Scottish SPCA

Stella is a gorgeous girl who came to us for further assessment, retraining and rehoming. She was originally a stray dog from another of our Centres who was rehomed and returned, as she needed an owner who would be with her more.

She is very lively for her age and enjoys long walks and playing fetch. She also loves to be around people and will need an owner who is around more often than not, as she can become quite distressed when alone, even opening door handles with her paws to look for you!

This proves what a highly intelligent and people-orientated dog she is! She knows basic commands like sit, paw and lie down and performs them with great enthusiasm, especially if you have a bit of cheese or sausage.

She is rather strong on her lead and perhaps a male owner may be beneficial in Stella's case. She does calm down once her walk starts, however.

She is a really happy, cheeky monkey and loves to jump up - to give hugs and kisses - therefore she is not for the faint hearted or extremely house proud!

Stella will need an experienced owner of German Shepherds who will be committed to keeping her happy. She is unhappy around other dogs and could not live with one. She will also need a tall fence around her garden to keep strange dogs out and Stella in!

She has undergone our standard assessment and we have been working with her on her self-control in general and in particular around dogs. She has responded very, very well to her training and socialisation and has improved greatly with other dogs whilst she has been with us.

We always use positive reward training here and Stella loves to do her clicker training. We even have had her sitting next to other dogs through a wire fence, whilst clicker training and rewarding her for good behaviour around other dogs.

Previously she would not have tolerated the sight of other dogs, so we are very proud of her and the fact that with the right training she has really come on so well. She is never reprimanded if she takes a dislike to the dog. Instead we move her training back a stage and try again, always ending on a positive note, so she looks forward to her training and more importantly to seeing dogs.

It stands to reason that if an owner continually verbally punishes and tells their dogs off when other dogs are around, the dog will loathe being in the presence of other dogs. However, if the dog is rewarded and sees having other dogs around as a good thing, she will be more likely to be relaxed.

Whilst she has made great strides, Stella is middle aged and it is unlikely that she will fully change where other dogs are concerned.

Stella has also really settled since she was spayed. Whilst this isn't always the case, it has been apparent that in her situation spaying has really calmed her down around other dogs.

Stella has so much love to give. She just adores people and is desperate to find a forever home after bouncing in and out of kennels, as well as around other kennels for months. She is a sweet girl who deserves better.

Stella is looking for a spacious home and garden with no pets or children. Her new owner may be subject to a homecheck. If you think you have room in your home, as well and your heart, for this beautiful girl then get in touch! She really is a gem and just needs the chance to show what a brilliant dog she can be.

Before considering rehoming an animal, please read our rehoming conditions.