Adoption profile help please

[thelastwingedthing]

I need some help wording my foster dog's adoption profile. I'm finding him quite challenging and it's hard for me to put his traits into positive language.

• small and anxious dog
• one-person dog (currently me)
• doesn't like men, including the one that lives with me
• frightened of strangers
• does nervous wees
• sleeps in my bed and on top of me (probably not a problem for other people who don't have my sensory issues)
• obsessed with food, will massively overeat and will guard
• sticks to me like glue
• won't cope with unpredictable small children, though he's okay with my older (female) ones

He's lying beside me on the couch growling because he just heard my son in the bathroom.

He is house trained, and he's an angel with me.

How do I write a profile that will encourage people to meet him? And when someone does meet him, how do I get him to show his best side, given that he will growl, snarl and snap at strangers?

It's perfectly OK for him not be suitable for a home with young DC - in the same way that if I'm shopping for a Ford Mondeo, I don't think any the less of a Fiesta - it's just not what I'm after.

What you're describing is simply a dog with very specific needs - I'd go about calmly describing them and making it very clear that he isn't suitable for a home that needs an easy family pet. What he does need by the sound of it, is an adult home with an experienced owner/s, including at least one female who are willing to work with him. This sort of dog is immensely rewarding - we've had a few like this in the past and there's nothing more magical than building a relationship with them.

I'd focus on things like - does he enjoy playing? Squeaky toys, balls?

Have you done any training with him? Recall?

How is he with other dogs when he is on walks?

Any experience with cats?

Do you have some good pics of him? These will help "sell" his profile.

Share regular positive little updates of him snoozing on the sofa, playing in the garden, getting the hang of housetraining etc. Most rescues have a FB page and these sorts of updates on foster dogs are immensely helpful (especially with pics) in building interest in a dog.

The rescue should make it clear to potential adopters that he isn't available to casual "drive by" enquiries - insist that homechecks are done first before they consider a meeting and ensure they are thoroughly briefed. Your foster co-ordinator will be able to advise on how adopters can be screened first.

Other questions that adopters often need to ask -

Diet - any special requirements?

Any health issues? Is he neutered yet? Vax all up to date?

Grooming - is his coat easy to care for? Any professional grooming required?

History/age - can you put together (if known) a brief summary of his background?

He may not be homed as quickly as an easier dog but there are suitable homes out there for him.

Good luck.

Thanks Scuttlebutter. The right home is definitely out there for him. I've only had him for two days and he's claimed me as his own, so he is capable of quickly bonding with someone. He does have a lot of positives. I think I'm just struggling because he's so clingy, and my son, who would normally help, can't get near him.

I've uploaded some pics but I'm working on nicer ones. It's hard when it's a bouncy little dog who won't stay still!

The rescue is good with screening applicants, and they take the foster carer's impressions into account as well. I'm still dreading introducing him to new people when they come to see him. Hopefully someone looking at adopting an anxious dog will understand why he's growling at them and won't go near them and not judge him for that.

I've found some websites with advice on writing profiles so I've been painstakingly putting something together that hopefully makes his needs clear without frightening people off. It's so hard.

I found a dead rat in the yard yesterday after he'd been out there for a while. I guess those terrier instincts are still in play!

I have a friend who adopted a dog just like the one you are describing. She really enjoys his strong attachment to her, and she feels that by having adopted him, she is helping to heal the clear trauma that he has had which causes the behaviour you are describing.
I am sure there is someone or many someone's out there who would find him appealing, but do get good photos.

It sounds like he would be an ideal dog for an older lady who lives on her own and wants companionship and a dog who is on alert for strangers. So I'd couch his profile in those terms - Fidos ideal home would be with someone who lives on their own as he likes to strongly bond with one person. He finds the world a bit of a scary place at the moment, and would prefer someone to be around all of the time. In return, Fido will be your close companion, loving nothing more than to cuddle up on the sofa and in your bed