al

AL is only 8-9 months old Dutch shepherd mix puppy who should be learning about the world through positive experiences, guidance, and safety. Instead, he is growing up in a shelter environment that is loud, chaotic, and overwhelming and scary, which is having a profound impact on how he presents.

At the shelter he is missing out on the essential socialization, consistent training and reassurance that puppies need to grow into confident adults.

AL is smart, sensitive, and cautious around strangers. In the shelter, he can appear barky or unsure at first—especially around new people—but when approached slowly and respectfully, he allows handling and begins to relax. Once he feels safe, he leans in for affection, enjoys touch, and clearly wants connection.

AL currently feels more comfortable with women than men, which is not uncommon in young dogs and may reflect limited or negative past experiences before arriving at the shelter. With patience and positive reinforcement, this is something that can absolutely improve over time.

As a shepherd puppy:

He is alert, observant, and emotionally responsive

He needs exercise, mental stimulation, and structure

He is reacting to stress and frustration due to living in a isolated kennel

Because he is missing out on crucial socialization and training during a key developmental window, continued shelter confinement puts him at risk of developing long-term fear-based behaviors that could have been prevented in a home environment.

✨ An experienced foster—preferably a calm, confident woman—would make a world of difference for AL.
✨ With kind, positive reinforcement training, routine, and loving structure, he has every reason to grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.

AL is a puppy trying to learn the world in the hardest place possible.
A foster home would give him the chance he deserves—to feel safe, to learn, and to become the dog he was meant to be.

📩 Please reach out if you can foster/foster to adopt or support AL at Rescuewithoutborders@gmail.com
Early intervention saves lives—especially for puppies like him.