Atlas is adopted. Atlas is a 19 month old entire male who came to us a very worried and under-socialised boy, totally lacking in confidence. The difference we have seen in this lovely boy over the last week has been phenomenal – he’s a completely different dog and we know that in the right home he will flourish.

Previously he was living with both of his parents and he and his dad were beginning to clash, so unfortunately Atlas was crated for long periods and wasn’t getting the exercise that he needed. That has all changed since he came to us and he is a different dog.

Atlas is a super affectionate boy who loves a cuddle and leaning on you. He will need a home where he can learn most of the basics (he still likes to jump up to say hi) and continue to build his confidence. He struggles in very busy places as he hasn’t seen much of the world, but with love and patience he will be a fabulous addition to someone’s family.

He could live with older children who won’t be phased by his jumping, no cats, but he could live with an older, calm female who can show him the ropes.

Atlas Assessment

Kennel behaviour

Atlas was very excited in his kennel and was pleased to see us. He jumped up me as he approached me but did stop and take a treat. He paid no attention to dogs in other kennels and waited to have his lead on. He did bark at the farm collie as he passed the gate on his way to the exercise area.

Handling

Atlas is generally happy to be handled and I was able to touch him all over. When the DRUE kennel manager left the exercise area, he became stressed and stopped responding to me. When I touched him, he gave a low growl and a whale eye. I left him a moment and tried again and he paid no attention to me touching him after that.
He pulls on the lead and appears to have no experience of being walked. He is hyper vigilant and looks at everything around him.
Once in the paddock, he did respond to treats and would come to me when called. He complies with cues and will Sit, Down and Wait.

Sociability

Atlas is fine with strangers and will interact and enjoy a fuss. However, when stressed, he can become wary and did warn me off. This was very brief however and he was mostly happy during the assessment.
He is very good with other dogs and just wants to play. We did have him off lead with another female in the paddock and he was play bowing her and running around. She did tell him off when he got too over boisterous and he responded well to her cues and left her alone after that.

Arousal/Reactivity

Please give details of reactivity on a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 = low & 5 = high)
Reactivity – 2

Atlas did bark at a dog when on lead but was very good off lead. He did not react to any other animals in the environment.
He did bark at people and runners passing by on the road next to the exercise area. When barking, he would not respond to any cues or come back to us.

Possession

Atlas loves playing with a ball and will fetch. He also enjoys a game of tug. He shows good impulse control with toys and will wait when asked. He will exchange a toy for treat. There was no snatching or guarding behaviour.

Comments

Atlas is a dog with lots of potential but does need some work. He is good with people but can be wary with strangers when he is stressed. He soon
recovers and is then happy and playful. He will need some time to adjust to a new family and a new environment. I would recommend a home
with older children only.

He has received some training but needs work on his lead walking and his recall. He is a young dog and is food and toy motivated so should respond
well to good, positive training. He appears confident but has clearly lacked socialisation and will improve with gradual exposure to new things.
He is very good with other dogs and could live with another female.
Atlas is very much a blank page but has the potential to be a lovely, fun, young dog.