Escanor is a strikingly handsome brown Boxer who is sure to turn heads and steal hearts with his expressive eyes, proud stance, and gentle demeanor. Lucky for you, this loyal guy is eager to find a forever family who will appreciate his loving nature and share in his adventurous spirit. If you're looking for a devoted friend who will stay by your side through thick and thin, Escanor is ready to be your brave and loving companion. He's more than just a handsome face; he's a loyal friend with a heart of gold, ready to bring joy, laughter, and loyalty to his new home.
Here's some notes from his foster:
Escanor is such a loving, trusting, eager to please darling of a boy. I'm honestly, beyond smitten with him and totally in love. It's been heartening for me to be able to work diligently with Escanor to facilitate his blossoming into an even more trusting and joyful pup who has a little more internal space and capacity, to relax his fears/anxieties and move beyond his past towards a brilliant next chapter!
It's so heart-warming for me to be able to nurture this sweet pup, work with him on some new tricks for old dogs; and help him find some peace, comfort, and love as he prepares for his forever home. I'm very committed to Escanor and his progress, and I feel like we've become a great team. And as these angels do, he's also teaching ME all the lessons and skills I need to be working on (LOL, there are many)!
At baseline, when he is in his indoor safe space (he LOVES arriving back home from being out!) and has his Person/People with him and settled-in, he's quite relaxed and calm, very affectionate and docile, and even-tempered mellow. A total easy-peasy boy and a mushy love bug!
WALKS/EXERCISE:
We do a short walk first thing in the morning as soon as he wakes up. Then a longer walk in the afternoon. An hour, minimum. Though he'll gladly chill around the house, he actually has a LOT of energy (as per boxers!!) and he's a lot happier/less anxious when he's had a good amount of exercise. Another evening walk (usually 20-30 minutes) anywhere between 7-9PM.
At home, he will engage with toys (mostly rope toys, animal squeaky sort-of toys, etc.) to some extent, which can help exert some energy and give him some stimulation.
BEHAVIORAL:
Leash-Reactivity:
Escanor has some reactive to other dogs while out on walks, on-leash, especially larger dogs. He is quite proactively defensive, as soon as he sees another dog (a block away, on other side of street, etc.). You will feel his posture tense and clearly see him visually become drilled-in on the other dog. When approaching corners, I always lead first and give him a very short lead on the leash (and stay to the far side away from the building) and generally just avoid highly-trafficked streets for our city walking. I have been mostly taking him to GGP, Ocean Beach, or to more spacious areas in Marin the last 1.5 weeks, for more dog-free, low-stimulus space to exercise and walk him. The nature smells are very enriching for him, too.
We're also working on clicker training in regards to the leash reactivity, which he's slowly picking-up. Essential to use the EasyWalk harness and not clip leash to collar. Must be on-leash at all times, even in park, etc. given the very proactive dog-reactivity.
BATHROOM:
Very good in regards to no accidents...typically takes a few moments to go, once we set out on a walk.
SLEEP:
He's a pretty deep sleeper and quick to fall into a slumber! However, if you get up from your stationary, seated or lying position for a bathroom break, trip to the kitchen, etc...he will jolt out of a dead sleep and keep you in his sight, if not full-out follow you.
He sleeps in my bed with me (his initial inclination, which I was totally fine with!)...so not sure how well he would do if asked to sleep in a dog bed. There's one available for him in my apt, but he's absolutely not interested, haha. He decided to help himself to the couch and bed, which I'm okay with (though not everyone is).
CAR RIDES:
Escanor is generally very good with riding in the car. He'll usually need some prodding to get into the car, as well as an assist up. Sometimes the same deal for exiting the car.
He will definitely try to perch himself on the center console and be right in your grill like a little hood ornament! . Having a dog hammock or something to obstruct his ability to hang out there is important.
