Surge in adolescent dogs being surrendered to Devon sanctuary

A young German Shepherd dog who just missed out on a place on the police force is among a worrying number of canine ‘adolescents’ being given up by their owners.

Nine-month-old Koda is among more than a dozen dogs between the age of 6 to 12-months who, in the last month alone, have been brought to Woodside Animal Welfare Sanctuary at Elfordleigh or added to its waiting list.

Long working hours meant Koda’s owners could no longer care for him. They contacted the police to ask if he might be considered for a position on the force but, while waiting to hear, they surrendered Koda to Woodside, where a recent police assessment revealed he doesn’t have the required focus.

While Koda’s search for a loving home continues, the charity, on the edge of Plymouth, is urging owners of ‘teenage’ dogs to persevere and, if necessary, ask for professional help before any challenging behaviour becomes overwhelming.

Kennel supervisor Kelly Beutner said: “We could encourage owners to be patient and persevere with consistent training. If you need help, please don’t be afraid to ask.

“During adolescence, dogs are at the highest risk of being surrendered to a rescue centre. But it’s a phase and it will get better. Be aware of this and set your dog up for success. Realise it’s not just you and it’s a period dogs go through.”

Kelly said positive, reward-based training and socialisation in the early months of a dog’s life were crucial when setting them up for success.

Off-lead recall, overcoming separation anxiety, walking calmly on a lead and basic commands, should all form part of training for a young dog. Yet even the best trained puppy can start to play up when they hit adolescence.

Kelly said: “They might have great recall until they’re six-months-old then decide not to listen anymore!”

However, it’s important to remember that this is just a phase, Kelly said, and with ongoing training, dog owners will be rewarded.

“It’s no different to when children hit the teenage years,” Kelly said. “They start pushing boundaries and testing what they can get away with but that doesn’t mean you haven’t been brought them up properly. With time, patience and guidance it will improve.”

During their time at the sanctuary, dogs like Koda have access to specialised training, enrichment activities, walks on lead as well as off in the sanctuary’s fields.

But for high-energy, highly-intelligent dogs like Koda, the limitations posed by kennel life can be challenging.

Being amongst lots of dogs and noise can be over-stimulating and while the charity does its best to maintain consistency for the animals, life in kennels can be unsettling. Often, once in a loving home with lots of love, time and attention, challenging behaviour traits settle down.

Koda’s carers are already seeing glimmers of potential. He is learning to walk nicely on a lead and enjoys scent-training, where he gets to test his abilities.

He’s clever, friendly and affectionate, and is clearly very handsome, which has encouraged plenty of people to come forward to say they’re interested in adopting him.

But when they meet this beautiful boy, his size and boisterous nature puts them off.

“Quite a few people have come up to meet him, then think he’s too much for them,” Kelly said. “But he’s got so much potential.

“At this stage of their life, dogs are working out who they are. Some will be chaotic, some anxious and some will sail through this period. They need time, consistency and patience. Often, it’s easier to focus on the challenging behaviour but rewarding positive behaviour is important. It can seem overwhelming but, remember, the time and effort you put in at this stage will be worth it!”

To find out more about Koda and other animals searching for a home at Woodside, please visit www.woodsidesanctuary.org.uk.