Tommy is a great family dog and will do well in many situations. He is a sweet, loving, calm and eager to please dog. He would do best with older children and someone that would be willing to continue his training and socialization although he is already a very well behaved and confident pet. His foster family says that he brings a sense of "calm and happiness" to their home. Tommy is approximately 2 - 3 years old and currently weighs 55 lbs.
Here is what Tommy's foster family had to say:
Tommy is a large breed dog that is so chilled you have no doubt about the “Retriever” in him. He is gentle but playful, whether he’s playing with a little dog or more rambunctious with someone his size. He so wants to be part of the family but understands that his bed is beside the couch, not on it! He is smart, quick to learn and just wants to please. He has his “little voice” and his “Big” voice, like he knows when he shouldn’t be barking but can’t help it. He is laid back and not high maintenance. If he could cuddle with you on the couch with his head in your lap he would. He’s happy to see you when you get home and greets you with that curly tail wagging and big sloppy kisses. He is smart, easily trained and sticks by your side. His recall is good and he is great on leash and car rides. You have a friend for life in Tommy!
Tommy is healthy, is now on a schedule and empties his bowl during feed time. He drinks and goes out to do his business, pretty much on a schedule. Teeth are clean, eyes are bright and doesn’t smell. Tommy is moderate to low energy level, he doesn’t get overly excited and outside, on or off leash, he stays close by. He does like to chase our cattle dog but doesn’t last long.
He is very friendly and trusting, looking for attention from every family member. Has not been tested with children. When meeting new people he takes his cue from you, approaches timidly and waits for approval. Very well mannered. He is great with our family (Leopold and Pixie) and there doesn’t seem to be any jealously. We do not have cats and I haven’t taken him off property yet but his meet with my dogs was amazing.
Tommy seems to understand that you are leaving when put into the crate during the day. He does not like his crate and honestly, I almost feel he can be left out unattended. We are working on making the crate a happy place and he seems to settle better with his bone. His barking is minimal and only if he hears or knows you are in the house. He is timid when hearing loud noises, but as I don’t think he’s lived inside much its usually busyness in the kitchen etc which makes him restless. He is now settling and getting better with relaxing and finding a spot where he isn’t underfoot. His favorite thing is to sit outside at your back door or porch and watch the comings and goings. He has his voices; 1 bark= come play with me, low growl ending with a bark= sees something outside, low throaty whine with a quiet bark consistently= let me out of the crate. He’s like a baby trying to tell you what’s up…its endearing. His whining in his crate at bedtime is about 5 mins long but getting better.
Tommy has the best manners….he understands “NO” and will back off when you’re eating. He doesn’t seem to be food oriented but does like his treats. There has been no evidence of wanting to chew. He has very few commands; sit. He has learnt stay in 1 week and his recall is hit and miss. Outside he comes immediately but in the house he will not come to you if he thinks he’s in trouble or has to go to his crate, though he is improving. I keep his short leash on him for those occasions. He is fully house trained, he will go to the back door and gently paw the door to tell you he wants out. The crate training is improving. We are feeding him in the crate and he’s been left alone in the crate a couple of times for about 4-5 hours with a bone to chew. He will not go into the crate without some coaxing and the most difficult time is at night though he does settle. He waits for you to come and get him in the morning and doesn’t bark in the morning anymore. It’s usually around 6 am when the household is up and about. I am at a point now that I don’t think it necessary for him to be crated at night and I think he would be much happier sleeping with his furry friends. He is fun to walk as he doesn’t pull. He has shown that he will take off on a scented trail but will come back and not pull. He has not been exposed at this point to other situations; walking on street, cars/other dogs/etc though I believe he can be corrected easily. He stays close by and does not run out the door, in fact you have to give him a little nudge so he knows its ok to step out. He is good in the car.
Tommy is a perfect companion dog, calm, willing to learn and please. He’s loves his people and four footed friends alike and is very social. He brings a vibe of calmness and happiness into your home. Being low maintenance he would do well in a multitude of environments, loves to run and play but not for very long and stretches out on the floor to sleep after a good walk.
If you would like to make Tommy part of your family, please submit an application for consideration.
