Jem - 18 month old Collie fostered in Leeds

Jem is a stunning 18 month old Merle Collie and is currently on foster in Leeds.

The Jem Fact File

Dog status: Jem loves other dogs but gets over-excited when meeting new ones
Cat status: Jem is living with 2 old, sedentary cats but will chase and nip moving cats
Child status: Could be rehomed with older dog savvy teenagers
House training: Perfect
Home alone: Jem is crate trained and can be left happily for short periods.
Basic training: Jem has lovely manners and is very responsive at home but is easily distracted when out and about.

Jem is a gorgeous dog who has tonnes of personality and character to go with his striking looks. He is a lean, leggy collie with expressive amber coloured eyes and a very distinctive coat that gets him a lot of attention. He has been described as ‘a dog designed by Tim Burton!’



Jem loves people and is a very tactile dog who trusts everybody. He adores being stroked, cuddled and massaged and bonds very quickly. New people are fab but too exciting so controlled introductions keep adrenaline levels low and set up the meeting for success. When guests arrive he is normally in his crate or at least on a lead and can then be introduced once everyone is in and settled. His aim then is normally to climb onto everyone’s knees, or throw himself on the floor at feet for tummy rubs!
He would not be suitable to live with children as they are too exciting, but visiting children are fine. It is sensible to have Jem in a crate with children in the house except when supervised and on a lead. Jem will happily settle in his bed and watch children playing around him. With calm children Jem is very loving and affectionate.



Jem is living happily with 2 young dogs. Introductions to new dogs need to be managed carefully because Jem gets very excited about new dogs and forgets his self-control. He expects that every dog will be his friend and be happy to be bounced on. He needs to be kept on a longline when out walking as he will forget his recall if he sees another dog. Once he has got to know a dog he can behave sensibly and loves to play. Jem does need to be walked on his own because he needs a lot of work on his excited behaviour when going out and about.



Jem is a young dog who found himself in the pound at approx 8 months old having had little positive interactions in the past. When first in his foster home, he was very difficult to manage and has needed a lot of work. He became OTT very quickly and did not have any self-control or ability to deal with frustration. He was destructive, would run in circles and would grab at anything with his teeth and rip clothing. He had never been taught that you cannot grab and nip at people in this way. We suspect that during puppyhood he had been seriously wound up and not taught manners and self-control, then as he got bigger and less manageable he was shut away. All these behaviours have now faded into the past, but there will always be the potential for them to re-emerge, therefore Jem needs a home with people who understand him and will help him to stay calm. His crate is important as it works as an ‘off switch’ He will settle and nod off in his crate within minutes if he has been getting too wound up. As you get to know Jem, it is easy to spot when he needs a little time out. He is still a very young dog, and growing up in the right environment will also help a lot.



New things can worry Jem, though not always the things you’d expect. He hides from a microwave, but does not care one jot about fireworks! When worried, he looks to his humans for reassurance and likes to press against their legs. With this comfort, he is then usually happy to investigate. He has never shown aggression and isn’t possessive over toys or food. He travels well and settles easily in the car and is good at the vets. He will need a secure garden. Jem is crate trained and can be left in his crate happily if he has a roast knuckle or something to chew. He would not be suitable for a full time worker as he needs further work and long periods of time could result in him reaching an over excited state on their return. He is a “destuffer” as well so needs to be kept away from cushions when left for periods of time!



Jem is a great dog to live with now; very loving and affectionate and interested in everything around him. A happy little soul and very devoted to people. Going out and about still needs work as it is too exciting for him and this needs to be built up slowly. Any new home must understand his past and be aware that he still needs help to stay in a relaxed state. Because of this, we feel he needs a calm home with someone who will understand him and will help him continue on his path towards being a fabulous companion and lifelong friend.



All Hope Rescue dogs are neutered (if over 6 months), vaccinated, flea treated, wormed and micro-chipped prior to adoption. If a puppy is not old enough to be neutered then this must be carried out at the owner’s expense when old enough, and the relevant form completed by the vet and returned to Hope Rescue. A homecheck will be required, and you will need to come and meet the dog with your own dogs and family. Hope Rescue rehomes throughout the UK.