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My basic info
Breed
Australian Shepherd
Color
Merle
Age
5 years 5 months old, Young
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
3008
My details
Not good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Loki is a very loving 3 year old male, red Merle Australian Shepherd weighing around 65 lbs. He loves to cuddle and snuggle with his human and is convinced he is a lap dog. He knows how to sit and stay, leave it, drop it, and a few other basic commands, but these will need consistent reinforcement from his adopter. He is learning how to perform these while excited or anxious. He loves to snuggle in bed with you but doesn't want to sleep in your bed all night. He will wait calmly at the side of the bed in the morning for you to invite him up for morning cuddles.
Loki is potty trained and loves being around his people. He likes to be outside, particularly if you are with him and throwing a ball or frisbee. He is very treat-motivated and can learn new tricks easily! Loki has a tendency to guard his food and treats around other dogs, so a single pet household is best, even though he loves playing with other dogs at times. Loki enjoys going to his kennel at his leisure, so keeping the door open for him to have a safe space will allow him to feel comfortable
Loki would do best with an adopter that is both calm and a strong leader since Loki does have some anxiety about being left, can get overly excited easily, and has a tendency to try to take the lead. Consistent indications that he is not in charge let him know that he is not the leader of the pack. It is preferred that Loki be an only dog in his new home, given his guarding behavior of food, bones, and toys, but he also enjoys a good play date with another dog(s).
Loki's current home is teaching him how to act when excited and around new people. However, his adopter should know that his anxiety manifests itself in nervous behavior: jumping, nipping (more trying to grab you by the hand or foot to pull you to or away from something), and barking when he gets too excited.
Loki simply needs someone who is patient and firm in these areas of continued training. After a few trips to drive-throughs that provide pup cups, he quickly learned to love people approaching the car with bags. He loves walks, but can still be surprised by other people, particularly if they happen to be walking towards him, so will bark at times, particularly if there is another dog he wishes he could play with.
He LOVES to run and play outside and inside. He has put on a little quarantine weight so a home with a nice, large fenced-in yard is needed for this lovebug to live his best life! He loves bones, toys, and would play tug-of-war or fetch all day, if he could! Playing in the snow in winter and with the water from a garden hose in summer make him a year-round outdoor enthusiast. He has done okay when being left alone for short periods of time but would prefer an adopter who is home more often than not. Routine is the main key to make Loki a happy dog - i.e. if you leave the same time each day, he will happily go to his kennel (with a treat) seemingly secure in the knowledge you will be back soon.
Loki does ok with cats, but a home without them would be best since he may get overly excited playing with them.
Loki's forever family should only use positive reinforcement when doing any training with him. He does not respond well to punishment or any negative reinforcement as those harsh devices can amp up his anxiety.
Loki is up-to-date on all vaccinations, neutered, microchipped and on monthly preventatives for heartworms, fleas and ticks. Monthly preventatives are required for adoption.
Loki is located in Springfield, IL.
If Loki sounds like a great fit for your family, please fill out our application:
