Fernando

Fernando is a sensitive and quirky soul who came to us as a stray, and while he’s still finding his paws, he’s already shown us just how much love he has to give. Affectionate in his own unique way, Fernando enjoys lying next to his handler and zooming around when he’s excited. He’s clever, food-motivated, and beginning to enjoy toys – especially when there’s a soft one to toss around in play. Fernando is looking for a calm, understanding home where he can settle at his own pace. He must be the only pet, and although he may build towards having visiting dogs or social walks on lead, this isn’t guaranteed. He would benefit from a secure garden, but if one isn’t available, he will need regular access to secure dog fields where he can safely enjoy off-lead time on a long line. Due to some signs of separation stress, time left alone will need to be built up gradually, with a consistent routine. When meeting new people, Fernando can be unsure and needs interactions to be on his terms. Once he trusts you, he’s affectionate and fun, but he can get overwhelmed and jump up or become silly. His new family should be patient and allow him to decompress in his own space. He’s improving with his harness training (squeezy cheese helps!) and enjoys gentle grooming, but formal handling can still make him anxious. He’s not a fan of restraint and may mouth when uncomfortable, so continued positive reinforcement will be key. Out on walks, Fernando can be pully and reactive if he sees something exciting (especially squirrels!), but he’s generally engaged with his handler and enjoys exploring. He cannot be let off lead as he’s a flight risk and has a strong prey drive, but he would love quiet walks and the occasional lead walk with dog friends. Fernando will also need supervision around food – he’s cheeky and will try to steal it if given the chance!