Up to Date with Vetting: Yes
Good with dogs: He is good with other dogs one on one but can be overwhelmed when he has to engage with more than a couple at a time. He is good with the female GSD in the home and he has also been good with the dog sitter's dog and a friend's dog. He has guarded his GSD sister at the dog park, at doggie daycare, and on walks.
Good with cats: Unknown
Good with kids: His only experience with kids is when they have greeted him on walks and he has been fine.
Good with strangers: If a stranger comes to visit the dogs will bark. They have them gated away from the entrance. Ande is apprehensive initially but after he smells the stranger and has treats he warms up in about 5 min. He is then OK with strangers moving around in the house and does not guard his owner.
Resource guarding issues: He has guarded food and toys from the other dog in the home but not from the humans.
Ever bitten a human: No
Ever bitten a dog: No
Fears: He can be anxious around new people/things but with reassurance this has been getting better over time.
Housetrained: Yes. He toilets in their yard and on walks.
Crate trained: Yes. He is crated when they go out for about 3-4 hours at a time and overnight.
Good in the car: Yes
Bark when left alone: No. He is used to being left alone 3-4 hours at a time.
Destructive: He may get into things if left out alone so they still crate him. He is OK when someone is home.
Energy Level: Medium
Leash skills: He pulls on leash so they use a Halti. He used to lunge and bark at other dogs from across the street. Now he mainly grumbles and barks.
Okay with physical handling/manipulations: Loves to be brushed, OK to bathe and have his nails trimmed.
Known commands: 6 week puppy class and additional training. Sit, down, wait, come, drop it, leave it, no, OK.
Food on now: Royal Canin Adult. 1.5 cups, 2x/day.
Behavioural issues: Guards his GSD sister at daycare, dog parks, and on walks. Does better one on one with dogs but can go to daycare as long as his sister GSD isn't there. Also described as protective of his humans.
Medical issues: None.
Ande is a one-and-a-half-year-old, German Shepherd/Lab mix. He was adopted the local humane society at 7 months old. Prior to this he was a stray, so his background prior to this is a bit of a mystery.
Ande is an affectionate and energetic boy who loves exploring the outdoors. He enjoys running/being chased, sniffing around, solving puzzles, treat balls, plushies, and chew toys - anything that will keep his brain busy. He’s smart and food-motivated, quickly picking up on basic commands like sit, stay, down, place, drop it, wait, okay, let’s go, take it, and leave it. Despite his size (55lbs), Ande loves cuddles, often resting his head on your shoulder or lap. He also loves lying by the warmth of a fire.
Ande is potty, car, and crate-trained. He sleeps in a crate overnight and can be crated during the day for up to 4 hours. He typically goes to bed around 9pm preferring a blanket in his crate for comfort. He’s a fast eater, even with a slow feed bowl! Ande’s health is well-maintained with all vaccinations up to date and regular deworming, flea, and tick medication. He has no known allergies.
In his previous home, Ande was observed guarding the other dog from the home in situations like while at the dog park, at doggie daycare and on walks. For this reason, it would be best if Ande were the only dog in his next home. When socializing with other dogs he requires vigilance to ensure he doesn’t become too stimulated or rough. He may bark when nervous of new people or things, but, with reassurance, he warms up quickly. It is unknown how Ande would do living with children or cats.
