At Tails, one of our passions is helping both organisations and individuals to rescue and re-home unwanted dogs. Situations can arise from a whole range of circumstances, from bereavement to re-location, work arrangements to housing, the arrival of a new born to unemployment…. In most of the cases we have supported, owners who face issues that are beyond their control are desperate to get their dog a new home where they will be loved.

We also have experience of helping to rescue dogs that have been transported from abroad, away from a fate that, in any other circumstances would most likely lead to euthanasia. These are our most difficult challenges as dogs have often been kept in small, confined spaces and have had limited contact with humans or other dogs. One such dog is Kobe, a rescue who came to the UK from Spain via a dog rescue charity.

Kobe’s start in life was pitiful. His existence was confinement in an isolated concrete kennel on his own and away from other dogs due to him trying to escape, his sole purpose in life became his determination to escape. His foster parents needed help to manage him and his behaviours and approached

When we met Kobe we found him to be a sweet dog who loved one to one attention but as soon as he found himself near to a gate or fence he became agitated and desperate to jump and escape. Our first steps with Kobe found us doing all we could to distract him from fence jumping and keeping him away from the perimeter of his play area. Very soon we found that putting him on a lead was helpful but not conducive to the Pack Leader who had other dogs and many tasks to attend to during the day. Julia found a belt to which a lead could be clipped so that Kobe could be on a ‘hands – free’ lead which helped enormously.

Once he became accustomed to this arrangement we placed him on a long line which gave him greater freedom but Pack Leaders could restrict him as and when necessary.

Sometimes Kobe needed ‘time out’, especially during periods of dog movement around site or excessive barking. A Kong with a treat inside was a great distraction and calmed him considerably.

Gradually Kobe began to relax in this environment, make new dog friends, grew to trust his Pack Leaders and stopped trying to escape. He still needs careful management but the team has become increasingly adept at recognising his needs and taking appropriate action. All around the site at Tails are Kobe’s ‘clip rings’ where his lead can be attached should it be required.

The good news is that with his improved socialisation, his reduced flight risk, good behaviour and improved interactions with other dogs, Kobe’s foster parents decided to keep him and he has found his forever loving home. Kobe is just one of many dogs we have worked with and we are delighted to have been part of his journey to success, stability and happiness.