Gator – 11 months old, 85 pounds (expected to be 90+ as an adult), German Shepherd/Hound mix (best guess) or maybe even Anatolian Shepherd Dog.
Gator is the poster child for adolescent dogs everywhere. He is still growing into his feet and legs, he’s maturing emotionally (and physically) and doesn’t always have the best control over those emotions, he’s becoming more independent, and he’s more interested in exploring the world. If you think this sounds a little like a teenager – you’re 100% correct!
Personality: Goofy, quirky, eager to learn, sweet, loyal, fun. Gator has a HUGE personality. Gator loves you for loving him. He is open to being loved all over. You can pet him, rub his belly, and give him kisses. Car rides! Gator LOVES cars ride, whether it’s a short trip or a full-day road trip. He also loves water - sprinklers, splashing around in his baby pool, trying to jump in his foster's pond. He’s very excited to meet new people. He is also excited to meet new dogs – sometimes a little too excited! Gator can get frustrated and may throw a tantrum when he can’t get up close to the dogs he encounters on walks. He plays wonderfully with is foster mom’s younger, rough and tumble dog, but his older foster siblings are not big fans of Gator’s WWE style roughhousing. If you have other dogs, a meet and greet to see if there’s chemistry will be important.
Energy level: Medium to high. Gator is an energetic puppy who needs physical exercise, training, and brain games to help him burn off some of that energy. Like all adolescent dogs, he loves to explore and tends to get into things if left unsupervised for very long. Luckily, he has an off button. Once he’s all tuckered out, he settles down nicely. It’s entertaining to see what silly sleeping position Gator will fall into each time he snoozes. Despite his size, he’s a canine pretzel!
The right fit: Gator will thrive in a home with an adopter who is looking for a buddy to do things with and who has time to give Gator the physical exercise, training, and brain games he needs. His adopter will also need patience to get him through his “teen” years. Gator thrives on love, clear directions, structure, and routine. He loves routine so much that he knows when it’s time to go to bed and will tap the basement door to be let down so he can put himself to bed in his crate. Because of Gator’s size and strength, he would do best in a home who has dog experience (bonus if it’s shepherd experience!). He would love a home with a big, fenced backyard, as he loves sitting outside watching the world. And he needs room to romp and play. While he would love to have a playmate who matches his sturdiness and playfulness (i.e. – rowdy horseplay), he could also be an only dog. Gator has not been cat tested, but likes to try to chase small critters, so we are recommending a home without cats. Gator is not suited for apartment or condo living.
Children: Gator didn’t have the best start in life and as a result, he can be mouthy – something that ideally would have been worked on when he was a young puppy. He’s made great progress with this; however, kids get him especially excited and he tends to forget his manners. Because of this, his size, and his strength, we will not place him in a home with children under 12 (or a home where children under 12 visit regularly). Children over 12 should be dog savvy…and sturdy!
Training: Gator has mastered sit, stay, down, touch, wait. He also comes to his foster mom when she whistles when he is outside. Gator is housetrained and earned an A+ in crate training! Gator is working on his loose leashing walking and impulse control skills. And he’s also playing the “trade game” daily. Gator likes to pick up random objects and take off with them. If someone chases him to try to take it away, he gets guardy. But, having a rock-solid trade will help with this tremendously. Gator is food motivated and eager to learn, making him a dream to train. Gator’s adopters will have a free 7 week basic good manners class at Peaceable Paws, or a free private session with Pat Miller, to help Gator continue on his positive reinforcement, force free training!
Gator is a blank slate. He’s trying to figure the world out. And he wants so badly to understand what you want and how to fit in. Once he knows a routine, he follows it to a T. Is Gator a rambunctious teenager? YEP! The good news is that while he needs direction, he wants it, and he learns quickly. We already know he is an awesome dog. With consistent structure and positive training, he could be phenomenal. Interested in this goofy, loveable, diamond in the rough??? Visit our website – www.hedgesvillehounds.com – and fill out an application.
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