Nervous dog marks one-year anniversary in kennels as adopters are put off by his shy nature and muzzle

A nervous lurcher is looking for the paw-fect home with owners who can help bring him out of his shell. Sadly, eight-year-old Bandit is approaching his one-year anniversary in kennels (on Sunday 10 April).

Bandit was rescued by the RSPCA from a multi-dog household where his needs were not being met. When he arrived with the team at Great Ayton Animal Centre, in County Durham, he was very nervous.

Emma Cosby, who takes care of him, said: “Bandit really struggled and didn’t even like to be touched. It took us a lot of time and patience to gradually introduce him to different people and how to be handled positively but now he’s built some wonderful bonds with the team here.

“He enjoys a fuss and loves to spend time out and about with our staff and volunteers. He’s also a sociable boy and likes to go out for walks with his doggy friends but can still find the world and new people scary so needs an understanding owner who can give him the time and space he needs to settle and gain in confidence.”

Bandit loves to run and zoom off-lead and then head back to his bed for a long snooze. While he’s been enjoying walks with other dogs he is nervous with bouncy, boisterous dogs and we’d ideally like to find him a home as the only pet.

He’d benefit from having his own quiet area in his new home where he can have space to himself. He can be nervous about being touched so any adopters will need to work with him slowly and use positive reinforcement to gain his trust. For this reason, he’s not suitable to live with children.

Bandit has been muzzle trained and is happy wearing his muzzle; we’d recommend this in any situations where he might feel uncomfortable, such as visits to the vet.

Emma added: “I just don’t understand why Bandit has received such little interest, it’s heartbreaking. Bandit dreams of the days he will find his new cosy home.

“We understand that he’s nervous and he’ll need committed owners who are willing to come and meet him multiple times before taking him home. But we fear that people are being put off of applying for him because of his muzzle and the misunderstanding around their use.

“He has so much love to give and we’re pleading with anyone who has been thinking of getting a dog to please consider him and give him a chance.”