Thomas

Thomas is an intelligent, affectionate, well-trained youngster with a very cute nose!  Born in 2023, blind, and weighing 23kg, he’s currently living in Leicestershire but is looking for a new home due to his owner’s change in circumstances.

Originally from Romania, Thomas was surrendered to a shelter on account of his blindness. As the condition is genetic and stable, it doesn’t hold him back, and he’s extremely well-adapted.

 

However, it does perhaps account for his being reactive to new people and new dogs.  Although he has a routine in place designed by a behavioural trainer, we are looking for adopters who are experienced in and willing to work with his reactivity. 

 

Thomas'  routine involves his owner making sure he has a proper introduction and short walk around with the newcomer. This reassures Thomas and from thenceforth he is welcoming and friendly to everyone to whom he has been introduced. 

If Thomas does not have his routine in place, he will lunge and bark and bear his teeth, then run off.  He displays defensiveness based on fear.   He has never attacked. 

Thomas prefers space out on walks therefore and will need an owner who is prepared to confidently put this routine in place for him, so that he can comfortably enjoy making new friends.  He is best walked in areas without off-lead dogs, and probably with a 'Give Me Space' lead wrap.

Thomas is described as ‘the most loving and gentle dog’: he loves his cuddle time and enjoys sharing his current home with cats, humans and has previously lived with another. He’s pleasant and easy to have around: a very affectionate and playful chap.

Thomas has been living in his current home for a year, and in that time has proved extremely smart and trainable. He loves learning new commands; loves handling, and being active with his owner and would be a great candidate for agility. He already has his recall down pat, as well as several other commands and routines. He has a medium energy level physically, but benefits from a higher level of mental stimulation and activity. He’s a clever boy, and very food-motivated, so easy to work with!

Thomas is well behaved in the home, quiet, settling easily, taking himself off to his crate to chill out. He’s not difficult at all. He travels well, and loves the car, isn’t nervous or sound sensitive, and can be left for up to four hours.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_1zRIpFwvEs

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/z16YWGLgw5Y

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/xMszBlGFI1g

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OMsft6PUK4c

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2YvUcn6312c

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wI1CSHibkGE

Thomas – Update from his fosterer:

Thomas absolutely thrives on routine and structure, and we’ve built a lot of that into our daily walks. At the start and end of every outing, we practice sit, wait, lay down, and go commands. You’ll see this in the video we’ve shared – it’s a great way to focus his energy and set the tone. We’re lucky to have access to a few clear, open fields where Thomas can be safely off-lead. We always scan the area for people or dogs before letting him off, and if we do come across anyone, we use his training cues to get his attention and calmly pop him back on the lead.

Thomas is still reactive to people and dogs he doesn’t know, but we’ve made great progress. He now has a close circle of four spaniel friends who he absolutely adores and walks with regularly. Their calm confidence really helps Thomas feel secure. He’s also had visiting dogs to the house – including our own quiet Lily (featured in the photos and video) and a bouncy staffie pal he played with non-stop! There were a couple of minor scraps (initiated by Thomas), usually when he got over-excited and struggled to self-regulate. We’ve learned that structured play followed by crate rest really helps – he settles down completely and is ready to go again after a nap!

Boundaries are key for Thomas, and he responds well to having clear rules. We’re currently focusing on helping him stay calm when people come to the house. If they’re strangers, he’ll take himself off to his crate and wait for me to close the door – a sign he feels safe there. For people he knows, we ask him to sit and wait, just like on walks. When he’s calm, he’s allowed to greet them. He gets so excited to see his favourite humans – he really is such a happy soul – but we’re teaching him that calm brings rewards, and it’s starting to pay off.

Thomas is a bright, sensitive boy who continues to learn and grow with the right guidance. He loves having a job to do, his trusted people around him, and lots of time to play and rest. He’s not the finished article yet, he still a baby really  – but he’s well on his way, and we’re so proud of him.