UPDATE 12/21/05 : Sampson is 3 years old and came to RRUFF as an owner surrender. He previously lived with a Yorkie for 3 yrs. Sampson came to us weighing 120 lbs, which we believe to be about 20 lbs overweight. Since being in foster care he has lost over 10 lbs. and is looking great. Don't let him being overweight fool you because he has the energy to take the extra pounds off and more. He just needs a good diet to help keep him at a healthy weight. No more table scraps for this guy. Considering his size, Sampson is agile and respectful of other's space. However, he is easily excitable and will jump if encouraged, so it is recommended he not be placed with young children. He will settle down just as quickly.
Sampson's favorite toy so far is a large hard plastic ball that he can play with for hours. His known commands consist of sit, down and paw/shake. He likes to go for walks and gets excited when you walk towards the leash. He can pull some, but after a few leash corrections he will walk with you much better. He is not crazy about riding in a car. Although he rides pretty well, he drools a lot. His foster parents believe this will get better with time as he gets used to going on car rides.
Sampson has been a perfect houseguest for his foster family and is completely trust worthy in the house. He is learning not to beg for food during dinner and to amuse himself when others are busy. He listens very well and is sensitive to correction, so there is no need to raise your voice with him. He likes to be with people and the only complaint his foster parents have is his barking and whining when they leave the room without him.
Sampson is being treated for an ear infection and has been a little stubborn with having medication put in his ear. This is being worked on in foster care and he is showing improvement, but because of this and his size he will need to be placed with someone with experience. So, if you are looking for a large Rottie that for the most part is a big softy…Sampson is the one for you.
While in foster care, Sampson has been introduced to crate training and is doing very well.
Why should you use a crate?
It is in a dog's genetic history to be den animals. A den is a small, safe, well-defined space. It is a place in which dogs feel instinctively safe. It is also a place that they instinctively avoid soiling. The combination of these two traits are what make crate training, done the right way, a kind and effective component to house-training your new dog. A crate can also be a place for your dog to rest or have "down time". If you just adopted a dog, a crate can limit access to the entire house until your new dog knows the house rules.
There are other benefits of crate training. At some point in your dog's life, it may be necessary to use a crate when you are traveling with your pet or when your dog is recuperating from an injury. Such potentially traumatic situations will be much less stressful if your dog is already familiar with and comfortable in a crate.
Sampson is currently in foster care in Southern NH.
If you are interested in adopting Sampson, you must
visit our website and fill out an adoption application.
