Blitzen

Pet's Name: Blitzen

Dog: Primary Breed: German Shepherd Dog

Primary Breed (if not in list): GSD mix

Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 10/21/22

Age Category: Adult

Where did you get your pet?: Animal shelter

Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): 11/21/23

Gender: Male

Size (at full-grown): Large

Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size): 66

Primary Color: Brown

What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Teddies, balls, x-large benebone

Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: No

What commands does your dog know?: sit, down, come, stay, paw, eat

How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Crate trained- well behaved when left alone for short or longer periods of time.

Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Yes, when someone walks up to him when in his crate or towards me or certain movements. It can be unpredictable.

Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: Eats two times daily, sleeps indoors in his crate, needs more exercise/larger area to roam

Medical History and Care:

Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: Originially positive for heart worms when first adopted- he is now 100% heart worm FREE after basic preventative treatment

Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: bit my son and can be snappy- reactive not aggressive, good with animals. My son went to tap him on the nose for growling at him and he briefly bit him in the face. He has also nipped at others to protect me or when startled. He goes crazy when new people get near him in a crate.

How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : Coat sheds a lot- needs lots of brushing, otherwise low maintenance GSD coat

Personality:

How is your dog with other dogs?: Neutral: Doesn't mind other dogs but doesn't seek them out.

How is your dog with cats?: Neutral: Doesn't mind cats but doesn't interact much with them.

What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: Blitzen and I immediately bonded when I picked him up from the shelter the day of his scheduled euthanasia. He has always seen me as his alfa. He wants to please and can read you across the room. He loves his toys and he is so sensitive, emotionally bonded, and loyal to his person. He will seek you out to jump in the bed with you if you let him. He likes to jump up in your lap to be pet and give kisses. Other than his unpredictable behavioral issues, he is playful, protective, pleasing, and wants to be your best companion.

What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: Blitzen requires a child free home with an experienced handler who can give him the proper training and exercise that he needs. Blitzen would be great on a farm or more open area. Blitzen is a happy dog but needs someone that can train him how to behave in certain situations. He would make a great bond with someone for hiking or outdoor activities together. He is kind of a one man's dog.

Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: He is agile, incredibly smart and fast learner, emotionally intelligent, loyal, and loves to chase birds, rabbits, and squirrels. He has gotten along immediately with my female doodle, and a couple of male cats. I've never had any issues with him getting along with other animals that I'm aware of so far. He loves going for car rides, taking walks, and getting starbucks pup cups.

Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Pet Behavior

Details about rehoming reason (if needed): Blitzen has bitten my son once and I do not have the time or resources to provide the necessary training he needs and deserves. As a single parent, I am not able to provide the level of attention that he needs to truly thrive or have the life that he deserves aside from also feeling it necessary to keep him away from my son since the incident. He keeps breaking out of my vinyl privacy fence when he gets bored although he has great recall and thinks it's a game and comes to the front door. He is reactive, not particularly aggressive, but he needs and deserves a family that can provide him the training, friendship, and stimulation that I cannot. For example, at the vet, I have to muzzle and keep him close to me while they assess him to make him feel safe because he gets so nervous and stressed out there and will snap at them. Other than his reactivity, he is one of the best dogs I've ever bonded with, he's a happy boy, and it breaks my heart to rehome him. But he deserves a better life, and with the right family or individual that can provide that, I know he will be just as happy.

If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :

How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?: Two weeks

Who is your veterinarian?: Stand for Animals

What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Purina dog chow complete adult- chicken. As do a lot of GSD's Blitzen can have gastric upset with big changes in diet or if given any human food.

Do you currently have pet insurance?: No

Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:

City, State: Concord, NC

Zip Code: 28027

How did you hear about us?: Veterinarian

Service Level: Assistance Needed: Help Me Choose