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My basic info
Breed
Mixed Breed (Large)
Color
Gray/Blue/Silver/Salt & Pepper
Age
4 years 6 months old, Adult
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
78 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
MEET BENSON!
This big dude is a whole lot of dog, and he has a whole lot of love to give! Benson is an outgoing kind of guy who tends to greet new people with a smile and a tail wag, and maybe a hug or even a kiss. He doesn’t do much of anything in half measures – whether he’s running, playing, snacking, or cuddling, he gives it his all. Benson prefers the company of his human friends over other animals, but he’ll provide you with plenty of company (and laughs!). Come meet him and see if he’s the pup for you!
ENERGY LEVEL: Medium/high
- He’ll need daily exercise and mental enrichment, and would love to join you for plenty of adventures.
DOGS: Has lived with other dogs, but may be most successful as the only dog in his new home
- Benson lived with 2 other dogs in his previous home – a larger NM pittie and a smaller SF Aussie mix. The dogs generally co-existed well, but Benson and the other male dog got into a few fights that got progressively more serious.
- The altercations seemed to be triggered by Benson pushing the other dog’s boundaries.
- He has reportedly played well with some other dogs, but does not take corrections well so rough-and-tumble play has sometimes escalated into fighting.
- He’ll likely be most successful as the only dog in his new home.
- Muzzle training Benson will provide an added level of security in situations where he’s likely to encounter other dogs.
- Slow introductions to other dogs are always recommended. Keep in mind that just because a dog has done well with some or most other dogs, doesn’t mean they will like all dogs (just like people!).
CATS: Needs a home without cats or other small animals
- Benson briefly lived in a home with cats, and consistently tried to chase them.
- He has also shown an intense prey drive toward small wild animals.
KIDS: No experience
- Benson doesn’t have any experience with children. He doesn’t always recognize his own size and strength, and may be overwhelming for small kids.
- Due to his handling sensitivity, we recommend a home with adults and older kids who can respect his boundaries.
- We recommend supervising interactions between kids and dogs to make sure everyone is behaving appropriately and staying safe.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Benson will benefit from some training to help him manage all his excitement and enthusiasm for life.
- Basic training classes or a few sessions with a trainer can be a great way to get started.
- Training is a great way to build a bond with your new pup, like learning a common language.
- We recommend positive reinforcement-based training – teach Benson what you want him to do! We do not recommend e-collar or punishment-based training, as these methods often have long-term negative effects on dogs (physically as well as psychologically) and create behavioral problems.
- We are happy to provide guidance on training resources, methods, and finding a trainer.
- To help Benson and his new family get off to a great start together, his adoption comes with sessions with our dog training partners.
He isn’t a young puppy, but it’s still important for him to learn what is expected of him in his new home.
- Be consistent from day 1 – it’s much easier and less confusing for the dog to loosen the boundaries later than to implement new rules.
Benson has shown some sensitivity to handling, especially around his back legs and feet. In his previous home, he would growl and bare his teeth if touched abruptly, especially when sleeping.
- But when he’s hanging out with his people, he’s a full-contact kind of guy, leaning into pets and even climbing in your lap.
- It will be important for his new family to be able to read his body language and recognize when he’s uncomfortable.
HOUSE TRAINED: Yes
- Benson was house trained in his previous home.
- Keep in mind that a dog who is house trained in one home may still have accidents in a new environment.
CRATE TRAINED: Yes
- Benson was crate trained in his previous home and was generally crated when left alone.
- When left unsupervised outside of his crate, he would sometimes chew furniture, clothing, bedding, etc.
- If you’re interested in using a crate with Benson, be prepared to take it slow and make the crate a comfortable safe space for him.
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