Dion Collie x GSD x Rottie DOB 12.07.07- 2.2019 Holbeach Lincoln

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Dion Collie x GSD x Rottie DOB 12.07.07- 2.2019 Holbeach Lincoln

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Originally posted Mon Oct 22, 2012 by xxlynne
Current Status Homed


Homing Requirements: Dion needs a sensitive family who can reassure him when meeting new people, for example, when introducing visitors. Once trust is there, it is enduring within a harmonious setting. Dion adores dogs and has lived with other male dogs successfully. Not for cats or children. Dion can be left.

Video: Dion, Hector & Chewie mucking around by the pond
Video: Smiley Dion
Video: Dion welcomes Steve home
Video: Dion trying his best to entice Chewie into play
Video: Dion playing
Video: Dion & Millie Playing
Video: Dion running offlead

His Story: Dion's owner died and his non-doggie partner handed him into a pound in March 2012. He was a frightened boy in kennels. Dion came into foster to join another dog and has built a great deal of confidence since. He is neutered, vax'd and chipped. Dion was in a foster home with other dogs for a year and is currently kennelled in Chessington, Surrey.

Advert: Dion is a large cross breed with a sensitive Collie nature. He can have concerns meeting new people but soon relaxes with confident handling. Dion delights in other dogs’ company whether small or large, meeting and playing with them given the chance. Dion is an off-lead dog and loves the car. Dion is happy to be fussed and is used to a 'gentle leader' for walks. Dion is house-trained and can be left.

Dion is a true large crossbreed with Collie, Shepherd and Rottie reported to be in his genetics. He has a beautiful tri-colour Shepherd coat. Dion loves his home and loves other dogs of all sizes. Dion is now looking for the opportunity to relax with a family unit, ideally with a canine friend or two to play with. Two years in Rescue is too long!

Interested in rehoming Dion? Please click to complete our on-line homing questionnaire so we can match you with a dog that suits your lifestyle.

Please note that this dog is currently in boarding kennels and is also available for foster until a 'forever' home is found.

To find out whether this dog is still available, please visit Dion's thread on our forum. For full details and daily updates on all Rescue Remedies dogs available for homing, Click our forum link.

***PLEASE NOTE: Our mission is to find every dog in our care its forever home. Rescue Remedies requests a minimum £175 donation for each dog at the time of adoption. These funds allow us to continue to help homeless dogs.***

See Dion's Thread below: Watch his progress through our Rescue
Original Referral Request: Oct 12 Lynne i have been down to the pound today and met Dion, who looks like he also has collie in him as well, to take some photos. He is castrated, 4 years old, good with other dogs, but not cats, and takes time to trust you, and has some issues with the outside world, but loves his walks as you can see on his photos. I had never met him before but he was ok with me, i just ignored him, he had a sniff and then took some treats from me. He loves the car as my friend Mark has taken him out a few times in it, doesnt like kennels, but that is shown by sitting in his basket all the time there. Apparently he was a lot worse when he came in but Mark and another dog walker have been working with him.
I think it would be so cruel for him to be PTS on the say of 18-20 year olds that work down there and don't know what they are doing. Hope you can help. Karen

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Re: Dion RottiexShepherdxCollie DOB 12.07.07 Chess. Kenns

Post by Rescue Remedies »

Dion's character is 1/2 Collie + 1/4 German Shepherd + 1/4 Rottweiller. He needs a home in the countryside where he can relax without the busy-ness of many visitors or town noises. He loves his walks in the woods, off-lead & staying close to his master. He takes confidence from the company of other calm dogs, although was brought up as an only dog, so could equally live alone. Dion loves cuddles & playing fetch.

Dion has a wonderful smile and waggy tail, always delighted to see you. He loves his home, able to be left to snooze or explore the garden. Dion is at a super age - calm & mature, yet playful & inquisitive.

A smashing dog who looks up to his master and will give his loyalty & love forever!

VIDEO OF DION IN NONSUCH PARK

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Dion isn't for 1st time dog owners. He can be challenging and needs strong & kind leadership. He needs muzzling for grooming & investigating paws/cuts etc. If you like a challenge & the rewards this can bring, then read on through his thread. Dion bonds strongly with his master once you have set out the rules! Then he's putty in your hands (almost!)
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Re: Dion RottiexShepherdxCollie DOB 12.07.07 Chess. Kenns

Post by Rescue Remedies »

I met Dion this afternoon. What a gorgeous, gorgeous boy he is! He melted my heart with his good looks & charming nature. You can't meet this dog and not fall in love.

