How big? Medium as adult
How old? Puppy (estimated DOB 10.10.2023)
Male or female? Male
Living with kids? I can live with children (10+)
Living with dogs? I can live with other dogs
Resident dog required? Yes
Living with cats? I can’t live with cats
Where can I live? I’d like an active, semi-rural home with a garden
Where am I from? Cyprus, now in Bedfordshire (UK adoption fee applies)

About Dennis

Dennis and his siblings were abandoned in a field without their mum just after Christmas. They were brought to us in a sorry state, shivering, skinny and scared, but in just a couple of days the puppies started to emerge from their shells. All three of the pups flew to the UK to their homes in March, but unfortunately just days later Dennis was surrendered back into our care as his adopters didn’t feel able to care for him.

Dennis is now in a foster home in Bedfordshire where he is doing really well. He has benefitted from living alongside resident dogs who have really helped him to adjust after his unsettled start in the UK and he’s learnt a lot through observing their behaviour. He absolutely loves other dogs and enjoys running around with the group when they go out for walks each day. It’s been lovely to see his confidence grow, as he was very fearful and anxious when he first arrived.

Dennis is still however not very confident around young children and shows a lot of apprehension around them. He would definitely be better suited to a home with older children (10+) who understand he needs space and can respect his boundaries. The unpredictability and noise from young kids can often be really overwhelming for dogs that haven’t had lots of interactions with them before, and as Dennis hasn’t ever lived with young children this isn’t hugely surprising.

Dennis is a really clever dog. He loves to be told that he’s a good boy and responds really well to positive reinforcement using treats as the reward. He’s very eager to learn and keen to please, and has surprised his foster family with how well his recall training has come on in such a short space of time. He will even come back when called if he’s mid-play with another dog! He has figured out quickly how to use the agility apparatus in the garden and loves getting involved in activities and play outside.

Dennis has been fine when left alone since arriving in his foster home, and we think this has been helped a lot by the presence of other resident dogs. He just chills out with them and naps or plays with his toys. The one thing his foster family are currently working on is resource guarding, as Dennis can show some guarding behaviours towards toys and the sofa. This is being supported with the help of a behaviourist, and due to his unsettling start it’s not hugely surprising that he feels the need to protect things in case they’re taken away. With continued support and management we’re confident Dennis will overcome this.

Although Dennis can be shy around new people, if they let him come to them on his own terms he soon gets over the nerves. Once he has bonded with you he is hugely affectionate, sweet natured and loves to give kisses. He loves cuddles so much and is happy to snooze on your lap or enjoy a belly rub.

Dennis is looking for a family with another resident dog, based semi-rurally (or well outside of a busy area) to allow him to adapt. He is looking for a home with direct access to a secure garden, and a patient, understanding family who will let him adjust in his own time. He’s been uprooted more than we would have liked and he needs plenty of reassurance and time to know that this next move will finally be his last. He would also love to do some more formal training classes and learn new things, so we would like to find him a family who will actively look into that kind of enrichment for Dennis.

Dennis is currently based in Bedfordshire, and has a clean bill of health. He is ready to meet his new forever family so please email eve@theunderdog.org if you’d like to meet him!