Dogs Trust Glasgow: Snuffles

The response regarding dear Snuffles has been amazing. We've had so many responses from all over the world including America, Canada, Holland, Germany and Russia to name just a few!

We've posted this blog so that we can keep his followers up to date on his story.

April 2014: We are pleased to say that Snuffles has now left Dogs Trust Glasgow. He is settling in with his new family, adapting to living in a home environment - after spending so long in kennels. We have strict rehoming procedures in place to ensure the suitability of homes for all dogs in our care and Snuffles and his family will be given the full support of
Dogs Trust Glasgow's behavioural team whilst he finds his feet.


Please note: Some sources have implied we had rehomed Snuffles several times – this is not the case. Snuffle’s didn't leave our care from coming to Dogs Trust in January until late March 2014. The initial booking that did fall through was in the very early stages and he did not leave our care during any time until now. Snuffles was originally handed over to us by the local Dog Warden who implied Snuffles had had several homes already.

Image: Ross Parry Agency

Snuffles Mania... the story!

Dogs Trust press release: 7th February 2014

Dogs Trust Glasgow are sniffing out a loving home for an unusual double nosed dog.

Dogs Trust Glasgow is appealing to dog lovers to help find a loving home for a very special, very unusual four-legged, double-nosed resident. The five month old Belgian Shepherd has a rare birth defect which means his nose splits in the centre, giving him the  bizarre appearance of having two noses. His carers have named him “Snuffles” due to his striking appearance.

The unlucky pooch has already had four homes in his short life before being handed to the rehoming centre in Uddingston via the local dog warden and staff are concerned that he will be overlooked due to his unusual looks. Snuffles has been at the rehoming centre for a month and despite seeing plenty of his furry counterparts find loving home of their own, no one has shown any interest in the peculiar pooch.

Dogs Trust Glasgow Rehoming Centre Manager Sandra Lawton explains: “We take in hundreds of dogs of all shapes and sizes but  I have never seen anything quite like Snuffles, he may even be quite unique. It is such a shame to think that this sweet natured lad may not find the loving home he deserves just because he may not be considered a pretty pooch. He is an affectionate, fun loving boy who adores his carers. This energetic boy is looking for an active family and could live with a compatible dog and children over the age of 14. Snuffles may not have been blessed with  the looks of  Lassie but he has a heart of gold and really can claim to be a dog in several million!”

Mary Ward, Dogs Trust Glasgow, Veterinary Nurse explains “ In ten years as a Veterinary Nurse this is the first time I have come across a dog with this condition. His nose has split in the middle which gives him the appearance of having an extra nose. Fortunately his nose does not cause him any problems or enhance his sense of smell and despite having the appearance of having two noses he is a happy, healthy dog in every way and will make a fantastic pet in the right home.”

Daily Mail Article

9th February 2014

Snuffles, the dog with TWO NOSES, rehomed after capturing hearts around the world.

Daily Mirror Article

Daily Mail Article

Sadly due to unforeseen circumstances, this home fell through - he did not leave the centre to go to the original home he was booked to. We have strict rehoming procedures in place to ensure the suitability of each and every home for all of our dogs and this time around it was not meant to be. 

Reshareworthy Article

Dogs Trust Loughborough Back to School

It’s not just children who are getting ready to go back to school; the dogs at Dogs TrustLoughborough have started classes too!

In the class of Great Expectations we have 5 dogs: Yakult, Ralph, Tia, Sheeba and Ozzie.

The Gang!

Heather and Sheeba

They were put to the test in a fun training session lead by teacher and Training and Behaviour Advisor Heather.

Using positive reinforcement techniques, the dogs are taught important skills such as self control, patience and sit.  Using a tasty treat, the Canine Carer’s clicker train their dog which helps to exercise the dogs’ body and mind and ultimately makes them more rehomable.   

Important Lessons!

Ralph

The dogs are taught to ask nicely for a treat, showing that pushy behaviours are not rewarded.  Poor Ralph took a little while to figure this one out!   

After learning sit, the handlers then add a short delay between the dog sitting and it receiving its reward.  This helps build on the dogs’ ability to be patient.  

Clever girls Sheeba and Tia mastered this very quickly.  Between each task the dogs are given regular breaks to relax and refresh before tackling the next challenge.  

 

 

Sheeba (and Lauren)

 

Tia

The dogs then undertook some groundwork training.  Using our specially made equipment, each dog manoeuvres through the track focusing on their handler who is encouraging them to stay within the lane.  We also use straw bales and agility jumps to get the dogs to step up and over items all of which can significantly improve their body awareness and coordination.

The small number of dogs in the class helps the dogs focus more and not be so distracted by having too many other dogs around them

Tia (and Sam)

The class ended with a play session.  Tia wasn’t too keen so after a few polite hellos, she headed back to her kennel to chill out while everyone else played chase!   GSD Sheeba was the fastest sprinter and quickly took the lead while everyone else tried their best to keep up with her.  After a few games of chase they all headed to the paddling pool for a refreshing drink.

 Phew, we now have some worn out dogs!  With another successful class over, all dogs are recalled by their handlers and return to their kennel having graduated with distinction!  

 

Dog training is a very important part of our work at the centre and can really help a dog struggling while in a kennel environment.  It also has significant impact on the rehomability of a dog as it enables new owners to see the potential in a dog.  The training has helped Yakult, Ralph and Ozzie find new homes yet Sheeba and Tia are still looking for someone to see the potential in them.

Sheeba (and Jemma)

 

 

Ozzie (and Lauren)