Tuck Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler Gloucester, MA

Tuck
Gloucester Massachusetts

Before applying to adopt Tuck please read his bio. I want you to have as much information as I can give you.

Tuck is a beautiful 2 yr old neutered male, 60 to 65 lbs, up to date on vaccinations and medications, HW negative and micro chipped. He has the most beautiful caramel eyes I've ever seen.
If you've been looking for a new best friend, hiking buddy, here he is!

Tuck has been with me since the first week in June. Over that period of time his anxiety issues have decreased. He was a bit intimidating until I really got to know him. They say dogs do speak to those who listen, and when you open yourself up to that, Tuck will let you know when he's overstimulated, overwhelmed, or just needs a break. He knows what take a break means and will head to his crate.
I don't feel as if Tuck has had a lot of attention, I think he was put out during the day and crated at night. He definitely hasn't had a lot of socialization.
Tuck does very well in his crate all night, we have never had any accidents, only the death of a few dog beds when he was bored. He won't do well crated for more than a few hrs at a time during the day. He needs someone with a lot of time and patience. It could take a few months for him to really let his guard down and show you how genuine and gentle he truly is.

I dislike when someone states no children but there is a reason I have to say NO children, I haven't had my grandson over since Tuck arrived.
Tuck coexists with my other dogs, with a lot of crate shuffling but would be better as an only dog, he definitely doesn't like male dogs and has a bond with my non aggressive female, the overly friendly and whom play aggressively, he doesn't get on with. Believe me, you won't have time for another dog, he will keep you very active and entertained. Given his anxiety topped off with all the heeler traits you will have your hands full. He is exceptionally intelligent and learns commands quickly but you need to know when he's had enough for awhile. Slow training and consistency is the best strategy with Tuck.
I am not a trainer, just a simple foster mom and I believe he would greatly benefit from a behaviorist and would like someone willing to hire a trainer for him. Tuck has so much potential and can be exceptional. I believe his meds may have to be adjusted over time so regular vetting is important.

Tuck loves to play fetch with the extra large squeaky kong tennis balls, tug of war and his doggie pool. He is housebroken, crate trained, comes when he is called and we are working on basic commands. When he comes in from outside he will go directly to his crate and wait for instructions.
Tuck can be a giant teddy Bear with the right handler(s), thinks he's a lap dog but he is definitely people selective, if he chooses you, you'll have a lifetime of unconditional love and commitment.

Tuck is from West Virginia where he was surrendered for killing chickens. I honestly think he did this out of boredom, but I can't guarantee that. So NO chickens, cats or small animals.Tuck is fascinated by planes flying over the house, its like he never saw one.
Unfortunately that's all the back information available on him. The shelter environment was not ideal for Tuck. He developed severe anxiety issues, starting chasing and mutilating his tail which was amputated before he headed to New England.
Tuck has triggers, the sound of keys rattling or anything that sounds like a chain can send him into a tail spin so I like to show him what the noise was, I'll lay things down on the floor so he can investigate them. He doesn't like his crate completely covered so I only cover the back half and I try to do it when he's not watching, something about it is another trigger. Maybe darkness or fear of being alone?
I love this dog and he is nothing but a gentle giant to me. Unfortunately he doesn't feel the same about other household members. I seem to be the only one in the home he has attached to so I'm never away for more than a few hrs. Tuck is very protective of his person.

Tuck will need a fenced yard where no ne can sneak up on him, he is NOT a dog for the family barbecue or dog park without extensive training.

Tuck will need stress free decompression time to get used to his new environment. He is on anti anxiety medication and will need to continue these. I believe as Tuck settles in to a quieter home his anxiety issues will decrease as they have been doing here.
Tuck is quick to attach to his person and wants nothing more than to be with you, he loves hugs and belly rubs.
Please watch out for loud noise like thunderstorms, he definitely doesn't like them and will head to his safe place, his crate. Tuck dosen't like to be out in the dark alone, even though he has a safe, fenced yard I still accompany him.
Tuck will require several meet and greets to insure he is comfortable with his potential adopter(s).
Tuck will need sedation and a muzzle for vet visits.
I know the perfect place is out there for Tuck.
Do you have the time, patience and understanding that Tuck would require?


Tuck is fostered in Gloucester Massachusetts.
If you have any questions about Tuck please reach out to his foster mom:
Shelleynugent@msn.com

You can see more of Tuck here:
https://www.facebook.com/dingodowneast/

Complete an Application:
https://www.acdra.org/adoption-application