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My name is Gus!

Posted over 11 years ago

My basic info

Breed
Border Collie
Color
Black
Age
Puppy
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
Sex
Male
Pet ID

My details

Checkmark in teal circle Good with kids
Checkmark in teal circle Good with dogs
Checkmark in teal circle Good with cats
Checkmark in teal circle Shots current
Checkmark in teal circle Spayed / Neutered
Checkmark in teal circle Housetrained

My story

Here's what the humans have to say about me:

Looking for a wonderfully sweet, fun, levelheaded pup? Here he is! Meet Gus! Gus is a young not even year old Border Collie mix who is charming, clever, and incredibly kind and easygoing… and this goodgood boy does his very best to roll with the punches. Gus came from a situation where he was bought to be a working dog on a cattle ranch. However, the rancher was not familiar with working dogs and did not know how to train or work with Gus; poor little Gus spent his whole life “in trouble” for not knowing what he was never taught. The rancher realized that it was not a good working relationship and in his frustration he was becoming a bit abusive towards Gus. He did not want this to continue and when WBCR offered to take Gus in he readily agreed.

While Gus may not be the flashiest guy in town, he is the kind of guy that your mother always told you to have as a best friend! Warm, loving, undemanding, and good to the very core of his puppy dog heart, Gus will excel as a best friend and constant companion and will give much more than he will ever ask in return. Though not very flashy and lacking “chrome”, Gus is incredibly beautiful on the outside and more importantly, where it counts: on the inside. As Gus gets showered with love in his foster home and comes to understand that he is not always in trouble, his confidence is increasing and he is flashing his cute little doggie smile more and more and wagging his cute little rump - his whole body gets into the action when he is happy!

Gus is very interested in humans – he’s quite a people dog – and he is quick to warm up to new people. He enjoys a good ear scratching and all the loving you are willing to send his way! Gus is particularly amazing with kids. He is very gentle and follows his foster family’s three year old grandson around like “Lassie”, gently takes food from the 17 month old - but only when offered - and loves to lick the toes of the 4 month old granddaughter who giggles uncontrollably! We think he would love living in a home with children. With such a warm personality it is no wonder that Gus also does very well with other dogs. He is playful and loves to romp and wrestle with any dog who is willing. He tries hard to initiate play, but knows his boundaries and does not pester – just begs – other dogs to join in a good wrestling match. Gus also loves to go on long walks and hikes. He is athletic and appears to be as healthy as the proverbial horse! He is a great
running companion, but doesn’t ‘crave’ the run – he craves being with his people and if they are running he will run, too. Gus is juststarting to show interest in toys. Both of his parents are apparently excellent working dogs and while we suspect that Gus has good herding instinct; he would definitely need some patient work to teach him that herding is not a scary thing and that he will not always be yelled at and in trouble. So far, the only thing we have seen is that he will on occasion chase horses if they are running and playing, but calls off easily. He is living peaceably with cats in his foster home. Overall, Gus is a moderate energy guy who is always ready for a romp and will need a good chunk of exercise daily to be happiest and at his best.

This cutie pie is a fast learner and is already house trained, crate trained, knows a few of the basics, and has good recall. Because this poor kiddo could not please his former owner no matter what he did, he is a bit hesitant to try new things…but once he realizes that you will praise him when he does well, and not treat him harshly when he makes a mistake, he becomes putty in your hands! Using positive and gentle tactics, Gus is excited to learn new things. He does not have any bad manners or issues (other than perhaps those to do with herding) to overcome; he just needs to know that he can live his life without fear of constantly being punished. Some confidence building is in order with this sweet young chap! Like a lot of young smart dogs, he will also benefit having adopters who will offer him direction. A family who will be patient, understanding and kind while still setting clear, consistent and fair boundaries – and who have the time and energy to train him in all the basics - will be best for Gus.

All in all, Gus is a pup that can grow up to be the dog we all dream of. Due to his sweet and easygoing nature, Gus is suitable to lots of different kinds of situations, including busy households with children. He will shine as part of an active family who will give him security, make him part of their lives, and love love love him. And what’s not to love?? Gus is a total gem. If you are looking for a pup with all the makings of a superstar canine companion, don’t pass this
boy by. Gus may be the one you are looking for!

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