Irving

Meet Irving (Iceland)

Iceland is a neutered 3 year old 60 lb Sheepdog that has had a rough go of it in his life. He has been attacked by other dogs and so has also attacked dogs himself, so he needs a home that has no other dogs, pets or children and few interactions with new people coming into his space. He would do best with a solo person.



Irving is a lunger and chaser so you will need to be mindful when walking him as he will lunge and chase cars, cats, squirrels, other dogs or people he sees as a threat, on and off leash. 

He is territorial in the yard and will bark and jump at the fence if he feels something is a threat so a strong, high fence is required.

Because he was mistreated he has some serious trust issues, resource guarding tendencies and separation anxiety which he takes Clomicalm twice a day for. He has had extensive corrective training but he still requires constant supervision and continued training on a regular basis.

He does sleep on the floor but will also join you on the bed from time to time. He does NOT like to be in a crate, even with training it is still something he will not do, so if crating is a necessity, Irving will not work for you. 

He is food motivated and is on a lamb and rice diet that seems to work well for him. He will not eat unless you are in front of him. He has a chicken allergy so you would need to be mindful of that.

Iceland likes to be brushed and will let you know if you are in an area he doesn't want you to brush him in, but doesn't do well with grooming so you will need to find a professional groomer who will be patient and accept an aggressive dog that needs to be muzzled and have the owner present at grooming due to his anxiety.

He is terrified of the vet and will need to be muzzled at all times and watched very closely when at a vet visit. Your vet will need to be made aware of this before you visit so that he will have the best experience and give everyone a safe environment.

While he has a lot of issues that are severe he is also very loving. He will smother you with kisses once he trusts you. He loves car rides and sleeping all day.

Irving is currently with his long time foster who understands him and all that he has been through. They will be a good resource to help you navigate how to best care for him. He will be a challenge and not easy, but he wants to love someone and hopefully we will find him just the right human who has the time, energy and strength to give him the structure and patience he requires.

Having an understanding of OES and aggressive dogs is a must for this guy. He would do best in a rural setting where he is not stimulated by triggers. 

Irving just wants to love someone, and once he trusts you will smother you with love and kisses and show you what a silly puppy he is.