| Opi grew up rough in the Painted Cave area of Santa Barbara County. He experienced severe neglect and lacks some social skills. Orphaned, his human Mom and Dad died of illness in Sept. and Oct. of 2008. They left no provisions for him or his brother. His ideal environment is a ranch or home with private yard, and little to no interaction with other dogs. He is terrified of other dogs, including his brother and get in fights out of fear. We have consulted trainers and an animal communicator to and reach this conclusion. Happily, he’s making great progress in his socialization. View Opi’s reading by the pet psychic at www.theanimalstribune.com/2008/12/bullet_opi_urgently_need_a_home.shtml. Opi is one of two six yr. old Chocolate Labrador/Doberman brothers who grew up together. At birth Opi was sickly. He is third generation of a pure bred Doberman, who died at 12, giving birth to him. His brother Bullet, was bigger than Opi, and would commandeer the food. Fighting ensued between two. Their human parents did not intervene. They grew up like Lord of the Flies, tearing each other apart for years without veterinary care. Opi was often starving. They became fear aggressive. A fence was built down the center of the yard to keep them separate. Bullet was kept in house frequently and received more of the attention and food. Bullet stayed at home with Mom. Opi passed the Santa Ynez Humane Society Behavior Evaluation Test with flying colors on September 8th, 2008 and was neutered at that time.
Opi gets along best with dogs smaller than himself in the home. He likes boarder collies and toy dogs. He has a tendency to fight with in-tack males, big dogs and dogs approaching him because he's scared. He is still learning another dog may instigate play by running up and has improved immensely! He can be walked on a leash in close proximity of other dogs if monitored closely.
He is house trained. Opi has been fostered in a home with a 13 yr. old female Chihuahua mix, 15 yr. old female terrier mix and a cat. And, in another foster home with a 5 yr. old male Chihuahua and a cat. Opi craves affection, is extremely intelligent and very loving! He responds quickly to training. He sits and lays down on command. And, loves eggs and bananas! His parents have been feeding him eggs since he was a pup. He is quite athletic and runs like the wind! His Dad worked construction 7 days a week. Opi’s daily activity generally consisted of riding to a job site to get tied up or sit in the car. He loves chasing the birds at the beach, although we don’t know if he’d ever been to the beach before. He’s never been walked before his parents passed away. Opi trains regularly in leash walking. He likes to walk on the leash, gets very curious and may pull.
Local Lab rescue states they cannot help at this time. Low-kill and no-kill shelters are full to capacity. Please give him the second chance at happiness. He has a heart of Gold. Are you the Alpha Dog he’s been dreaming of? He can’t wait to show off his handsome physique, sprinting techniques! |
