My name is Dalton!

Dalton is a 9–10 month old Australian Shepherd with a heart as big as his fluffy coat. He is affectionate, people-centered, and happiest when he’s part of the action. Whether he’s romping in the yard, playing chase with a dog buddy, or curling up for snuggles, Dalton is always close by, ready to be your shadow.

Dalton is house trained and hasn’t had any accidents in his foster home. He crates at night, settling after a short period, but he’ll thrive in a home where he isn’t left alone for long spans.

He shines with other animals. Dalton lives with five dogs of all sizes and ages and is buddies with them all. He was a little overwhelmed at first but adjusted beautifully. He’s playful, tolerant, and easygoing, yet confident enough to stand up for himself if needed. He’s also cat-friendly, calmly coexisting with his foster’s elderly cat.

On leash, Dalton walks nicely at a relaxed pace with a loose lead and is unfazed by distractions like joggers on the trail. His recall in a fenced yard is impressive, and he will happily leave playtime to come when called.

Dalton’s personality is the perfect balance of energy and calm. He has the drive and enthusiasm of a working dog and loves to run and play, yet he also settles quickly indoors and is a gentle, cuddly companion. He’s goofy, sweet, and always wants to be part of whatever his people are doing.

Dalton will do best in a home with other dogs or an active family who includes him in daily life. He isn’t the type of dog who wants to be left behind; he thrives on companionship and being part of a family unit. With his affectionate, loyal, and playful nature, Dalton is ready to be someone’s perfect partner.

At Green Dogs Unleashed (GDU), we are dedicated to ensuring the successful placement of our dogs in loving, permanent homes. Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of returns due to behavioral issues that could have been prevented with the right support. A significant percentage of these returns involve out-of-area clients or those who have not completed training with GDU. To address this, positive reinforcement training with Green Dogs Unleashed is required as a condition for all adoptions.

Preference for this dog will be given to adopters who commit to signing up for and completing our six-week Canine 101 training class in person at our headquarters in Troy, VA. Secondary consideration will be given to a limited number of out-of-area adopters who agree to complete one private lesson with GDU, either in person or virtually, and attend a pre-approved positive reinforcement training class in their area.

At the time you are seeing this post, this dog is still available for adoption. But please know that we may be working on multiple applications already, and any one of them could be approved at any time. Please READ THIS ENTIRE DESCRIPTION and complete an adoption application, if you are interested in any of our animals. Application at www.greendogsunleashed.org If you send an inquiry to ask if the dog is still available, or just tell us you are interested, your inquiry will not be answered. FILL OUT AN APPLICATION. We can do NOTHING without that. No, we cannot tell you if he would be a match for your family without seeing an application. PLEASE KEEP READING for info.

*/*/* PLEASE NOTE: The first communication you will receive after completing an application will be an email response, which will have instructions on how to proceed. Please check your inbox AND spam folders for the next 48 hours, for this email. We will not begin processing an application without the information requested in that email. */*/*

We are happy to consider applicants from out of state on most dogs. Please read the description to see if this dog is an exception. If the applicant is approved to adopt, they MUST be willing to come to our location in Troy, VA, for a meet and greet. If all parties agree that the pup and family are a good fit, they would take the pup home at that time.

For more information about our mission and for an APPLICATION for adoption, please go to www.greendogsunleashed.com.

GDU does ask a minimum adoption fee of $400.00. This does not even come close to covering all expenses created by animals while in rescue. We are funded solely by the angels and volunteers willing to donate time and finances. This minimum fee includes DAPP, rabies if age appropriate,, heartworm test and preventative, if age appropriate, and flea and tick treatment, as well as neutering or spaying, if the animal is medically sound to undergo surgery. In an attempt to avoid tummy upset from a sudden change of food, the foster family may include a small, transitional bag of the food the dog/puppy has been eating. And if the dog/puppy has grown attached to a special item (like a toy or blanket), they may send that along, as well.

*/*/* Young puppies will receive age-appropriate vaccines, and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Adopters may be required to provide additional puppy boosters and at 16 weeks of age, a rabies vaccine. Future annual vaccines, testing and monthly heartworm preventative are REQUIRED, and will be the financial responsibility of the adopter.

*****Due to the sheer number of animals and applications in our program, coupled with a limited number of volunteers, applicants MUST have patience as we process applications.   If you do not hear back from us, the animal may have been adopted.   We strive to let people know but sadly cannot offer reasons for denial beyond that.  Any harassment of our volunteers will go unanswered and we will simply block you.   Our volunteers spend their time working hard to ensure the very best for each animal.   Please remember the animal, not the applicant, is our client.*****