Thanks for meeting our sweet, sensitive 2 year old big baby Howie. He’s an apricot brindle English Mastiff who has 100% Fear based struggles that have been escalating but he is responding well to behavioral based training and lots of additional socialization with a larger wolf pack outside of our neighborhood. Unfortunately, Howie has bitten people when scared. Certain noises can trigger him and he impulsively bit our daughter’s ear off when we were taking a picture of him which we’ve done a million times. He’s terrified of the metal grooming tubs and bit the groomer. He’s terrified at the vet and needs to be muzzled and held down by several people because he’s so big. He’s a giant breed who sleeps 20+ hours a day, follows commands, loves exercise, other dogs, not prey driven at all, does not jump, hump or chew anything except bully sticks or marrow bones. He is insecure on wood floors and drags his bum until he’s on carpets. He has not slept in a crate since he was 4 mos. and is fine sleeping on his bed in the living room and the other one in our daughter’s room. He does not climb on any furniture ever. He’s not aggressive but might bark at people walking by. He needs his nails grinded at home by us, and we groom/bathe him outside now. He’s a happy big boy 99% of the time but just has this fear issue. We are devastated to say goodbye to him but our town has the 2 bite reports from children’s hospital and the doctor who treated the groomer who needed stitches. He didn’t report it but the doctor did. The max is 2 bites and then they take away his dog license so this is why we have to rehome him. Animal control will take him to the shelter if we don’t rehome him and that’s not okay with us. We know we can find his forever home for him where he can live a full beautiful happy life with people who understand his breed. He would be great in a bigger home or someone’s home with good sized land and fences. He loves being outside and would be fine with other animals. Might be a little shy at first. He’s neutered so he’s not going back to the breeder. He’s fully vaccinated, healthy, loves ear massages, loves his toys and playing fetch. He LOVES soccer balls! He will wade in the water but doesn’t swim. People who love big dogs and don’t mind the drooling love Howie. He has no health problems but last year had Lyme disease which he was treated for in January. This is breaking our heart to see him go but we know he will thrive in a bigger environment. He’s the best dog ever with just the fear factor as his issue. Patience, kindness and love is what he needs and a continuation of positive behavior confidence training and socialization is best for him. Thank you for meeting our beautiful boy! He will love his forever family with his whole heart and soul ❤️!
Pet's Name:
Howie
Dog: Primary Breed:
Mastiff
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
10/29/22
Age Category:
Young
Where did you get your pet?:
Breeder in Connecticut
Gender:
Male
Size (at full-grown):
Giant
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size):
200
Primary Color:
Brown
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Soccer balls, lamb chop, monkey, turtle, fuzzies, squeaky toys, Kong fox, Kong with peanut butter, etc.
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, stay, come, lay down, heel, stop, yes, go, want a stick, coming in from the yard - upsie daisies means go back up to the deck, go pee, go poop, go potty on command,
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
Fine - sleeps
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Trucks, loud traffic noises, overstimulating environments but doing well with socializing with large groups of dogs at daycare. Takes a few mins to warm up. Fine with home toys but if he finds something on a walk, let him have it - do not try to take it away. Command on walks tell him no - leave it and redirect him. Responds to click click like mimicking a horse gallop. Gets his attention to who’s walking him.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
Sleeps a ton, goes to bed at 8:30 and sometimes sleeps through breakfast. No strict routine but needs to go out when he wakes up. Sometimes skips breakfast.
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?:
Was treated for Lyme and fine now.
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
Fear based biting, groomer, metal tub, trying to hold him down at the vet, overwhelmed if too much noise and too many people trying to pet him on the head, gets spooked and bit our daughter’s ear when we moved a chair to take their picture as she was putting his arm around him. He growled and snapped off her ear.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
Nail grinding only a few times a week a few nails at a time. Brush out, pet wipes and bathe outside - single coat. No groomers. Comfortable at home. Wash with hose & rinse well. No hairdrying! Loves to play with towels after. Let him go to his bed. He will fall asleep soon after.
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
No
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?:
Friendly: Generally gets along well with other dogs.
How is your dog with cats?:
Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
His loving personality and Howie hugs. Puts his head on your shoulder in the car
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Someone with mastiff experience and has had other mastiffs. Lots of patience, sees the signs when he’s overwhelmed- excessive panting, avoidance, knows what situations to avoid with him. Does not leave him in crate. He would hate that.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
Breeder said there are 2 other littermates with the exact fear based issues. His father is the same way. Mom is fine.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Pet Behavior
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
Town law: Losing dog license due to 2 bite reports
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?:
Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?:
Dr. Joe Martinez Animed Pet Hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Wellness deboned chicken oatmeal, freeze dried beef liver, ground beef, rice, leftover chicken as topper. Shredded cheese, no wet dog food. Kind of picky eater. Loves frozen baby carrots.
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Westwood, MA
Zip Code:
02090
How did you hear about us?:
Google Search
Service Level:
Specialized Service (Inactive)