This is Blitz, he is a pure bread Australian Shepherd pup just under 2 years old. He is very loving, highly intelligent and full of energy. He gets along so well with our children (aged 13 and 10).
Blitz has high anxiety, and recently our schedule has gotten a lot busier and we have to travel more, which is not conducive to giving him the steady care that he needs. He is such a loyal boy, and deserves a consistent home with lots of love. He would especially enjoy active families as he likes to go hiking and jogging (though he could still use some additional leash training).
Pet's Name:
Blitz
Dog: Primary Breed:
Australian Shepherd Dog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
10/23/2024
Age Category:
Young
Where did you get your pet?:
Breeder
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.):
12/10/2024
Gender:
Male
Size (at full-grown):
Medium
Approximate adult weight in pounds (number only):
50
Primary Color:
Gray or Blue (Mostly)
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Tug of war, any hard chew toy, chasing a ball
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
No
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, down, over, bow, beg, wait, play dead, shy, hands up, jump, back, shake, through, around, center, perch
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
He does really well if he's in his crate. If not he will find something to chew
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
He is very anxious. Meeting new people takes a few minutes, he is a little wary of meeting people or dogs while on a leash but does fine meeting them while off leash.
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
We walk or play with him twice per day at least, though my kids play with him a lot more. We feed him twice per day and he sleeps all night in his crate on the main floor while our bedrooms are upstairs
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?:
He has a sensitive stomach so we feed him Purina pro plan sensitive skin and stomach and we use a probiotic
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
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
He bit his caretaker while we were on vacation. This was highly unusual for him and had never happened before. There were several other dogs around and she was holding a puppy. We believe it was caused by his anxiety.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
I brush him once per week and bathe him when he needs it (usually about once every 2 months. He does great in the bath tub). We have not had his hair trimmed yet due to the anxiety
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
We use dental chews and I try to brush his teeth every couple of weeks, though he is great at avoiding it
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 children?:
Good with older kids: Does well with calm, respectful children, typically school-age and up.
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?:
He is so loving and has a very fun personality, likes to plop down on our laps (my kids also say his wiggle butt is one of their favorite things)
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Patience and love.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
He is really so devoted. I feel like it might take him a little while to attach to a new family, but once he does, he seriously has a heart of gold and won't let you go
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Schedule, No Time
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
Our schedules got a lot busier, and his anxiety caused a fear reaction bite at his caretaker's house, which has never happened before. We have to travel a lot now, and I don't want him to be in that situation again.
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?:
Animal Medical Center of Frederick County
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Purina Pro plan sensitive skin and stomach Salmon and rice. He has a sensitive stomach and gets diarrhea easily if his food or treats change. We rotate probiotics, and he eats greenies teeth chews.
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
Yes
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
Yes
No
Maybe
City, State:
Winchester, VA
Zip Code:
22602
How did you hear about us?:
Rescue/Shelter
Referring Name (person, page, or organization, if applicable):
ARMA
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs