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Merlin
I'm looking for my forever home. Could you be my perfect match?
Age
Gender
Location
Ref ID
3661101
Size
Living off site
Yes
May live with
Are you right for Merlin?
Merlin is a handsome one-year-old Malinois cross Spanish Mastiff who is looking for a quiet, rural home where he can take his time settling in and build his confidence at his own pace. Merlin is looking for patient and understanding adopters; he takes his time to find his paws in new situations and with new people. Merlin will need more than one meet at our centre to help him get to know you and build a trusting relationship before he heads home.
Merlin would benefit from living with another calm and confident dog in the home who can help him feel more secure or Merlin could be the only dog in the home with plenty of opportunities to walk with and socialise with other dogs. Having positive canine friendships will help him continue to build his confidence.
Merlin has no history living with cats or small furries. He is worried by livestock. He could live with older secondary school-aged children who can understand that Merlin needs space and time to get to know them.
Merlin is generally a lovely walker and enjoys exploring quiet fields and beaches. He can be a little strong on the lead at times, particularly when he is unsure, but overall he walks nicely. He would need access to quiet walking areas with his new family. He is happy to relax at home. He loves a good snooze on the sofa and could make a wonderful companion for someone who works from home.
Merlin is housetrained and has history being happy left alone for up to around four hours once he is settled in his home. He is a good traveller, although he can initially be worried about jumping into the car. A predictable routine and plenty of consistency will help Merlin feel safe and secure as he adjusts to his new life.
Is Merlin right for you?
Once Merlin has bonded with someone and feels settled, a very different side of him comes out, he is a fun, cheeky chap who loves to play, learn and get involved! Initially you will find Merlin to be a shy boy and nervous around new people and in unfamiliar places. He will need a family who understands that trust takes time and who won't expect too much from him too quickly and then you will be rewarded with an affectionate companion.
Merlin enjoys playing with squeaky toys. He is a clever lad, he knows some basic cues including sit, wait and come, and he is a quick learner. He would love a family who can continue his training using positive methods and teach him lots of new tricks. As a food lover, he is always keen to work for his favourite treats - cheese is definitely high on his list!
He may even enjoy trying an activity such as agility when his confidence has grown.
Merlin likes his walks in fields and on quiet beaches, and he loves having a paddle in the sea. He enjoys zooming around a secure dog field. Busy built-up areas, towns and roads can be overwhelming for him, so he will need a quieter lifestyle where he can enjoy his surroundings without too much hustle and bustle.
The Belgian Malinois
Everything you need to know about the Belgian Malinois
How our rehoming process works
- 1
Create an account and fill out our application form
In our form you can tell us all about your home, your lifestyle and the kind of dogs you’re interested in. You won’t be applying for a specific dog, but you can add favourites to give us an idea of the dogs you like. We’ll use this information to find a great match for you.
- 2
Choose a rehoming centre
We’ll also ask you to select a rehoming centre. The team at this centre will look after your application and assess you against all suitable dogs in their care. This doesn’t have to be your nearest centre, but you will need to travel there within a few days once we’ve found...
Show detailsWe’ll also ask you to select a rehoming centre. The team at this centre will look after your application and assess you against all suitable dogs in their care. This doesn’t have to be your nearest centre, but you will need to travel there within a few days once we’ve found you a match.
- 3
We’ll review your application
We’ll review your application against the dogs in our care at your chosen centre. If we think we have the right dog for you, we’ll be in touch as soon as possible. If we don’t hear back from you, we will close your application for now, and you can reapply when you’re ready.
- 4
We’ll keep your application open for three months and keep looking for a match
If we don’t have a dog for you right now, we’ll keep your application open for three months and keep you in mind for any new dogs that arrive. If within this time you see another dog you are interested in, you won't need to apply again but you can amend your application by...
Show detailsIf we don’t have a dog for you right now, we’ll keep your application open for three months and keep you in mind for any new dogs that arrive. If within this time you see another dog you are interested in, you won't need to apply again but you can amend your application by calling us on 0303 003 0000 or visiting your local rehoming centre.
- 5
When we find a match, we’ll invite you to meet them
If we’ve found a dog who seems right for you, we’ll invite you to come and meet them at the rehoming centre.
Some of the dogs in our care will need to meet potential owners several times to get to know one another. This lets us see you’re compatible and gives you...
Show detailsIf we’ve found a dog who seems right for you, we’ll invite you to come and meet them at the rehoming centre.
Some of the dogs in our care will need to meet potential owners several times to get to know one another. This lets us see you’re compatible and gives you the chance to build a bond before making a commitment to give them a new home. By taking some time at the beginning to make sure everyone’s comfortable, an adoption is more likely to be successful.
We may also arrange a home visit with you, to see how your house will be set up and check that the garden (if you have one) is secure. This may not be necessary, though, especially if you’ve adopted from us before. Where you already have dogs, we may accept a reference from your vet as an alternative.
- 6
If we haven’t found the right match, we’ll continue the search together
If we haven’t found the right dog for you within three months, we’ll let you know your application is closed. We’ll invite you to apply again so we have up-to-date information about you, and we’ll keep looking.
- 7
We’ll support you to embark on a new life with your dog
When we’ve matched you with a dog, we’ll help you welcome them to your home. After adoption we’ll keep in touch to see how you and the dog are doing. If you need any advice or support, we’re just a phone call away.
With our free behaviour support, our Canine Care...
Show detailsWhen we’ve matched you with a dog, we’ll help you welcome them to your home. After adoption we’ll keep in touch to see how you and the dog are doing. If you need any advice or support, we’re just a phone call away.
With our free behaviour support, our Canine Care Card and more, we’re here to support you and your dog for as long as you need us.
Key information
Opening hours
Open for pre-arranged appointments only.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access
The majority of public areas of this centre are wheelchair accessible, but some areas may require assistance.Hearing loop
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More useful information
Discover more about this dogs needs and how you might be able to support them should your rehoming application be successful.
Introducing your new dog or puppy to your current dog
