available - precious

Socialization: Precious has greeted everyone who comes into the house as if they were family. He took to my brother-in-law quickly and IMO this shows no hesitancy towards men. Precious takes long brisk walks with a ROVER dog walker, who once brought her brother and dad along and all 4 enjoyed the outing. Precious and the resident dog get along fine; she tries to get him to play with the play-bow and barking or running after him, and Precious is just starting to understand "play". The dog walker reports he and other dogs sniff each other on walks, and then Precious is ready to move on.  He was a perfect attendee at the June picnic, he LOVED meeting everyone.  He is a people dog and wants to be near his people.  Depending on space, he will lie down with his head on my foot to be close.

Training: Precious is a high energy and prey driven boy. He spins and tap dances and yelps with excitement to be outside or go for a walk. When he focuses on something such as a squirrel or rabbit, it takes time to get him distracted and he does not respond to calling his name. Despite his great hearing, he is very selective on what he elects to hear! In the house, with no triggers into action, he will come if you call his name and sit. He will sit for treats.  His four most favorite words are:  Breakfast!; Supper!: Walk!; Carrots!

Crate trained: No. And I do not think he will take to a crate.  He also isn't attracted to dog beds. He likes to curl up on a throw rug, piece of carpet, or his favorite is the sofa.

Leash trained: Good.  He walks at a good pace with no weaving. The dog walker who is in her early 20s reports the same; very brisk walker, straight on unless prey is detected in which case then we FOCUS. He has met other dogs on walks and is not reactive.

Activity level/requirements: Precious is a high energy dog and needs to get some running around in every day; he seems to really enjoy an hour outside after breakfast and then another hour before dinner. He LOVES being outside, running or just standing on the deck surveying the domain. Most times, Precious does not know when to stop running and it's important to stop him and have him calm down and rest. So long as he has had enough exercise, he is content to lie down and nap.  He prefers to be with you, but will also put himself in his favorite spots, which are all sofas.

Fence requirements: YES. Fence required, at least 4 ft.   No invisible fence. Precious is very good with self exercise and a fenced yard to run and chase birds, rabbits and squirrels is what he needs. He has not jumped my 4ft fence but he has eyed it as if he is considering the possibility.

Personality: Although Precious is not a name that comes to mind for a male dog, he was very appropriately named by the person who pulled him from the shelter in KS. He truly is precious. He is very active, prey driven, loving and submissive. When he focuses on prey, he sees nothing else. When he is running, he does not know to stop. If his activity is monitored so he gets sufficient exercise, when he settles, he relaxes and sleeps. Until a couple of months ago, Precious and my resident dog would "'go to bed" on the sofa in the finished basement about 11PM nightly and sleep through the night until 7:30.   In the past month they have both been given free reign of the house during the night with no problems.  Neither is a fan of a crate.  In the morning they both are sleeping on the rug in the bedroom.  Precious is still learning how to play and coming to understand what toys are. MOST IMPORTANTLY He is unaware of personal space and will run in front of or push by you or another dog if he is eager to go somewhere, and this includes on steps.  He doesn't have a mean or aggressive bone in his body, he just isn't "aware" of others.  He will knock down or step on small children in his exhuberance. For this reason, no toddlers or small children; children over 8 and familiar with dog behavior should be fine.  Any type of correction, which is rare, must be by positive reinforcements. he wants to please and be loved. He has fantastic hearing and will hear a siren before people in the room. He's funny to watch.  Many evenings when he goes outside after "supper", he stands at the door looking in, he doesn't want to be outside unless I am with him.  

Health history: UTD on vaccinations, is neutered, microchipped, & on monthly heartworm preventative. Precious has a positive diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Disease and is on a prescription diet of Royal Canin Selected Protein Potato and Whitefish Moderate Calorie Adult Dry Dog Food.  I will occasionally add some cooked rice, pumpkin and a sprinkle of psyllium husk and he is thriving. No expensive bully sticks or treats for this boy; snacks consist of dog friendly fruits and carrots.  It's easy!

Foster comments: Precious is the sweetest dog looking for the right home. If there is another dog in the home, that dog has to accept a buddy willingly and as an equal.  The dog walker LOVES this dog and so do I, but I can't give him the forever home he needs and deserves.

Foster Location: Havertown, PA

Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $75.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).  Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions.
##2540593##