Remy is an 8 year old, 35 lb. neutered male in Franklin, NC.
Looking for a forever home for Remy, a very sweet 8 year old blue heeler. Remy would do best with somebody who has experience with Australian Cattle Dogs and who is understanding of the behavior challenges of rescue dogs.
Remy is cuddly, loyal, and loves to play fetch. I rescued him when he was about a year old. I don't think he was socialized so he is slow to warm up to people and can be reactive around aggressive dogs. Once he warms up to people he is incredibly sweet and he does very well with calm or especially small dogs. He's fine with older kids.
He is a heeler so he may try to herd groups of people or children and nip at their ankle. He's very well behaved at home. No accidents and doesn't chew anything up.
He loves his chew toys and naps a lot during the day. He would love a home with a yard or even a farm to run around. He likes to play a little but is mostly happy to just sunbath in the yard with a chew toy or roll around in the grass.
Remy can get excited and reactive around other dogs that get in his personal space. Mostly this results in a warning growl or snarl, but if the other dog is equally as uncomfortable or territorial, this usually results in a fight. This has happened 2 or 3 times in the 7 years we have owned him.
Remy has nipped at the ankle on occasion when people are in groups and suddenly leave the group (ex. sitting around a fire, or watching a movie). This is part of his herding behavior.
Remy has bit the ankle of our friend when he was startled as she came into our house without a proper greeting/introduction. We have learned that he needs a cooling period to warm up to guests, otherwise his excited energy can make him reactive.
He as nipped at hands of people who ignore commands to not pet him, never drawing blood.
We have trained him to associate new people or guests with playing. Typically if a guest wants to meet him, we introduce them in the back yard where they can throw the ball to him. This allows Remy to have his space to get comfortable with the new person. He knows the drill and usually gets his ball when someone arrives at the house.
Remy is grumpy at night, and can snarl unexpectedly if someone bugs him while he is resting. He usually removes himself and then lies in his bed. He is the opposite in the morning and wants to cuddle or play. One would do well to know his signs of when he is uncomfortable (typical dog tells like licking lips or ears pinning).
I love Remy so much but my life circumstances have changed and I can no longer provide him with the home he needs. Please contact me if you or someone you know is interested in giving Remy a loving place to call home.