Alaska – 5 year old female Romanian Shepherd

Alaska is a Romanian Shepherd believed to be almost six years old.

Alaska is a loyal, sensitive and loving girl. She came to the UK from Romania as a puppy and was in a home until her owner passed away. She was then taken to the vet to be put to sleep but fortunately, a nearby rescue was notified and stepped in to save her life.

Alaska was taken to boarding kennels but really didn’t cope with that environment and went on a hunger strike, we were then asked if we could take her into one of our foster homes.

At home, she’s very content spending most of her time sleeping wherever the humans are in the house. She responds well to clear boundaries being set and to be shown who is in charge.

A home as an only dog would be preferred for Alaska as she can be intolerant of other dogs initially. We have observed though, that she has, over time, warmed to all the foster dogs we have had so far, resulting in her becoming very affectionate and playful with them.

She walks well on a lead but when spooked, can pull at times. She has grown in confidence but is still nervous and shy when meeting new people. Once you gain her trust though, she greets you with wagtails and kisses, each time you walk through the door.

Alaska has passed her cat testing. Children (visiting or resident) should be dog savvy and 12 plus.

When you adopt a Safe Rescue dog, you MUST use a slip lead. This will keep your dog safe: your new dog will be nervous and will not trust you, and you will not know which situations might upset your dog.

If your dog panics, then a slip lead is the only way to prevent your dog from escaping (many dogs can escape from a collar and/or harness). It will take AT LEAST 3-6 months for your dog to settle in and for you to know your dog fully (longer for nervous dogs).

The slip lead must ALWAYS be used during this settling-in period. Even after your dog is settled, it is safest to use the slip lead in situations where your dog may become scared (e.g. visiting new places, around unfamiliar people, at the vet), and in situations where unexpected triggers might happen (e.g. around bonfire night).

Nervous dogs may always need to wear a slip-lead as a backup safety measure. The slip lead is a safety device and must NEVER be used as a training tool. Using the lead to apply pressure to the dog’s neck is damaging.

If your dog pulls on the lead, then we can advise you on training methods that avoid harm. Once your dog is settled, you may want to consider using a harness (together with the slip lead) if your dog is comfortable with being handled when it is fitted.

Most harnesses are not escape-proof, but harnesses with a strap behind the ribcage (e.g. Ruffwear Webmaster or Perfect Fit Harnesses) are safer. Retractable/extendable leads must never be used on our dogs.

Adopted dogs must be collected from the rescue and transported straight home in a crate. Fences and gates must be 5ft min & secure. Alaska fostered North Walsham Norfolk.