Rita asked me to come and see what I thought of Dion. I turned up with treats in my hand, avoided eye contact and walked straight in. Dion barked but then backed off & gave me space. He isn't an aggressive dog! Not at all. Just lived a sheltered life with few visitors. It took him about a minute to eat from my hand, and 5 to let me touch him all over. He has a lovely soft double coat which has obviously had a wash recently.

We went for a walk with Chewie to assess him a bit more. We tried Chewie's headcollar & it worked a treat. Trotted alongside Rita with a slack lead. On the walk, Dion took no notice of other dogs, people, cyclists or traffic. He enjoyed a good sniff & took in the sights of south London.

Dion lived these last 10days with a German Shepherd & a spaniel. The shepherd & he didn't get on (probably due to the GSD's recent neuter). Dion appears to have the scars to prove it, on his neck & cheek. I believe this was probably down to the GSD, as Dion got on fine with the spaniel & didn't take any notice of dogs today, on or off-lead.

Rita's daughter, Emily, then came home & Dion barked and then backed off & accepted treats again. He knows where his bed is so can retreat for some space & time alone. He is a smashing dog & just needs exposure to some life, that he's missed so far.
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Re: Dion RottiexShepherdxCollie DOB 12.07.07 Chess. Kenns

Post by Rescue Remedies »

I spent some time with Dion this morning. He really is a super dog! Mark, from his previous rescue, came to see his favourite boy and Dion sparkled in his presence. Mark had spent a lot of time gaining Dion's trust & Dion hadn't forgotten him! We went for a walk and observed Dion's behaviour. He tenses up when approaching groups of people & traffic. Therefore entry to the park where football was being played, was too much for him. He isn't ready to expand his horizons very far, but with regular walks to the same places, and trust in his handler, he will soon relax. A headcollar helped stop his pulling immediately, but doesn't stop him putting the brakes on when he feels nervous. He doesn't even go to the toilet on his walks yet as he doesn't feel confident enough. He shows no aggression to people or dogs and if in fear, he'll run away or cower rather than attack/lunge.

Mark has worked with Dion through his fear of wheeled objects such as prams, scooters, wheelchairs etc. He still feels nervous of vehicles larger than small vans.

He is a tender soul who hasn't had much exposure to life in his 6 years, but is trying so hard to cope with what is thrown at him. He has such an intelligent breeding within him, so should overcome his troubles with the right handling. He needs a confident handler who he can trust to protect him from dangers and do so through positive training, not punishment. This is important for a shy/fearful dog.
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Re: Dion RottiexShepherdxCollie DOB 12.07.07 Chess. Kenns

Post by Rescue Remedies »

Steve and I went to visit Dion today whilst Rita was out. We took Chewie & Jackson for some doggy company for him. We used a halti and harness to persuade him to the park and he was definitely more relaxed with Chewie & Jackson pounding the pavements next to him. He darts to the other side of his handler to avoid people who are approaching, and will look behind him to check on anyone following. He is definitely nervous, and his tail is a barometer for his confidence. He was confident enough to have a good sniff and a pee on the way, which is a good sign.

Once in the park, he was looking all around him for dangers, and knew exactly where the exit was, not wanting to go too far from it. He enjoyed mingling with Chewie & Jackson, and other dogs that came to say hello. He let a 10yr old girl stroke him on his chest, which was great. Jackson kept on going up to him as if to say, "Come on mate, the world is so exciting and wonderful. Look what you're missing." They're two opposites, max confidence vs shy & retiring.

Once back at his home, he was accepting of the two strange people and two strange dogs in his comfort zone. No problems with sharing with the dogs and allowed Jackson to hi-jack his bed!

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Video of Dion in the park

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Re: Dion RottiexShepherdxCollie DOB 12.07.07 Chess. Kenns

Post by Rescue Remedies »

We've had quite a Dion fix this weekend! I think he realises we're part of the family now. Last night we descended on Rita's for dinner, with our two dogs in tow. Dion accepted the dogs in his home and gave a low growl if Jackson got too in his face, to which Jackson responded by walking off. Great stuff boys. He was wary of Steve, avoiding coming near him and instead hiding in the downstairs bedroom. Relaxed enough to chew a raw hide cigar and fall asleep.

This morning, he and Rita joined us for a BIGGSD walk (socialisation walk for rescue German Shepherds) at Ockham Common. I wasn't sure whether he'd even leave the carpark, with all the commotion and people around, but he was fine. He travelled well in the car - he loves his car journeys, sitting quietly on the back seat. We then set off, at the front of the pack so that he wasn't intimidated with the crowds of people. He seemed really happy to be in woods & open land rather than London. He's probably been a country bumpkin rather than a city dweller, so this was his comfort zone. He was fine with the dogs saying hello, bumping into each other and had his tail held high to say how relaxed and happy he was. We then somehowe ended up at the back of the pack and he got overwhelmed and put the brakes on, sitting firmly and refusing to go, looking back to where we'd come from. I walked him in a small circle and kept the momentum going to catch up with the others. This seemed to do the trick a couple of times when he stopped or when other walkers were approaching towards us.

