Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet George
George is a 4-year-old Australian Shepherd/Flat Coat Retriever mix with a serious talent for being your shadow. He’s affectionate, loyal, playful, and happiest when he’s right by his person. Whether he’s resting his head against your leg or leaning into you for comfort, George loves being near the people he trusts.
George can be a little anxious and startles easily, so he does best with calm, patient people who are willing to let him build trust at his own pace. Once he feels safe and comfortable with you, his sweet personality really comes through. Underneath his anxiety is a goofy, affectionate, devoted dog who wants nothing more than to be loved, included, and part of your life.
George is the kind of dog who will happily follow you around the house, curl up beside you, soak up your praise, and make you feel like you’re his whole world. He gets the cutest zoomies, enjoys chewing on bones, and loves playing with toys. He is fully house trained, crate trained, travels well in the car, and is not destructive when left home alone. A fenced backyard is one of his favorite things, giving him a safe place to relax, explore, and play.
Training & Manners
Crate trained: Yes
Potty trained: Yes
Leash trained: Working on it
Basic commands: Working on it
Good With
• Dogs: Yes, with slow and proper intros
• Cats: Yes
• Kids: Yes, Older kids preferred
Understanding George's Struggles
George has some resource-guarding tendencies. We don’t know much about his past, but he likely experienced food and housing insecurity that has made him overly protective of things he considers valuable, such as food, his bed, the couch, or even his favorite person, particularly when other animals are nearby. He communicates his discomfort and asks for space with clear warning growls. This behavior comes from fear and anxiety, not aggression, and it's very manageable with an adopter who understands resource guarding and respects his signals.
George is also still building confidence on leash. He tends to walk slowly and may pause when he encounters something unfamiliar or isn’t quite sure what to do. He responds best to a calm, encouraging handler who gives him the time and reassurance he needs to feel comfortable.
George is currently heartworm positive and undergoing treatment.
Life With Other Animals
Despite his resource-guarding, George has done well with other dogs in the home when his boundaries have been respected and seems to enjoy the company of a confident dog that he can take cues from.
He has also been able to coexist with cats in his foster home, though he does still resource-guard around them. Slow introductions, baby gates, positive reinforcement training, and plenty of space to adjust have made a significant difference in helping everyone feel comfortable.
George’s Ideal Home
George would likely thrive in an adult-only home with someone who is patient, attentive, and comfortable managing resource-guarding behavior. His ideal person will appreciate a dog who wants to be close and is willing to invest the time it takes to build trust and confidence.
George isn’t looking for just any home—he’s looking for the right one. He needs an experienced, patient adopter who can provide consistency and structure, respect his boundaries, and help him continue building confidence.
In return, George has so much love to give. Once he trusts you, you’ll have a goofy, devoted shadow who wants to be by your side, soak up your affection, and remind you every day what a special bond can grow from patience, understanding, and love.
See more photos and videos here: https://myalbum.com/album/UY3z7C6mRA9ts9/?invite=3c9df0d3-d199-4c45-842c-4b1875e85020
Apply to adopt: https://form.jotform.com/253444180785159
