Toby is a special needs boy. He is urinary incontinent and we have tried everything to solve this for about a year now, but simply can't come up with a solution. We work with his problem by having him wear a belly band with maxi-pads when he is inside. It works quite well and he doesn't seem to mind it.
Howdy, My name is Toby! I am a pretty laid back boy, unless I start getting excited about chasing the squirrels in the back yard. I like to hang out inside where it's cool when it heats up outside. I can sleep all night long in my foster home with their other female Mal. That little girl and I get along just fine and like to play, even though she is a pip squeak compared to me (check out my videos). I tip the scales at about 85 lbs. and I'm tall. Perfect height for checking out what's up on the counters. But I don't counter surf - just a little sniff is all.
My foster mom is working on teaching me some basic commands, since I haven't had much education. I've learned "sit" and "stay" and have to do both before I dive into my meals. "Down" is a little harder, but if I know there is a treat in for me, I'll comply. My foster mom knows I'm smart and just a little stubborn, too.
I get really excited when it's time to go for a walk. My foster mom doesn't think I've had much experience walking on leash - I do tend to pull and weave. But I've been working on "loose leash" walking which is really hard, but I'm doing pretty well with it so far. I wear a Halti head halter like a horse and I don't mind it. I do get super excited when I hear or see another dog. My foster mom doesn't think it's necessarily an aggressive response - she thinks I'm bascially leash "reactive". Whatever the case, you will need to keep working with me on my walking skills and dog reactivity or you will definitely get a bicep workout!
I've been told I have the most beautiful howl and gorgeous eyes that can melt your heart. I'm also quite the talker and my foster parents call me Chewbacca when I talk. I wonder who that is? I like to give kisses and love nibbles and follow the humans around in the house. I also love to greet new people! I'm house trained and have learned not to beg for food when the humans eat. I would love to spend time in my new home with a friendly playful female companion. If you'd like a gentle giant to be your best friend, please look me up!
Notes from Toby's foster mom: I've been working with Toby every day using clicker training to help him learn to walk with a loose leash and also to redirect his attention when he hears or sees another dog. I've discovered that Toby is mostly leash reactive when other dogs are involved. If he is off leash and able to meet non-reactive dogs through a fence or kennel wall, he doesn't react and could likely get along with a number of dogs. However, it's hard to try him out with other dogs when he's on leash. Whoever adopts Toby will need to keep working with him on his leash walking skills and his reactivity.
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STATUS/LOCATION: Available - Special Needs. In foster care, Boise, ID. Please contact Katy - kt@moonsongmals.org - for more information about Toby.
