Skittle

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	ref: 2006/21138 size: Medium age: 12 months old sex: Female		centre: Battersea breed: German Shepherd Dog cross arrived on: Nov 2006

Skittle is a 12-month-old Mongrel that came into Battersea Dogs & Cats Home as a stray back in November 2006. She is not yet neutered. Skittle was referred to the Behaviour Unit in order to investigate her over the top, exuberant character. Skittle is quick to pick up training and is very intelligent, so training must be continued in her new home. New owners will need to follow an ongoing training program and be prepared to listen to and take advice from the Behaviour Unit. Skittle is looking for:

• Skittle will need owners that have had experience of larger, working breeds such as German Shepherds/Border Collies and that understand their specific traits


• Owners will need to keep Skittle's mind and body occupied, as she is a workaholic. If what you want is a docile, placid pet then Skittle would not be a suitable match


• Skittle is a strong girl who has a habit of jumping up and mugging people, so new owners will need to be able to handle her


• Due to Skittle's behavioural issues she will not be suitable to live with kids. Older experienced teens, however, would be considered if they were to be hands-on and consistent with the training that Skittles would require


• Unfortunately, no visiting kids as Skittle will need a stable environment with a consistent routine in order to benefit from the training


• Skittle will need a large house that has a garden; this is necessary as an area with few distractions in which to start all her basic training, an area for mental stimulation and an area for burn-offs


• Skittle will need to live in a semi-rural to rural environment due to her potential to develop a high chase drive especially with joggers


• Skittle loves to play with other dogs and would benefit from having some doggie friends that she can socialize with. New owners must be able to gain her focus around other dogs, so they can call her away when necessary


• Skittle could live with another dog, preferably a male with no behaviour issues, who will be confident and provide her with guidance. But new owners must be prepared to work one-to-one with Skittle away from the other dog


• Skittle has been cat tested and she was very interested and tried to play bow at the cat. Would be able to live with a cat that could cope with a young juvenile dog and stand their own ground. Skittle is an active girl, who will easily become frustrated and bored if she is not given enough to do. Although initially she will be hard work, the reward you get will be worth it.

Skittle is at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home London. Please call the Behaviour Unit on 020 7627 7884 if you are interested in Skittle or email us on [email protected] and quote ref 2006/21138. Skittle will need some further training in her new home. To receive advice and guidance regarding her training from the Behaviour Unit staff that has worked with her, potential owners should be prepared to come into the Dogs Home for a minimum of two visits.