Friday, May 22, 2009

Meet Sam


Sam 5/09
Originally uploaded by bwitched4you
Sam was an owner release last November. He was quickly adopted to a good home in the Dallas area. He is a sweet boy, just throughout their journey they have realized he would be much better in a home without any other dogs. Sam's been professionally trained (at a daily drop-in play and train), and the trainer has worked to socialize him. It is just clear he would be happier as an only dog where he did not have to share toys or attention. Read Sam's interview below.

Interview with Sam

We sat down with Sam to ask him questions about himself so that we could get to know him.

Sam, what color would you say you are?
I’m dark grey and white. I have a full dark mask with a wide open face.

When is your birthday?
I was born in October of 2007.

Do you have any known health problems? Allergies?
Nope, I’m really healthy. I’m up to date on all my shots and take heartworm preventative too.

Have you ever bitten anyone?
No people but maybe a dog or two but we were fighting and I was mad so I didn’t mean it too bad.

I’m going to say a characteristic; can you answer yes or no to each?
Playful: yes - very
Easy-going/Mellow: no
Affectionate: yes - very
Hyper: yes – very high energy (I need lots of exercise!)
Obedient: yes for the most part
Well-behaved: yes for the most part
Friendly: yes - very
Active/Energetic: yes - very
Dominant (around other dogs): yes - very
Submissive: heck no!
High Prey Drive: yes
Destructive: yes when he does not get enough exercise. When he gets his energy out, he is content with chew bones
Mischievous: can be?
Separation Anxiety: some, but my foster parents really worked with me and I have overcome a lot of it
Fence Jumper: no
Digger: yes when he does not get enough exercise
Talkative: yes - very
Timid/Shy/Afraid: no
Jumps on People: yes, I will try, but I do obey the “no jump” command

Are you good with?....Please answer Yes, No, or Don’t Know to the following:
Adult Men: yes
Adult Women: yes
Young Children (<5 years old): no; they may steal my toys!
Teenagers: yes
Babies: don’t know
Small Dogs: no
Cats: tolerant
Small Animals/Birds: no
Male Dogs: no
Female Dogs: if she’s very submissive, otherwise no!

Where are you used to spending the day?
When weather is nice, usually outside if my family is gone and inside when they’re at home.

Can you be left alone in the house?
I can be left crated up to 3 to 4 hours but I’ve never been left uncrated in the house so I don’t know how I would do.

Are you housetrained?
Yes

How do you do outside in the yard? Do you dig?
I do pretty good outside by myself. I like to have toys and chew bones, though. But if my family is home, I rather be inside with them.

Where do you sleep?
Depends, when weather really nice I like to be outside so I can roam. I can sleep happily in the crate from10pm-6am but I would love to be in bed with my people.

What type and brand of food do you like to eat?
Science Diet Adult Large Breed

What type treats do you like?
Liver training treats, “Beggin Strips” (my favorite), peanut butter-filled kongs, occasionally a little leftover steak if I beg enough?

How often and how much are you fed?
I eat 2 cups in the morning and 1 ½ cups in the evenings.

Where do you eat in the house?
I don’t. I eat outside. They tell me to sit and stay until they put my food bowl down, and then make me wait 10-15 seconds. When my fosters do two quick taps on their thigh with “OK”, that means I can chow!

Are you allowed to get on the furniture?
Yes, on one couch. The others are off limits to me ;(

Do you like car rides?
I love going for rides. I like the middle (or back seat).
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Can we mess with your feet, tail, ears, mouth without reaction?
Yes, after I’ve had some exercise and I’m relaxing.

Do you have any fears?
I don’t like thunder! That’s scary stuff so I want to be inside and with you!!

Have you had any training?
Yes, I am trained to walk using the gentle leader and some obedience. I’ve tried some socializing/training to get better with other dogs, but have not progressed well there.

Do you know any commands?
Yes, I know sit, down, stay, come, leave it, off, and no jump. When I come inside, I have to sit and stay at the open door, and wait until released to come inside – otherwise I don’t get to come in.

Do you know any tricks?
I know shake.

What is particularly important that we should know about you?
I’m a very sweet boy that is eager to please and just wants to be loved. I can be very needy of people time, and I need to be in a home where I can be inside when my “peoples” are there. I’m not destructive in the home when supervised, and I will follow you around and lay at your feet all day. I just want to be close to you. I’m very energetic and active, and need lots of exercise. I would like two walks a day. I would like to go hiking too and maybe earn my working pack dog title (WPD). I think those doggie back packs are cool looking! I can carry my people's lunch or water and we go hiking. Maybe I can even try a weight pull?

I need a firm hand. As long as my people are firm, consistent, and make me obey my commands, I’m very loving and easy to get along with.

I would like a home with active adults and older kids, where no other dog is present!!