Winnie

We sadly need to find a new home for our beloved dog, Winnie. Winnie is a forty-pound, six-year-old rescue pup with a wonderful personality. She spends most of her time cuddled in her dog bed or lounging in the sun with occasional bursts of playfulness. She is well-trained and eager to please the people she loves. Winnie is crate-trained, house-trained, spayed/fully vaccinated, and generally a very easy pet who has brought us so much joy.

Unfortunately, Winnie has fear-based reactivity and has a bite history. The three bites were not serious and did not draw blood, but did leave slight tooth marks on the skin. The last bite incident was in Spring 2023. Since then, we have been able to fully manage Winnie's reactivity through training, gradual introductions to new people, and crating her when needed. We are only considering rehoming now that we're expecting our first child. We're seeking a child-free home with pet parents who are ready to manage Winnie's reactivity to new people in the home. We're sure you'll love her!

Pet's Name: Winnie
Dog: Primary Breed: Doberman Pinscher
Birthdate (an estimate is okay): December 2019
Age Category: Adult
Where did you get your pet?: September 2020
Was this pet ever in a shelter, rescue, or foster program? If yes, please provide details.: Yes, she was rescued by One Tail at a Time in Chicago in September 2020 and then we adopted her from there. She was found by OTAT in Mississippi
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.): September 21, 2020
Gender: Female
Size (at full-grown): Medium
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only): 40
Primary Color: Black (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?: Tennis balls; chew toys with squeakers; some bones
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?: Yes
What commands does your dog know?: Sit; Stay; Down; Come; Shake; Off (don't eat/take)
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?: Fine
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?: New guests coming into the house when her owners are around has been a constant source of anxiety for Winnie. She is generally better with women than men; and there are various people who she is totally fine with. We have been able to manage this with a few steps. See detailed note above.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?: Winnie only needs to go out 2-3 times per day (morning, afternoon, night), eats twice per day, and sleeps most of the day
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?: She takes 30 mg of Fluoxetine (puppy prozac) daily to ease anxiety and 8 mg of Apoquel daily to prevent itchiness
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.):
Allergies (environmental or food-related)
Anaplasmosis (tick-borne)
Anxiety Issues
Arthritis or Joint Pain
Canine Distemper
Chronic Ear Infections
Dental Disease
Ehrlichiosis (tick-borne)
Heartworm
Influenza
Kennel Cough
Leptospirosis
Lipomas, Cysts, or Other Lumps/Bumps
Lyme Disease
Parvovirus
Seizures
Skin Conditions
Vaccine Reactions
Other
Additional notes about your dog’s health history:: Winnie had heartworms in 2021 and they were fully treated by the end of the year; she is now on Simparica Trio. She doesn't have any formal allergies but gets itchy at times. She has anxiety issues with guests in the home mentioned above.
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.: Winnie has had three different bite incidents; in 2021, 2022, and 2023. All followed similar patterns where a friend/family member came into our house, was walking around, Winnie displayed some warning signs that in retrospect we missed like huffing or growling, and Winnie eventually nipped at their leg, sometimes going through their pantleg and leaving light marks on their calf but never breaking skin. None were serious injuries to any degree. Since then, we have done a variety of management techniques with guests in the home, including introducing Winnie to the guest outside or from behind a gate, keeping Winnie leashed, having the guest give Winnie treats or sit down (Winnie is much better with seated people), or not have Winnie interact with the guest (she's fine in her crate)
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? : Bathe/trimming every other month; no formal grooming needed
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?: No, but we sometimes give her dental bones.
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Timid
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Cats
Good with Young Children
Bonded Pair
Purebred
Crate Trained
Comes When Called
Needs Training
Likes Car Rides
Likes to Swim
Requires A Fenced Yard
Jumps Fences
Growls at Strangers
Is Afraid of Storms
Digs
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?: Aggressive: Does not get along with cats and may show aggressive behavior.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?: She spends pretty much all day sleeping in adorable positions, seeking out the sun to lie in, or asking us for belly rubs.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?: A home that is able to manage her behavior when guests come into the home; aside from that, she has no pro
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?: She is very chill and doesn't require much exercise most of the day
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?: Baby/Child Safety
Details about rehoming reason (if needed): We're having our first child and think it will be too hard to manage Winnie with a new child
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?: Duke's Animal Hospital in Chicago
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?: Twice a day she eats kibble. She loves treats
Do you currently have pet insurance?: No
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State: Evanston, IL
Zip Code: 60201
How did you hear about us?: Google Search
Service Level: Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs