Dexter

I'm looking for my forever home. Could you be my perfect match?

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Gender
Ref ID
3645485
Size
Living off site
Yes

Are you right for Dexter?

Say hello to Dexter! This lively boy is a working line Labrador who is always on the go. Dexter is a busy boy who is looking for experienced owners who can give him the mental and physical stimulation he needs. Dexter has come from a loving home environment and knows some basic training, but will need his adopter to continue this with him. Dexter is a very clever boy but can become easily over aroused and struggle to know what to do next, showing his boisterous side. Dexter is looking for a home with secondary school aged children who are comfortable around and have experience with large bouncy dogs. Dexter is a friendly boy meeting new people and other dogs but can forget his manners. He does love to play with other dogs but will need his doggy friends to match his energy and playstyle. Dexter could live with another dog pending a meet at the centre. Dexter LOVES his food in true lab style, and loves when he get extra tasty snacks like yoghurt, blueberries, apples and strawberries! He can settle well with a long lasting treat like a frozen kong or natural chew. Out on walks Dexter is strong on lead and will need an adopter able to manage this. He is not used to getting off lead but sometimes used a longline to practice recall. Dexter would love to have walks close to his home as he can be unsettled in the car, longer journeys will need to be built up. Dexter has previously had an injury and requires careful management of his exercise going forward. His favourite spots for walks are forests with lots of smells or somewhere he can dip his paws in the water. Dexter loves to be close to his people in the house but is very clear about when he wants affection. He would prefer for his family to be home most of the time to keep him entertained, but once he is settled in he could be left home alone for short periods. AWE licence number 13090 by West Lothian Council.

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A black labrador lying down behind a transparent background

Lifespan

typically 10+ years

Shedding

Short length with heavy shedding

How our rehoming process works

  1. 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. 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 you...
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    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 you a match.

  3. 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. 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 details

    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 calling us on 0303 003 0000 or visiting your local rehoming centre.

  5. 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 the chance...
    Show details

    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 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. 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. 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 Card and...
    Show details

    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 Card and more, we’re here to support you and your dog for as long as you need us.

Key information

Location

West Calder (Edinburgh)BentyheadWest CalderWest LothianEH55 8LE
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Opening hours

We’re open for general browsing on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 12–4pm. Wednesday and Friday mornings are by pre-arranged appointment only.

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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.

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