Bo

Bo is a young Kangal Shepherd. We took him in when a coworker's son proved unable to take care of him properly. We have been fostering him for a few months now but have not been able to find a home for him. He is a wonderful and happy dog but we don't have the time or energy to give him the life he clearly deserves. In short we never intended to keep him long term.

Pet's Name: Bo
Dog: Primary Breed: Kangal
Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 1 and 1/2 years
Age Category: Young
Where did you get your pet?: A coworker's son was unable to take care of him and she didn't want to keep him herself
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): about 6 months
Gender: Male
Size (at full-grown): Large
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size): 75
Primary Color: Tan (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: He craves constant physical attention and loves to run and chase, still working on fetch and return.
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: No
What commands does your dog know?: 'go on' 'no' and responds to his name when calling him to you
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: he is always in the presence of other dogs in our home. in our absence he has not shown any destructive tendencies. We assume he would not respond well to extended isolation due to his clingy behaviors. we call him the velcro dog
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: sudden reach for the scruff of his neck or above his head. sudden moves he interprets as aggressive. we have mostly seen this when attempting behavior correction i.e. when we were teaching him to not attempt to take other dogs food.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: it is important to set boundaries with Bo. when feeding him i always make him sit a couple feet from where i feed him and pick it up if he approaches to quickly.
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.: He still acts timid in the presence of aggression and may attempt to bite if surprised by a sudden reach for his neck. we think his previous owner disciplined him in this manner. When he is in trouble he responds with avoidance. We find that when he is in need of correction it is best to take your time and let him approach you with stern tone and eye contact. This has proved effective without any need for physical correction.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : we usually let our go a few months without baths. Bo has not needed a full grooming as of yet and we have not attempted to trim his nails.
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?: Very friendly: Loves meeting and playing 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?: He is extremely affectionate and craves constant physical attention. he loves sleeping in bed with you if possible. He is expressive and loving and we have tried our best to nurture those qualities in him. he is a good boy who we would love to keep if we had the time and room to do so.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: He likes to grab hands with his mouth. he doesn't bite down but its a worrying habit we haven't completely broken from him. my biggest concern with this is him attempting this with a child or elderly person and hurting them by accident if they jerk away in panic. When we first got him he was overprotective of his food. I have worked with him on this extensively and can now take his food from him mid feeding if necessary, but an adult should be observant around small children when feeding Bo until they are certain this is under control. In short i am worried about an inexperienced family with small children. However I feel confident a 10yr old or older would find a best friend in him.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: Bo needs a family that can give him as much love as he can give them, but he is well worth the effort.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Foster Pet
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?: Between vets, last one was a Wimberley vet clinic
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Full kibble diet
Do you currently have pet insurance?: No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: San Marcos, TX
Zip Code: 78666
How did you hear about us?: Other
Service Level: Courtesy Listing: Self-Managed (Free)