bear

Bear- 53 lbsBear is a sweet, short-haired German Shepherd who has been waiting far too long for someone to discover just how special he is. He has been at Have A Heart since December 2024 and, incredibly, has never received a single adoption application.Bear is an energetic, intelligent boy who loves going for walks, playing in the yard, and spending time with people. He has a big personality and an even bigger desire to be involved. In his kennel, that enthusiasm can come across as barking, especially when he’s bored or watching people pass by. Unfortunately, that means people walking past his kennel often miss the gentle, affectionate dog underneath all that excitement. Once he’s out of his kennel, Bear is a completely different dog. He loves attention, enjoys being petted, and has a surprisingly sensitive and sweet side.He’s also a fantastic dog to work with. Bear knows sit, down, stay, and go to bed, is housetrained, and walks well on a leash. He may pull when something particularly exciting catches his attention, but he’s very responsive and easy to redirect. He’s highly food-motivated and genuinely enjoys learning, making training a fun way to build a relationship with him.More than anything, Bear needs an outlet for both his body and his mind. A busy shelter environment makes it difficult to consistently give him the one-on-one training and mental stimulation he needs, so he often doesn’t get the opportunity to show people his best self. In a home where he has structure, enrichment, exercise, and someone willing to continue working with him, we think Bear has so much potential.Bear has done very well with female dogs and submissive males. He can be selective with more dominant males, so slow introductions and good dog-to-dog management are recommended. Overall, he is dog friendly and enjoys having canine companions.Bear is one of those dogs who truly shines when you give him the opportunity to get out and spend some time with you. His excitement and energy can make him a little overlooked in the kennel, but once he’s outside, his sweet and affectionate personality really comes through. He’s smart, eager to please, and genuinely loves spending time with people. Give him a little time to settle in and get to know you, and you’ll quickly see what makes Bear so special.After waiting since 2024, Bear is more than ready for someone to discover the wonderful dog he is and give him the home he’s been waiting for.