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My basic info
Breed
American Bulldog
Color
White - with Brown or Chocolate
Age
Young
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Needs experienced adopter
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Jackson has become a fixture with us at Barlee's. He's not an easy dog to place and while we've had continual inquiries and interest in him, he's not the dog for just anyone. Jackson came to us at 7 months of age and at that time his very strong personality was apparent. The assessment done at that time has proven to be very accurate (read it here http://tinyurl.com/bbn7sp). He's a boisterous, friendly yet confident and at times cocky guy who needs to be handled hands off; out-thought, not outmuscled. He has worn out several fosters and adoptors who have agreed to handle him under out direction, and ended up using hands-on methods, which do not work for him. He was returned by his first adoptor when we found out that training methods were being used that are not in line with how they'd agreed to handle Jackson, and were not humane (jerking hard on prong collars and unrealistic expectations). He was returned from a second adoptor as well despite doing well there - the wife, who has been told clearly that this is a big, energetic, loud, in your face, seemed to think they could 'cure' him. These things are Jackson's unique personality and not very changable.
Jackson is very very smart, and has an amazing ability to quickly read people. He can and will be a bull in a china shop with people who cannot command his respect. He's still a dog who will keep you on your toes, as he's always testing to see if yesterday's rules apply today. He is a lot of dog but he also has many great qualities - he is great with other dogs (clashed with one dog he fostered with, but the foster parent even acknowledged their dog routinely instigated fights), has fostered with cats (will chase them if they run), and loves people. He has the ability to read other dogs and adjusts his play with smaller or more fragile dogs. He has come a long way with jumping up and mouthing - a big problem when he was as young as 7 months old, and 86 lbs. Jackson is extremely trainable, but needs someone who is smarter than him and who will give him motivation to want to do as asked. He can sit, come, down, off, wait, and his house manners are much improved. He is good in the crate but has had periods where he'll bark, and has engaged in excessive barking as an attention-seeking behavior. He is the only dog in 10 years we've ever OK'ed to have an electronic collar used on for barking (self-correcting, not remote controlled, low setting) as his barking was that bad at one point, and neither behavior modification methods nor a citronella collar had any effect. This is NOT a standard tool we use but it was a last resort as his barking had become out of control, and he does not kennel well. It did work, and he seems to have for the most part gotten out of the habit since then - wearing it with no batteries is a good option if he were to start with the barking again. He loves to swim and has a very good recall.
Overall he's a great dog - just a lot of dog. Most of his fosters have thoroughly enjoyed him; some have been exhausted by him. He will be a great dog for someone who understands training and behavior, and who likes "dog dogs", but he is not for the faint of heart. He is very much a "Dennis the Menace" personality. If you think you can offer Jackson the forever home he deserves after close to 2 years in rescue, please fill out an application.
To fill out an adoption application, visit http://www.barlees.org
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