duke

Duke is ready to start searching for his forever family.

We are not in a rush, and we know we will be declining quite a few applications. He is not a dog for a novice dog owner., or someone who just saw the new Brad Pitt movie and thinks owning a shepherd would be cool.

Duke is a young dog who is active so a sedentary home would not suit him. The shelter thought he was around two years old, but we believe he is closer to one year of age and so does his trainer.
Duke is not a perfect dog, but he is a great dog. Like most German Shepherds he is intelligent, active, loyal, and determined. He also has a very affectionate side and once it is time to settle for the evening he loves to cuddle.

Duke is doing well with his training, and he is learning to walk nicely by his owner’s side, to stop when they stop, sit before crossing the road, wait before exiting the front door, stay when told, come when called. Duke’s owner will need to practice ALL his commands EVERY day, even if it is just for 5 minutes. He loves to train and please his person. He also thrives with structure.

Duke loves to play with his squeaky ball and if you allow him to have it in your home, he will drive you crazy with it. He loves to do zoomies early in the morning before his walk so he will need a large, fenced yard. Duke does NOT have a high ball drive or a high toy drive, so no, he will not be a suitable candidate for the police force.

Duke needs mental stimulation daily, either in the form of a job to do, or a food puzzle to solve. When Duke gets bored, he finds things to do, and this may not be what you had in mind, such as burying his food bowl.

On his walks he ignores other dogs. However, if a dog starts barking and lunging at him, he will bark loudly at it. Also, if there is a small yappy dog it will attract his attention and he will need to be told to “leave it.” He will try his best to chase squirrels but does respond when told to “leave it,” although it will hold his attention for a while. He greets all strangers nicely and allows them to pet him.

Duke can open any door, whether it is a straight handle, push bar or round handle. So, all exits must have the ability to be locked, or he will let himself out and in. Duke is a good boy inside the home. He does not get into trouble unless he is bored. Then he will open the bathroom door, help himself to a roll of toilet paper and deposit it all over the home. Duke is crate trained but does not want to be in there for extended periods of time during the day. He will sleep quietly in a crate overnight.

Duke likes children but the higher energy of small children gets him over stimulated. He will start running around, knock them over, and nibble at their shoes. Duke does well with other dogs in the home when introduced correctly. He would not be suited for a home with small, high-energy dogs, or cats.

Duke needs a home with a large, fenced yard. He is not a dog that is suitable for an apartment, a townhome with a small yard, or a patio home, no matter how active you might be.

If you believe that you can give Duke the structure, exercise, mental stimulation and love that he needs please submit an application to www.takemehomedogrescue.org

Duke is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He weighs 75lbs and still has some growing to do. He is located near Boise, Idaho.