Golden Retriever puppies and dogs in Orange, Virginia

Nicholas is a sweet, gentle, two-plus-year-old Golden boy who is just beginning to experience life as a pet. He has a kind heart and a thoughtful nature, and he is learning how to navigate the world one new experience at a time. Because Nicholas has had very limited life experiences, many everyday things are still new to him. He is curious and observant and likes to take in his surroundings as he learns what is safe. Inside the home, he enjoys exploring and is starting to settle more easily, especially in an x-pen. He is beginning to see his crate as a safe space, though being closed in is still something he is working through. On leash, Nicholas is non-reactive but inexperienced. Calm, quiet walks in low-traffic areas are recommended as he builds confidence and learns leash skills. With gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and continued training, he is expected to make steady progress. A gentle leader may be a helpful tool as he learns how to walk safely and comfortably. Nicholas does well with other dogs and is very dog-centered. He gets along with both male and female dogs, and his enthusiasm around adult females is expected to settle after he is neutered in the coming weeks. He does well when left alone and does not show true separation anxiety, though he may vocalize when crated. Since Nicholas has never lived in a home or had typical pet experiences, he is navigating many new sights, sounds, and routines at once. At times this can look like hesitation or uncertainty, and at others it can show up as quick, impulsive movement when something feels unfamiliar. An adopter with experience and a calm, consistent approach will help him continue building confidence and trust. With patience, structure, and encouragement, Nicholas has the potential to grow into a wonderful companion. He is gentle, sweet, and eager to learn, and he will thrive with someone who enjoys helping a dog discover the world at his own pace. At Green Dogs Unleashed (GDU), we are dedicated to ensuring the successful placement of our dogs in loving, permanent homes. Over the years, we have seen an increasing number of returns due to behavioral issues that could have been prevented with the right support. A significant percentage of these returns involve out-of-area clients or those who have not completed training with GDU. To address this, positive reinforcement training with Green Dogs Unleashed is required as a condition for all adoptions.Preference for this dog will be given to adopters who commit to signing up for and completing our six-week Canine 101 training class in person at our headquarters in Troy, VA. Secondary consideration will be given to a limited number of out-of-area adopters who agree to complete one private lesson with GDU, either in person or virtually, and attend a pre-approved positive reinforcement training class in their area. At the time you are seeing this post, this dog is still available for adoption. But please know that we may be working on multiple applications already, and any one of them could be approved at any time. Please READ THIS ENTIRE DESCRIPTION and complete an adoption application, if you are interested in any of our animals. Application at www.greendogsunleashed.org If you send an inquiry to ask if the dog is still available, or just tell us you are interested, your inquiry will not be answered. FILL OUT AN APPLICATION. We can do NOTHING without that. No, we cannot tell you if he would be a match for your family without seeing an application. PLEASE KEEP READING for info. */*/* PLEASE NOTE: The first communication you will receive after completing an application will be an email response, which will have instructions on how to proceed. Please check your inbox AND spam folders for the next 48 hours, for this email. We will not begin processing an application without the information requested in that email. */*/* We are happy to consider applicants from out of state on most dogs. Please read the description to see if this dog is an exception. If the applicant is approved to adopt, they MUST be willing to come to our location in Troy, VA, for a meet and greet. If all parties agree that the pup and family are a good fit, they would take the pup home at that time. For more information about our mission and for an APPLICATION for adoption, please go to www.greendogsunleashed.com. GDU does ask a minimum adoption fee of $400.00. This does not even come close to covering all expenses created by animals while in rescue. We are funded solely by the angels and volunteers willing to donate time and finances. This minimum fee includes DAPP, rabies if age appropriate,, heartworm test and preventative, if age appropriate, and flea and tick treatment, as well as neutering or spaying, if the animal is medically sound to undergo surgery. In an attempt to avoid tummy upset from a sudden change of food, the foster family may include a small, transitional bag of the food the dog/puppy has been eating. And if the dog/puppy has grown attached to a special item (like a toy or blanket), they may send that along, as well. */*/* Young puppies will receive age-appropriate vaccines, and will be spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Adopters may be required to provide additional puppy boosters and at 16 weeks of age, a rabies vaccine. Future annual vaccines, testing and monthly heartworm preventative are REQUIRED, and will be the financial responsibility of the adopter. *****Due to the sheer number of animals and applications in our program, coupled with a limited number of volunteers, applicants MUST have patience as we process applications.   If you do not hear back from us, the animal may have been adopted.   We strive to let people know but sadly cannot offer reasons for denial beyond that.  Any harassment of our volunteers will go unanswered and we will simply block you.   Our volunteers spend their time working hard to ensure the very best for each animal.   Please remember the animal, not the applicant, is our client.*****  ##2617239##

-