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About me
Hi, I’m Herbie.
I didn’t get the kind of start in life that any dog deserves. My early world was frightening and unpredictable, and I learned very quickly that I had to protect myself just to feel safe. I’m still carrying those memories with me, but I’m also still here—still trying, still learning, and still hoping that one day life will finally feel different.
I am a sensitive little cocker spaniel boy who is slowly discovering that not all people are scary. Some voices are gentle. Some hands are kind. I’m learning, little by little, that I don’t always have to be on guard.
What I dream of now is simple. A quiet home. Patient people. A safe place where I can finally relax without feeling worried about what might happen next. I don’t need a lot from the world—I just need someone who will go at my pace and let me learn that I am safe.
When I feel secure, I can show my softer side. I enjoy gentle enrichment, training games, and spending calm time with people I trust. I want to bond, I want to love, and I want to belong—I just need the right humans to help me feel safe enough to do that.
I know I come with challenges, but I am trying so hard to become the dog I was always meant to be. I just need someone who won’t give up on me.
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Home Compatibility
Children: No children
Dogs: No dogs in the home – Herbie enjoys the company of other dogs, but doesn’t want to share his home with one
Cats: No cats
Although he loves to play with his doggy pals out on walks, he will guard food and people from other dogs in his home so no dogs, cats or children can live with Herbie. He feels more comfortable with gentle calm men and women. Loud or bigger men he is sadly frightened of.
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Home Alone Time
Comfortable being left: Herbie is good for short periods and is crate trained
Maximum known duration: 3 hours max
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Training and Behaviour
Car Travel: Herbie travels well he likes a crate in the boot
Recall: Herbie has good recall in appropriate environments
Housetrained: Yes
Handling / Behaviour Notes:
Herbie is working hard with his behaviourist to build trust around people. He needs calm, gentle handling and space to retreat when he needs it. He can become overwhelmed if he feels pressured and responds best when people respect his signals and allow him time to process situations.
He is more comfortable with calm, gentle adults and can be fearful of louder or more imposing individuals.
After 6pm, Herbie takes himself off to rest and doesn’t want any interaction. He needs his own space and to be left alone. If disturbed from rest, he can startle and growl, but this is much less now that he is gaining trust in people. If someone leans over him or makes him feel intimidated, he shows clear body language that he isn’t happy and can snap.
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Exercise and Lifestyle
Exercise Requirements: Moderate
Daily exercise needs: Herbie enjoys his walks and exploring in quiet, secure environments where he feels safe and relaxed.
Favourite activities: Training games, learning tricks, retrieving toys, and playing ball with people he trusts.
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Public Places
Cafés, pubs, shops, town centres: Herbie is not comfortable in busy public environments and finds them overwhelming. He is much happier in calm, quiet spaces where he can relax without pressure.
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Behavioural Support
Herbie is currently supported by a behaviourist who will continue to work with him and his adopters for as long as needed. He will need multiple visits to get to know his new home.
He needs a very experienced, understanding home that is committed to following guidance and supporting his ongoing rehabilitation.
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Final Note
Herbie has had humans let him down in the past, but he is still here trying his best and learning to trust again. He is not an easy dog, but he is a special one, and with the right people beside him, he can continue to grow and heal.
We won’t give up on him, and we are looking for someone who feels the same
