ADOPTED ON 06-01-16 – Hunter did not have a very nice life before he was put in the pound and we were able to get him into rescue. He is up to date on all vaccinations. He is a big ball of energy, but also a bit apprehensive of new things. He needs a very special pet parent to call his own. He is an approximately 2-3 year old male, black lab/GSD mix who is neutered and weighs approximately 48lbs.
Hunter has a very high energy level and enjoys being active with both humans and dogs. He needs to expend his energy, otherwise he tends to investigate a little too much and get into things. He will counter surf if he smells something yummy. We have tips to help you correct the counter surf dog. However, when he has had time to expend his energy he lays down quietly and takes a nap. He does very well in a crate, and usually does not make a peep until he hears his foster mother in the morning. He rides on a blanket in his foster mother’s truck and does very well. He has not had any accidents in the house.
Hunter is a very sweet and loving dog, although he is a bit apprehensive of new people. This past week he did visit a nursing home, and allowed all the residents to pet him and give him affection. He was a bit afraid of the large medicine and food carts. He did allow a friend of our rescue (who is in a wheel chair) to lead him down the hall, to visit the other residents in the home. They were able to pet him all over. This was his first time visiting to the nursing home and he handled it very well. His foster mother Kim expects he will improve even more with each visit, by being exposed to new and different things.
Hunter is very high energy, but is able to walk on a loose leash every morning by an elderly volunteer. Although he is hesitant of men, he allows our elderly volunteer Mr. Bunny to walk him. Mr. Bunny shows up every day and has built trust, confidence and a relationship with him, where he is able to relax. It is very important to remember with rescue dogs that we do not know what they experienced in the past. Unfortunately, many humans both male and females abuse dogs, and dogs we don’t know what they may have experienced. A calm, patient, positive and consistent human will help the dog so they can learn to trust again and eliminate the past.
Hunter is very smart and a quick learner. His ideal new home would be with someone who hikes or runs every day and could expend his energy. Taking him to a basic manners class would be excellent for both him and his new owner. It would expose him to new situations/people and help him build his confidence, all while strengthening the bond between him and his new owner. He would love to live in a home with other dogs. When he first entered foster care his play style was too rough, but he listened to the other dog’s queues and now plays appropriately in a pack of ten or more all sizes and ages. However, the ideal dog(s) mates for Hunter may be someone who is around his size with a similar energy level. Hunter does well with children, but may knock over smaller children in his exuberance. If children were to be included in his new home, we recommend they be over the age of 8 years old.
Hunter is trained to a “Pet Safe” perimeter collar in his foster home. A fenced in yard would be ideal for him. He is not recommended to be placed in a home with cats. His curiosity and exuberance are a little too much for feline friends. If you are looking for someone to help you reach the top of that peak on your hike or motivate you to keep moving for that last mile on your run, Hunter is the guy for you. He will be right by your side giving you the motivation to keep pushing, by using his energy that lasts for days. The best part is at the end of the day he will curl up next to you and relax, only hoping that you will take him to have as much fun as he did the day before.
Please fill out an application if you are interested in adopting Hunter. . *** Previous GSD ownership would be helpful, but is not a requirement to adopt Hunter***