Margate

I need an experienced adult only home with no visiting children. I would prefer to be an only dog, though may be able to live with a calm female. I’m active and would love a large, secure garden with 6ft+ fences. I have lots of energy and need an active home that loves adventures. I can resource guard and will need adopters who can manage this. I’m fully vaccinated and neutered. I have received treatment for an ear infection. Meet Margate - Our Clever, Charismatic Underdog Still Waiting for His Big Break Margate has now spent over 2 and a half years in kennels. That’s over 900 days of waiting. Waiting while thousands of people have walked past his kennel. Waiting while his friends have come and gone. Waiting for someone to truly see him. Everyone here adores Margate - he’s smart, affectionate, and bursting with personality. But love from staff isn’t the same as a forever home, and Margate is more than ready for his next chapter. Since staying with us, Margate has received a dental treatment and had a cyst removed from his back left leg. So, Who Is Margate? Margate came to us from a breeder in November 2023. He's incredibly intelligent, loves a challenge, and will do absolutely anything for a tasty treat. He picks up tricks like lightning - he knows “sit”, “paw” and “speak” and he’s always ready to learn more. He thrives when his brain is engaged and would be an excellent candidate for scent work or activities like cani-cross (on-lead only!). He’s been described as one of the smartest dogs we’ve ever worked with. He's vocal, a bit cheeky, and loves to tell us when it’s breakfast time - you can hear his excited barks all the way from the car park. He may come off as bouncy and bold, but beneath the surface, Margate is a sensitive soul who, sadly, has been let down by humans before. He can get worried easily, especially in overwhelming environments like the vet, where he becomes a bit of a puddle of anxiety (though he's muzzle-trained and manages with support). What Kind of Home Does Margate Need? Margate does require a very specific kind of home, and we won’t sugar-coat it - he’s not a “starter dog.” He needs: An adult-only home with no children (resident or visiting). A pet-free home - no cats or small furries. Margate would prefer to be the only dog and would be more manageable if he were, but a female dog that doesn't challenge him on things he guards could work too. A family who is experienced and committed to setting boundaries. A safe, secure area for walks (Margate must remain on-lead due to his prey drive). A quiet room in the house where he can decompress, sleep, and feel safe if visitors come or you need to pop out. Margate is possessive around food, toys, and bedding, likely stemming from insecurity in his past. These behaviours are manageable - we’ll give guidance - but his adopters will need to understand and work with him, never punish or push him beyond his limits. Setting him up for success is the key. What You’ll Get in Return Margate will test you - not because he's difficult, but because he's clever, spirited, and sensitive. But once you have his trust, you’ll have a bond that’s unbreakable. You’ll get: A walking buddy who could go for miles. A training partner who makes you feel like the smartest dog trainer alive. A goofy, snuggly, loyal companion who’ll fill your home with character. A dog who will change your life - and whose life you’ll change too. Why Has He Waited So Long? Because Margate isn’t a dog you can bring home on a whim. He’s for someone extraordinary. Someone who sees past the behaviours and looks into his big, soulful eyes and says, “I’ve got you now.” Margate has come so far during his time with us - he’s learned manners, made friends, gained confidence, and shown us the incredible potential he holds. But he deserves so much more than life in a kennel, no matter how much we love him. Margate is not for everyone, but if he’s for you - truly for you - then you are in for the most rewarding journey. He’ll love you with his whole heart, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without him. If you think you could be his person, please don’t wait another day. Margate’s forever is long overdue. Let’s not make him wait another year. Margate will need more than one meet and greet with his prospective adopters to allow him time to build a bond and feel comfortable with them before being adopted.