Bandit is funny, goofy, happy, playful, and eager to be a good boy. He is a young dog that basically grew up in the shelter and is only just now learning what it is like to be part of a family and is doing great! He is a very handsome boy and for all his bravado he still needs someone he can trust through first experiences. Bandit was literally saved from the jaws of death and we are so glad he was because he will make someone a wonderful companion. He is a mid-sized dog weighing just over 45 lbs and is approximately 8 - 10 months old.
Here is what Bandit's foster family had to say about him:
Bandit could also be named Shadow or Dennis the Menace. He is young and puppy-like in his demeanor but is sturdy and tough physically. He is very curious and gets into everything but is easily corrected. Left on his own he still doesn’t know what behavior is acceptable so he still needs to be supervised. He is a bit clumsy and will trip and does a face plant as he runs to you when called. He constantly trips on the stairs but obviously had never encountered them before as the first time going down was a bit traumatic for him. We went down on a leash and after that he was fine – he learns quickly. He doesn’t go on the furniture even though he would be allowed to – I had to coax him into a chair to take a picture. He sleeps on his own bed, quietly, through the night in the bedroom.
He is a medium sized dog, and weighs 47 lbs. He is very cute and really has a wonderful sense of humor. He is a loveable dog but he needs slow introductions to some people and needs a soft touch. He has zero aggression towards people and cats but will play rough with dogs that play rough with him.
He loves people (women and children especially – slow to warm up to men). He is so happy when he is with people he knows and trusts. He approaches women and children cautiously at first but once he is your friend he adores you. He may have had a rough start with men as he does cower and sometimes growls when approached, but there is absolutely no aggression in him – he is just frightened. I think it is safe to say that a male has hurt him in the past, but he is so eager to trust and be good that a slow approach will be completely successful.
Bandit is great with other dogs and takes nothing personally. He can be rough and tumble with the more dominant dogs and plays happily with the gentler dogs. He is curious with the cats, sniffing them and then generally leaving them alone. He is perfectly fine with dog savvy cats but if a cat chooses to run from him he will run after them. Our dog savy cat walks on him as a short-cut and he doesn’t care, but our other cat is fine until she starts to run for some reason and then he does chase her. He would be great as a second or third dog as he takes his cues from the dogs in the house and learns the routine from them.
I am trying to get him to use a crate as his happy place, but he is wary of it. He doesn’t like the crate but will go in if guided. So far I am leaving his food in there with the door open at all times. I have put treats in his bowl and put him in the crate and closed the gate with success. He settles nicely and doesn’t make a sound, but he does need an activity or something to chew on or he will chew the bedding.
Bandit is still a puppy in many ways and will need further obedience training. He doesn’t seem to have separation anxiety but he may need more time to be completely trustworthy in the house. I would recommend crating him during absences and working up to freedom once he can be fully trusted.
Bandit is leery of everything for the first time and then once it has been a good experience he is fine. He loves to play with the other dogs or lie at your feet. He likes to chew toys, and he loves belly rubs. He has moderate energy with the occasional bout of hyper activity with the other dogs. He is generally quiet in the house and picks up on the energy level of the household.
Bandit comes when called (unless totally distracted), sits on command, gives a paw and will do a reasonable job of stay. He is housetrained but is not vocal about his need to go outside so he has to be watched. I am hoping he will learn from the other dogs to be vocal about going outside as right now he just waits quietly by the door. He rides well in the car. He is fine on the leash but has never been taught to walk in a heel position. He does pull a bit and may do better with a gentle leader. Further leash training I’m sure would also correct the problem.
Bandit is mostly very good. He just needs to know the boundaries and what is expected of him. He instantly backs off when told “no”, and given a toy as an alternative to whatever he is doing.
He would do better if there are females in the house and as a second dog for company. He hangs out with the other dogs and learns from them. I am sure he would be happy as an only dog if someone was home with him during the day. I don’t think he would do well as an only dog left on his own during the day as he is very social and just loves to be in the same room as his chosen person. He is very sweet, happy and loyal.
If you think Bandit would be a good choice for your situation, please visit our website at http://uglymutts.com and submit an application for consideration.
