DJ

Pet's Name: DJ

Dog: Primary Breed: Golden Retriever

Birthdate (an estimate is okay): 11/14/2022

Age Category: Adult

Where did you get your pet?: Breeder in Albany NY

Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.: No

Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): 1/9/2023

Gender: Male

Size (at full-grown): Large

Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only): 67

Primary Color: Red/Golden/Orange

What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Loves playing ball, chasing shadows (leaves/birds), and just being outdoors

Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: No

What commands does your dog know?: Sit, stay, leave it, come, paw (shake), high five, down

How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: He is fine, just goes to sleep

Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: Food, excitement during games at a family gathering, garden hose, leaf blower, someone at the door

Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: Feeding at 8am and again at 5:30pm. Running outdoors and playing ball daily when we can. Relaxing on the couch at night.

Medical History and Care:

Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?: Only condition we are aware of is anxiety. He is on fluoxetine for that. He is protective of food and brand new toys.

Has your dog ever been diagnosed with or treated for any of the following? (Please check all that apply, even if your dog has fully recovered. This helps us provide the best support for future families.):

Additional notes about your dog’s health history:: DJ had giardia as a puppy but it cleared up and did not return.

Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: He was in a large litter and one of the smallest puppies so we think he didn't get to eat as much as the others. From the day we brought him home, he has had food aggression. He has gotten much better with feeding and there's no issue as long as we put his food in his bowl and walk away. If we try to take his bowl though, he will growl. But that's incredibly better than how he used to push his face into the bowl and eat as quickly as possible. Now, he eats gently and slowly. We've been "bad" parents in the sense that we feed him table food whenever we have something or are cooking. At this point, he will be protective any time he thinks he could get food. We stopped feeding him when cooking a while ago, but the behavior still continues. For example, if we are cooking, no one can come near him (or us) or he will give a low growl and show teeth. This doesn't happen every time. On rare occasions he could also show the same signs of a low growl and showing teeth when petting him, even when food is not around. And of course, he is extremely protective with new toys; showing the same signs. But after a day or two, the toy is up for grabs and no issues. He hasn't bitten, although teeth have come in contact with myself and 2 others when he swung his head.

How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : He is in a routine of every 6 weeks.

Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: No, except we do give him dental chews.

Personality:

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 a bundle of love, and physically and audibly expresses his emotions. If he is happy he whimpers with excitement and if he is bored, he moans with disgust.

What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: Someone, or a family, who will love him and understand his quirks. He is a joy for us and we are sad to part with him - so it is critical that we find someone who will love him like we do. The person needs to be patient and spend time training him.

Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: While DJ is a love bug, he needs guidance that we cannot provide. He listens and behaves well, and will learn the new behaviors he needs to get through the food and resource aggression. He just needs a strong individual/family who can give the proper guidance, boundaries, and rules.

Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Personal Problems

Details about rehoming reason (if needed): While 95% of the time, DJ is an incredible and loving dog, the 5% of the time that he is protective has reignited PTSD from past situations with one of his parents. Therefore, that parent is not strong enough to go through the corrective training that is needed for him to live his best life.

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?: Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes

Who is your veterinarian?: Connecticut Veterinary Center

What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food

Do you currently have pet insurance?: Yes

Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:

City, State: Kensington, CT

Zip Code: 06101

How did you hear about us?: Rescue/Shelter

Referring Name (person, page, or organization, if applicable): Greg DeWolf

Service Level: Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs