Griff

Griff is a handsome ~5 y.o. neutered Shepherd-Pit mix, who is looking for a new home.
He is up to date on vaccines and health checks. We found Griff abandoned overnight in 2021 and we took him home. What we thought would be a foster ended up staying with us. He is a sweet, energetic, loyal, alert, and very intelligent dog who loves his human and canine friends. He has medium energy and loves to go on short hikes, backpacking, trail runs, play fetch, perform his many tricks, and is eager to learn and train (high drive). He’s great at home and snoozes on the couch when we’re gone, is crate trained, and is great on leash.
That said, he’s a complicated dog. Whatever past trauma he had likely led to his reactivity with meeting new people and new dogs. He was very successful in working with a private trainer and with a structured routine he is able to safely meet others and welcome them into his life and be friends. He’s loved living with other dogs we’ve fostered. There have never been any serious altercations but we are diligent to avoid any situation that could lead to trouble.
We are hoping to find someone looking for a new canine companion who can provide a structured, engaging life. He would make an excellent property protector.
No children or cats in the home.
Please reach out if anyone is interested, we are willing to travel far to find him a great home.

Pet's Name: Griff
Dog: Primary Breed: German Shepherd Dog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 2020
Age Category: Adult
Where did you get your pet?: Found outside
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): 04/10/2021
Gender: Male
Size (at full-grown): Large
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size): 70
Primary Color: Black
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Griff loves to play fetch, chew on hard toys, and sleep his head on soft plushies
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes
What commands does your dog know?: sit, down, roll over, sit pretty, bring it, find it, come, stay, paw, spin, over, wait, look
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: He’s fine in the house all day long
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Griff doesn’t like when the daily routine is changed up. He is happiest staying home, going for a walk in a known environment, and socializing within his ‘inner circle'
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: Yes, any routine that becomes regular. He is adaptable to new routines once he understands the structure and his role.
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.: Griff is wary of new people and dogs and needs a slow introduction. He has nipped at one person and often growls when meeting new people. He can safely meet other dogs if they walk at a distance and gradually move closer, but can’t do quick introductions.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : rarely, does have long nails that grow quickly
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?: Selective: Gets along with some dogs but not others.
How is your dog with cats?: Not sure: Haven't had enough interaction to determine.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: Griff is deeply loyal and is a big lover. He is so happy cuddling on the couch or playing fetch in the forest. He is deeply bonded to his people.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: Griff should go to a new family that understands how to work with reactive dogs and can provide leadership and hold boundaries.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: Able to live harmoniously with some other dogs in the house, and would love doggie friends, but intros will be slow and they must have a balanced temperment.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Pet Behavior
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?: Alpine Animal Hospital
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Beef-based food from Costco. Will eat just about anything. Exhibits some allergy symptoms to chicken. Highly food motivated.
Do you currently have pet insurance?: Yes
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: Lake Tahoe, NV
Zip Code: 96150
How did you hear about us?: Rescue/Shelter
Service Level: Courtesy Listing: Self-Managed (Free)