A Spanish Mastiff cross who had to wear a muzzle daily and was once described as untouchable now enjoys plenty of cuddles.
Timmy, a stray dog from Spain, had to be muzzled for his own and others' safety.
The five-year-old was found roaming the streets of Valencia when he was picked up by a rescue centre who unfortunately locked him in a cage for six months.
When he first came to the UK, Timmy was stressed and soon shut down which led to him feeling the need to protect himself against anything he took a dislike to, including some other dogs.
Paula, Timmy’s current owner, explained to TeamDogs the impact of his behaviour at first.
“His behaviour meant that he had to be muzzled for his safety and the safety of people.
“It caused a lot of judgement from neighbours, other passers-by and dog walkers. I had to walk him in quiet areas at quiet times of day and had to keep him away from other dogs and people, meaning I couldn't have visitors in the house unless they were family members.”
Now, with the help of Dawn Cassar from Pawsitively Does it, Timmy is calm and happy, even being able to make new friends in different environments.
Dawn used ethical and compassionate training methods to help soothe Timmy, including allowing him to settle at his own pace at all stages of the training.
Home training sessions were used to help teach Timmy about his new life in the country and what behaviour was expected from him.
The 40-year-old from Fazakerley explained how “building Timmy’s trust was the key to him realising he didn’t need to guard himself or others.”
Timmy even enjoys the company of seven-month-old Betty who was welcomed into their home last March.
Before that, he had made friends with Mitzi, a rescued Rottweiler who sadly died.
At first, Paula was sceptical of removing the muzzle, she said: “I was nervous but learning to trust him more and read his signals better every day.
“His behaviour has so far improved from where it was, I am still shocked that we have come this far so quickly.
“I don't allow people to approach him or touch him unless he is familiar with them as I will never forget his past behaviour and his breed traits, but he is safe to be in the company of other people and dogs now.”
Had Timmy not been rescued, it was thought he was going to be sold for meat as the rescue centres in Spain are under-funded with limited resources.
Even when he was coming to his new loving home in the UK, Timmy was shipped “like freight” onto a bus and ferry where he was not allowed to go outside eve for the toilet, across 27 long hours.
Dawn explained that that procedure in itself is enough to damage any dog.
“A dog that has been bred to herd sheep and goats and protect property in the Spanish mountains and then has to adjust to UK life as a pet is going to struggle.
“They have had their job taken away from them and they are put in an alien situation. They have to relearn all of their life skills to adjust to living in an actual house. Everything is alien to them.”
Dawn wants anyone considering buying a livestock guardian dog to remember that they aren’t for everyone.
She explained: “They are not a dog for the novice owner and sadly many find themselves in need of a home or rescue when they start doing the job they were bred for and owners cannot cope with the behaviours.
“When you understand the breed and the genetic traits training is possible but doing your research and knowing exactly what you would be up against is recommended."
