James - male/neutered - young (approx. 1 1/2 - 2 years of age) - Lab/Pitt Bull mix best guess - brindle short coat with breeching on hind legs - 60 pounds
James is lacking one thing only in this world - a bond with his own human(s). And we cannot imagine a greater joy than crossing this one item off his list.
James has been fostered by a trainer, and his skills and manners reflect the loving and positive efforts of his foster mom, and the great responsiveness and aptitudes of James. In fact, seeing him work with her is like watching one of those training videos - the “after” part. James beams with pleasure, and his eyes shine as he proudly demonstrates his repertoire of skills - and then takes his treasured treats as rewards for his excellence. It is very touching to see how happy he is to please, and how gently he takes his treats.
It is especially wonderful to see how earnestly James has undertaken this schooling; when he first came into care, he was green and enthusiastic. Now he is trusting and expectant, and reflects a sweet awareness that he is valued.
James walks extremely well on lead. He is not reactive, and is capable of focus. He is patient, and willing to do whatever is asked of him, even if he is asked to do over again to get it “just right”. Because his training has all been positively based, he expects only good, and he does seem to take great delight in each opportunity he is given to succeed. He is fluent and reliable in a large number of cues, including sit, place, stay, down, wait.
James has an expressive face and open, direct and soft eye contact. He still retains his puppyish enthusiasm, but he has learned self control, and moreover, that his self control is rewarded and admired.
James' real need at this point is to know that he is in a committed home in which he can feel free to bond. He is aware, we believe, that he is a foster dog, and not “someone’s dog”. One of our volunteers recently noted that he seems quite wistful, which may be our own projection, but there is no question that James will shine in a home where he belongs, and can be of purpose.
We do not know how James is with cats or with very small children, so we are recommending James for a home in which children are at least 10 years of age.
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