Raf arrives at Mullenscote Dogs from Battersea Dogs Home

This month saw us collecting a male German Shepherd from Battersea Dogs Home. Raf was bought into Battersea as a stray, so we are not quite sure what he has experienced in the first twelve months of what for sure has been a difficult start in life for him. The working dog assessment team at Battersea had decided (quite correctly) that Raf was unsuitable for re-homing at this point and would benefit from some specialist training.

Raf absolutely demonstrates what happens when our dogs don’t receive the necessary training and leadership that is so important to young puppies. First impressions are always important when meeting people or dogs, as Raf gallops towards you, throws both feet onto your shoulders before taking hold of your arm between those huge jaws you could easily be forgiven for writing this guy off as ‘a complete hooligan in need of an ASBO.’ Let’s be honest 30kgs of GSD galloping towards you in the local park would leave most of us in need of a rapid trip home to find some clean underwear!

However, Raf needs help not punishment, the clue to his needs are obvious when he takes hold of your arm. He has the power in those jaws to inflict a horrific bite, instead he chooses just to hold, gently, not with malice just an over excited teenager who is yet to learn what is expected of him when interacting with humans.

In the four days that Raf has been with us we have done everything possible to offer him security. The GSD is an extremely sensitive and intelligent dog, they thrive on knowing their place in the pack. Offer him leadership, discipline, encouragement, praise and kindness and in return for these few common courtesys he will give you a loyalty and honesty that is second to none.

Over the next few weeks Raf will be taught how to live with human beings and other animals. He has yet to learn basic dog to dog body language and communication skills, he charges at dogs with the same force that he greets humans. For some dogs this is too much, they turn tail and run - big mistake. This serves only to stimulate his chase instinct and Raf’s idea of catch me if you can could be quite dangerous for his intended victim. The opposite side to his behaviour means that should he meet another dog that is prepared to stand its ground then his over forceful “Hello I’m Raf” could be easily misinterpreted and result in serious conflict.

Because Raf is such a big powerful yet sensitive dog his education will need to be carefully planned and managed. Our first objective was to teach him to walk nicely on the lead and listen and react to the command, “No!” This we have achieved and is a huge step forward on his road to rehabilitation.

Already Raf and I have bonded, he has started to look at me for approval, he greets me with a little more controlled enthusiasm and I firmly believe that he will mature into a well balanced reliable member of our pack. In the meantime, congratulations to Battersea Dogs Home for the sterling work that they do for the likes of Raf, it is down to their commitment and professionalism that so many dogs and cats get a second chance!

Click on the link to see Annie Buckley collecting the new (GSD) RAF from Jo Skidmore and Laura Jenkins at Battersea Dogs Home.