Those damn herding breeds are so bad with other dogs, say East Hartford (CT) Animal Control
Dog has been in this shelter since at least October 2022. His current adoption fee is $5. He is a "gem" of a dog who mysteriously has not been chosen as a pet by anyone since last year. He does require an experienced owner (experienced in what, the shelter listing does not make clear) who has no other pets.
Reading between the lines, the dog is dog-aggressive, arouses very easily into hyper behavior that are inappropriate for his age, and has little sense of personal space for others even when he's not cranked up. All the photos are of him outside or in an office space, none in the kennels, and there are oblique references to him becoming increasingly kennel-crazy - the mention of how he "desperately needs out of the shelter" is a red flag. Note too that they appear unable to clip his nails, which are so overgrown it's clearly obvious in a photo.
I haven't seen this dog, there don't appear to be videos of him online. So this is a guess. But based on the recent history of rescue, I'm guessing that the dog is not showing "herding" behaviors or trying to "herd" other dogs "like a bunch of cows." This is a cute, innocuous way to describe his behavior, but he looks nothing like any herding breed, and it is extremely likely that the behaviors they're describing are not related to herding but to dogfighting. A herding dog will head off livestock, true, but is less likely to use that behavior with other dogs. They like chase/flee play, which can annoy other dogs but rarely to the point that the other dogs are seriously "turned off." On the other hand, a fighting breed will cut off other dogs, running at their faces and carrying out frontal, ambushing behaviors that will absolutely and very quickly alienate other dogs. The comment in the most recent posting that he "shows excitable interest" in other dogs is a red flag with rockets.
Look at those nails
October 21, 2022 - Alfie seems to love everyone and everything he is an adult, male, pitbull type dog. He is very high energy and needs some basic training but had an amazing temperament.
October 27, 2022 - How is it that Alfie is still waiting to be adopted he is just the sweetest boy with the best temperament. He loves everyone!! He loves to fetch, walk, run and loves to be with his people!! This boy is patiently waiting for a home to call his own.
November 18, 2022 - Impound #37 male, white and brown, smaller pit bull type dog. Around 3-4 years old. This is Alfie and he has been with us the longest. He is an absolute GEM of a dog. He loves dogs and people alike. He knows quite a bit of basic commands. He loves to fetch and chew on rope toys. While he is quite energetic he learns fast and is easy to train. He would fit in great with an active home.
December 15, 2022 - Well...Here's Alfie. Look at those ears! Alfie is extremely smart and focused and ready to do whatever and go wherever you want. • Hiking anyone? Stay active with Alfie in 2023. Alfie is high energy and needs plenty of exercise. He likes other dogs and loves people. Looking for the right experienced home to make Alfie a part of their family.
January 12, 2023 - “Alfie” this beautiful boy has been here the longest and we don’t understand why! Yea he is very energetic and will need a home that will let him use his physical and mental energy. But his temperament is amazing and he is as smart as they come. We believe Alfie is mixed with some sort of herding breed like an Australian shepherd or cattle dog and therefore it will be very important to maintain his abilities to work his brain and body on a regular basis. He is easily trained and knows quite a few tricks already. Alfie seems to like most other animals and all people! Thanks to the Connecticut Humane Society Alfie is neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped! He just needs a place to call home! Only a $5 adoption fee for this amazing boy!
January 30, 2023 - This beautiful boy is still waiting for his forever home. He’s been waiting sooo long . Alfie is 2-3 years old and is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He’s looking for an active home as he is a high energy dog who needs to use his brain. He loves other dogs but he’s been a bit much for a lot of dogs because he gets right in their face.
February 21, 2023 - He’s still waiting! While alfie shows excitable interest in other dogs we think going to a home with no other pets will be best for him for now!
March 29, 2023 - Alfie our most eligible and long standing bachelor. He is a smart and energetic boy who is eager to keep learning new tricks. He would prefer to be the only dog in the home but is working on his social skills .
Posted Apr 1, 2023, 6:57 PM UTC