed. He is looking for an adult-only home with no children.
Juniper mixes well with other dogs and thoroughly enjoys playing with them. He can, however, be quite a confident and occasionally dominant youngster, so any resident dog would need to be tolerant of his playful nature and able to communicate appropriate boundaries. As with many young dogs, he may chew if left to his own devices, so appropriate enrichment, supervision and management will be important.
Juniper will need a home where someone is around for most, if not all, of the day while he settles and continues his training. With the right owner, he is a loving, clever and rewarding dog who has all the foundations to become a fantastic companion.
Adoption fee: £500
