Snuffles

Snuffles is approximately 7-8 years old. Per DNA analysis, his father was a purebred German shepherd and his mother was half laborador retriever and half siberian husky. He weighs 75 pounds.

Snuffy is extremely affectionate and eager to please. He knows many commands and is readily trainable with food rewards.

However, I need to rehome him because he is reactive to other dogs and protective of his space. He is great with his people, but anxious with strangers and loud noises. At age 73, I am struggling to control this large, strong dog. I am also increasingly involved in caring for my 96-year-old parents, and I worry that he might knock one of them over, not through malice, but thoughtlessly.

Snuffy will be a wonderful companion in a suburban or rural environment. He barks rarely, but would be a deterrent to intruders. To his owner he is empathetic and loving. He loves to chase tennis balls, and is accustomed to relaxing indoors most of the time. He does not have separation anxiety, can safely be left alone. He does not counter surf, nor jump on people or furniture.

I adopted him four years ago. The previous owner told the shelter that he was kept in a backyard.

Snuffles is being rehomed because as an older person I can no longer provide the structured environment he needs. A quiet suburban or rural home, away from the overstimulation of city life, would be ideal for him.

Pet's Name: Snuffles
Dog: Primary Breed: German Shepherd Dog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 2017
Age Category: Adult
Where did you get your pet?: Oakland Animal Services
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): 6/25/2021
Gender: Male
Size (at full-grown): Large
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size): 75
Primary Color: Black
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: chasing tennis and other balls, need not be long. He also likes his wading pool.
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes
What commands does your dog know?: Sit, stay, heel, place (go to crate or bed)
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Fine, no problems
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: other dogs, people entering our home
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: He sleeps well at night. I walk him morning and night. We usually play in the backyard during the day some time.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Never Vetted
Unknown
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: No
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: Yes, he has become protective of his space, and has bitten people entering our home who attempted to pet him. Also he is dog reactive.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : Gosh, I bathe him now and again, no particular routine.
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: I give him an Oravet every day.
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Stubborn
Timid
Needs Training
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Young Children
Good with Cats
Bonded Pair
Requires A Fenced Yard
Crate Trained
Purebred
How is your dog with other dogs?: Aggressive: Does not get along with other dogs and may show aggressive behavior.
How is your dog with cats?: Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: He is eager to please; he looks you right in the eye and tilts his head as if to say, "you're my pal". (See photo)
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: Loving home
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Other, Not in List
Details about rehoming reason (if needed): If I weren't spending so much time with my elderly parents, I would not give him up. He is very trainable, but my parents are untrainable.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
Not Applicable
Yes
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?: Three months
Who is your veterinarian?: Dr Sandy Knowles
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: No, he eats anything.
Do you currently have pet insurance?: Yes
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: I am in San Francisco, CA
Zip Code: 94118
How did you hear about us?: Other Referral
Service Level: Specialized Service (Inactive)