Socialization/training: This sweet boy came to us from a shelter in Garland, Texas. The woman who saved him wanted to keep Tonka but had too many dogs of her own. Fortunately, she found Above & Beyond, and we’ve been delighted to foster. Tonka is a friendly, sociable dog who has gotten along well with our three senior setters since arriving at our home. He wants to be around his humans, following us from room to room. Tonka is a demonstrably affectionate dog who loves kind attention, especially petting his head and rubbing and scratching his chin. After a day of play, he’s pretty much a couch potato. There have been no signs of separation anxiety. He's been fine being left alone for 3 - 4 hours. Tonka shows no fear of noises or new situations, though thunder & fireworks get his attention. Tonka is food motivated, responding to basic commands, sit, stay, down, and leave. He takes his treats gently. Unlike so many dogs, he does not counter-surf or bark excessively. He is not destructive. He shares well, showing no guarding behaviour. In our home, we have five dog beds and two couches. It’s comical watching the dogs play musical beds to see who gets to lay where. Our female Lulu once gave him a warning growl; his reaction was one of surprise, maybe confusion. He got the message. Tonka is a big hugger who gives kisses.
Crate trained: Tonka has no interest in going into a crate and really doesn’t need one. He sleeps on his bed and seems to appreciate extra blankets. He does bark in a crate but seems to settle by the time we return home. Importantly there has been no need to crate him. He is not destructive when left alone. Tonka does appreciate a place of his own; he's chosen our closet when we come back from walks. Any new dog coming into a home should be given a space where they can go to decompress, get away from groups if they'd like, or hide from things that go bump in the night. This may be a crate, a dog bed set apart from the hustle of home life, it may be your favourite pillow on the bed. Wherever we suggest making a place available, eventually, the dog will decide.
Leash trained: Tonka weighs 50+ pounds and would benefit from consistent leash training. He walks well on the leash and stays near your side. He pulls at the beginning of a walk and then settles. HE LOVES his walks. Because there’s little room for him to run in our yard he’s walked three times a day. He walks well with our two other setters all at the same time. Tonka likes being head of the pack. By himself, he’s lovely. Like any curious dog, he will stop on a dime to get a look at every flying object; small running critters fascinate him.
Activity Level: Like any young dog, Tonka likes to run and play. Though it was initially thought he was five years old, during a vet check, it was suggested he is closer to three. After a day of play, he’s pretty much a couch potato. Tonka loves car rides and travels very well in the car. Tonka benefits from exercise and adventures fitting for a dog his age and size. He is not excitable.
Fence: Tonka has cleared our 4’ fence from a standing leap and escaped the house by rushing the door. We don’t know if he’s an escape artist or looking for adventure, wanting a good run. As mentioned earlier, he’s living with three senior dogs at present. We do advise a fenced yard, preferably a 6’ fence, and a watchful eye for his future adopter. Containment and exercise will be important in the future.
Behavior: Tonka is a very smart dog who is food-motivated making training easy. He doesn’t beg or counter-surf. He takes treats gently. If the other dogs bark, Tonka joins in; otherwise, he’s a quiet boy. He follows me everywhere and will sleep at my feet. Tonka is good with children. It bears repeating that any new dog coming into a home should be monitored around small children and small animals; he is not cat-tested. Tonka will protect his people.
Medical History: Tonka is a very healthy young dog. He's neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and on monthly heartworm prevention and nextguard.
Foster Comments: Tonka is a sweet, easy-going dog in the house. He is energetic and loves a good run outdoors. His name has changed several times since coming into rescue, so his name recall isn’t great, making fetch a one-way enterprise. Tonka is fully housebroken. Again, a note to new adopters: any dog in a new environment will need to acquaint themselves with the where and when of relieving themselves. Continued walking on a leash, which for Tonka is more time with his human, will be a gift. This is a dog that loves a good cuddle as much as a day of play. He will repay your kindness with warm affection. We will hate to see him go.
Foster Location: Port St Lucie, FL
Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $50.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (“Health Certificate”). Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.
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