He was totally chilled with the dogs, but did show nervousness with people coming towards him People in our pack, moving in the same direction, weren't a problem. Once back in the carpark, he was introduced to horses and didn't show any interest in them at all. He just wanted to get back into his car really!

And if all that wasn't enough tests for him, he came back to our house for a few hours. The three dogs had formed a bond on the walk, so there was no fuss. He also warmed up so much to Steve that he cuddled up on the sofa with him! He wanted to patrol the garden, but he settled indoors with us, albeit preferring the cooler conservatory with his thick double coat.

He is such a gorgeous boy. When he warms to you, there's a sparkle in his eyes and such a softness to his character. He is such a happy dog when he feels comfortable & confident in your company. This makes you feel rather special to know that he trusts you and likes you! He enjoyed an hour's countryside walk today and this is where his pleasure lies.

Took lots of photos - he's so photogenic and handsome!! You can distinctly identify all three of his breed heritages in his looks and also in his character.

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Re: Dion RottiexShepherdxCollie DOB 12.07.07 Chess. Kenns

Post by Rescue Remedies »

Dion would like to live in the countryside, have some doggy companions in some form, not to have many visitors at home, and have a quiet life. Not too much to ask. He is no trouble at all. Clean indoors and and can be left very happily. He would probably suit an older owner as that's what he was used to. Haven't tested him with kids yet, but am guessing that he wouldn't like the busy household that kids tend to entail.

He likes to eat his dinner by himself but isn't too fussy about what he eats. He can't be bribed by treats - if he doesn't want to do something, no treat can persuade him otherwise! Dion is fab with other dogs - really isn't bothered by them but will happily say hello if they're in his path. He has adapted to living with Chewie instantly and doesn't challenge him for anything.

We haven't got the toys out yet, but Rita said that he loves to play fetch with a tennis ball. He is such a loveable, huggable, cutey-pie. Very affectionate and yet will also settle quietly in the corner.

He is so quiet and settled, we hardly even notice his presence! Chewie is happy to have him here - he isn't being pestered by a puppy any more!
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Re: Dion RottiexShepherdxCollie DOB 12.07.07 Chess. Kenns

Post by Rescue Remedies »

Dion will be an off-lead dog once he trusts his handler to guide him & protect him. Mark, from his previous rescue, used to walk him off the lead having built a good relationship with him. Right now he'd probably scamper away if I let him off, if he got spooked. In the park he walks wonderfully on the lead, happy to sniff everything & potter around. I join 2 leads & attach them to his harness so he is free to sniff & trot. He doesn't pull when in the park.

Today he stood calmly while I chatted with a dog walker, only spooking when she leaned down & offered him a treat. This evening our neighbours came round. No barking. Just looked at them from a distance & decided to stay in his space. Fab progress from a week ago at Rita's, when he was over stressed & barked at everyone & everything. He even poo'ed on his walk this morning - a sign that he is relaxed & confident. What a difference the location can make.
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Re: Dion RottiexShepherdxCollie DOB 12.07.07 Chess. Kenns

Post by Rescue Remedies »

Today, he was great and exceeded expectations again. He jumped into the car and travelled well with Chewie. We passed some horses which set Chewie off, but Dion remained calm and didn't react to Chewie's energy change.

He was fab when we met the other GSDs in the carpark. His tail was up for the whole walk, and he let people stroke him and give him treats. This is phenominal! Unfortunately, he tore his dew claw, but wouldn't let me near it to have a better look. Growls.

We borrowed a muzzle and I took some time, once home, to get him used to it with lots of treats. I think he's probably worn one before, or is used to the halti so he wasn't phased by it. Probably a good idea for vet visits to get him used to the muzzle anyway. I then inspected the claw and it wasn't as bad as I'd first thought and isn't troubling him anyway. We then took the opportunity to give him a good brush while the muzzle was on, as he doesn't like his back end being groomed. After all that, he accepted me picking up his paws to dry them off. What a lot we've expected of him today.

He then flopped at Steve's feet and demanded lots of fuss! He's forgiven us!They're both fast asleep now.

Oh, I put up the Christmas tree yesterday and he wasn't bothered in the slightest. Such a calm dog.

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Video of Dion in the garden with Chewie Please play with me...!
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