Lively Ollie

Who is Ollie?

Ollie is a fun and energetic male Staffordshire Bull Terrier.  We believe him to be approximately one year old.  He has short hair with black and white markings.

Why did Ollie come in to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home?

Ollie arrived into the Home in December 2007 as a stray.  He has not yet been neutered but he will be neutered and microchipped before he goes to his new home.

What is Ollie like?

Ollie is a real effervescent character.  He has an affectionate and sensitive side but most of the time he's a cheeky little chap with a real sense of humour!  He is always looking for something to keep him occupied so an active, hands-on owner is precisely what he needs.  Given the level of physical and mental stimulation that Ollie likes to have he is not suited to a kennel environment and would really benefit from finding the right owner as soon as possible.

Why has Ollie spent time with the staff of the Behaviour Unit?

Ollie is young and is really unsure of the appropriate ways to play with other dogs.  He is very physical when he meets dogs and can seem intimidating. This is all with the best of intentions but he is slow to learn that not all dogs go at 90 miles an hour!  Due to a minimal socialisation he has had with other dogs he is also slow to pick up on their subtle body language and this could get him in trouble.  Owners will really need to take his socialisation on board and put in training in this area. He could benefit from living with a mature, playful female who wil also be able to show him some positive doggy manners. The staff of the Behaviour Unit will advise on how best to do this with methods that have been seen to be successful in the Home.

A secondary issue is that Ollie can become very wriggly and impatient with restraint or formal handling. Owners will again look to work on this using calm handling sessions using positive rewarding associations.  The Behaviour Unit will again advise on this.

What kind of home would best suit Ollie?

Ollie is best suited to a semi-rural or rural area where he can have long exercise and training sessions in an environment that is not too distracting with cars, dogs or people.  He could live in a house or an apartment but there must be a private, enclosed garden for house-training and focus work.  Furthermore, he will need an "Ollie chillout area" in the home, like a utility room or an area cut off with baby gates, where he will be happy to go when being left.

What kind of owners is Ollie looking for?

Acitve owners that also have the time and patience to put into Ollie's training would be ideal.  They should have owned dogs previously and be confident at interpreting dog-to-dog interactions.  Ollie cannot live with children but older teens will be considered if they are sensible and happy to partake in his training.  Finally owners should have a sense of humour and be creative in coming up with new and novel ideas to keep this little guy occupied!

I think I fit that criteria.  What should I do next?

Contact a member of the Behaviour team on 02076277884, or email [email protected] and quote the reference 2007/06526.
Ollie will need some further training in his new home. To receive advice and guidance regarding this training from the Behaviour Unit staff that have worked with him, potential owners should be prepared to come into the Dogs Home for a minimum of two visits.

 


 

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