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My basic info
Breed
German Shepherd Dog
Color
Black - with Tan, Yellow or Fawn
Age
Young
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Meet Hayden! Hayden is a ten-month old, short-haired male GSD with beautiful black and tan coloring who came to GSRNE from a shelter situation. Although Hayden is medium in size, he is big on personality.
As a young adolescent dog, Hayden loves to clown around for attention. If there is something going on, he wants to be in the middle of it. In one respect, this is a great attribute because it makes Hayden a wonderful dog to train as he is so enthusiastic about all new things. He has an abundance of energy and loves to show off and demonstrate what he has learned.
However, Hayden’s enthusiasm and desire to be the center of attention can also lead him to engage in mischief in order to get noticed. In his foster home, where Hayden knows that the bed is off limits, he will hop right up and then scoot right on down in a split second before you can tell him “off.” Or he will steal a favorite pair of slippers for a game of keep away. For Hayden, these are not destructive activities, but behaviors requesting attention. He is learning that these are not desired actions and his new adopters will need to continue to direct his enthusiasm toward acceptable activities that will keep him stimulated and engaged.
By all accounts, Hayden is a true “cuddle-bug” that can’t get enough touching, tummy rubs, and cuddling. He loves grooming of any sort, even baths, brushing, and nail trims! Hayden also seems to love all people, whether it be the neighbors, people he meets at the park, on walks, or those he sees out the window on his daily “field trips” in the car. He continues to work on his greeting in the house and is learning that it is far more acceptable to demonstrate his enthusiasm by presenting a visitor with toy than by tugging on their sleeve to welcome them.
Hayden currently lives with another female GSD and two cats in his foster home. He enjoys engaging in play with familiar dogs and has quickly become dog friends with a neighborhood Labrador Retriever and Boxer. However, Hayden has demonstrated some uneasiness when strange dogs approach him too quickly. He seems to need time to warm up to new dogs to develop a comfort level. Hayden has shown the same uncertainty around other dogs in settings such as the veterinarians’ office and pet stores. A potential adopter will need to be mindful of his need to feel comfortable in new situations involving new canines, but also be willing to help introduce him to these situations. Hayden has made great strides in this area, but he will need continued reinforcement and socialization. A home with a social and outgoing canine would be ideal for him as he would have a playmate and a role model.
Hayden is an extremely affectionate dog that will thrive with a balanced and structured routine that involves exercise, alone time and people time. He has so much to offer to an adopter that can provide him with both stimulation and affection. He needs someone who will commit to the whole dog and recognize that as a GSD, he needs to be stimulated physically and mentally to fulfill his potential. If you can commit to Hayden in this manner, he will not disappoint you.
