Meet Whiskey!
Whiskey was adopted through HFP as a 4 month old puppy. He was a wonderful, sweet puppy who got along w/ dogs and loved people while in foster care. Whiskey is now 4 years old and is being returned because he had an incident w/ a puppy who wandered onto his porch.
Whiskey is dog selective (gets along w/ some dogs and has dog friends), but as is very common in many adult dogs, Whiskey does not like all dogs or appreciate dogs rambunctious dogs in his face; he needs needs proper intros for best success. He was assessed by a trainer, and here are the professional trainers notes:
Fake Dog Test: “Lots of tongue flicking, some hackles, but a polite, if nervous greeting. Then redirection urination and avoidance.” Whiskey was appropriate in his dog test interaction.
Overall Working Diagnosis: the trainer feels that Whiskey’s recently diagnosed spinal injury/consequent pain may be contributing towards a flight or fight response towards dogs.
Suggestions made to owner: 1) see a sports movement therapist/vet 2) provide physical / mental stimulation other than walks where they meet off leash dogs (puzzles, kongs, snuffle matts, flirt pole, find it games 3) muzzle training (as all dogs should be muzzle trained!) 4) ‘if you NEED him to get along w/ another dog do proper intros w/ parallel walks’
While the above information all falls within the relms of normal dog behavior + it has been acknowledged that his behavior may be exacerbated due to PAIN in his spine, his owner is still “100% committed to rehoming” Whiskey. We want the very best for Whiskey and will be working with the owner to find Whiskey the right person whose commitment is 100% towards keeping him and providing a forever home.
Owner Notes:
Whiskey is a sweet-tempered pit mix. He loves the snow and to swim.
Playing fetch, cuddling in bed and destroying toys are all preferred activities.
He has received regular vet appointments, is overall healthy, vaccinated and chipped.
He runs well, but drags his back left foot slightly from a spinal injury. (again we are not sure if the injury and the increased dog selectivity are correlated, but it cannot be ruled out)
He began showing reactivity/aggression towards other dogs around a year ago and now does not get along with any new dogs IF he is not introduced properly. He would be a great pet for an Owner with a fenced-in yard.
Is your dog housebroken?: Yes
Behaviors: . Whiskey has a minor spinal injury that may be causing him to be selective with other dogs. He is sweet to humans, including children.
Does your dog have handling sensitivities? How is your dog meeting strangers?: He is not crate-trained, but non destructive in the home enjoys car rides and loves to meet new humans.
Does the dog like children?: Yes
Where does the dog sleep?: Dog bed in living room mostly, sometimes in my bed
Is the dog allowed on your furniture?: Yes
Is the dog crate trained?: No
How does the dog react to being left alone?: Seems to handle it well.
Training History: He completed Puppy I and Puppy II Savvy Dog training school. He can sit, come, stay, lay down, fetch, shake and high five.
Does the dog have any known health problems?: Yes. A small space between vertebrae was discovered in an X-Ray after a specialty trainer noticed a slight limp.
Does the dog like riding in the car?: Yes
Likes: He loves squeaky or crinkly toys. He has a subscription to BarkBox and is excited when every new box arrives. Mostly hiking, but loves swimming and fetch.
What does the dog like?: Swimming, snow, fetch, cuddling, tug of war, attention from anyone.
He used to come to the office every day until some aggressive behavior began.
Please provide a summary of the “ideal” home for your dog:: Whiskey is loving and low-maintenance, except for his aversion to other dogs. A house with a fenced yard and no other pets would be a great life for him and his owners.
INTERESTED IN ADOPTING WHISKEY? APPLY HERE