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My basic info
Breed
Australian Shepherd
Color
Merle
Age
16 years 3 months old, Young
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
2564
My details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Ace (formerly Abe) is about 16 – 18 months old and needs a new family - again.
He had a rough start in life, before coming to ASF in January. He was a stray in Alabama, high positive heartworm, very scared and with no training or socialization. He craved affection, but any noises (vacuum, blender etc) or strange sights sent him scuttling for cover. He was especially nervous with men.
He has been in foster care in Florida, completed his heartworm treatment in March, worked on obedience and socialization and he learned fast! He was adopted in May by a family that absolutely loved him, and he loved all of them, at first. Unfortunately, they allowed Ace to get too attached to the wife, and he started getting territorial and growling if male visitors came to the house. The behavior was not corrected, and inadvertently rewarded by the wife who petted and tried to “comfort” him! Needless to say, he became more territorial and at the beginning of July he bit the husband. He was returned to his ASF foster the same day. It wasn’t a serious bite, skin not broken and only the one time. He had never been aggressive before being adopted.
Ace needs a new family that are experienced dog owners/trainers, who will work with him, continue to socialize him and gently but firmly remind him of boundaries. He is more reactive toward men than before being adopted, but corrects easily with a firm “no”.
He has always been nervous/shy with strangers, and I think this new aggression is fear based, and correctable. Otherwise he is really great! He is sweet, affectionate, eager to please and very content to be wherever his human is. He walks well on a leash, and plays well at the dog park. He doesn’t know how to play with toys, but does enjoy a chew bone. He is not destructive – unless he gets hold of a paper towel or tissue! He is crate trained, but only in use if foster mom goes out. He is good with other dogs, and with cats. He is really a gentle boy that got off track due to fear and incorrect “training/affirmation”. Thunderstorms etc still scare him, but he is constantly improving with strange sights and sounds.
Ace needs a home with a big fenced yard (6 ft fence, please!) as he loves to run, run, run at top speed when outside! His ideal home would be with an active family that works from home, or takes him to work so he is not crated every day. Lots of walks, going places and seeing new sights will work wonders for this boy. He does sometimes get car sick, but may grow out if it as he gets more confidence.
If you think that Ace is a good fit for your family, please fill out our application:
