DAVE
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Dave is a beautiful young (about one and half to two years old..maybe even less) sable colored GSD picked up as a stray with Cory. He has had a preliminary evaluation by our Tucson staff but we need to get him into foster care in order to learn more about him. All we know is that he needs training, including manners, and has been good with people. He is a strong, substantial boy.
We will post more info as we receive it. UPDATE 3/4: Dave has been neutered and is in TEMPORARY foster care at Camp Ginger's in Tucson. He has integrated well into a large and diverse pack of canines proving that he does well with dogs of all kinds. He's even let the little ones infiltrate his Elizabethan collar (while he heals) and lick his face. Ginger has pushed him to the point when most dogs might bite but it's just not in this boy's nature. He is, as previously described, a very large and strong PUPPY. He has the attention span of a 10-14 week old and simply has not had any training or direction. If trained accordingly, he will be an awesome, friendly youngster. His new family will have to have the time and commitment to make up for lost time. Some obedience experience would be helpful...no long hours away from home. Dave is about 80 lbs and VERY handsome. His age has been put at one to one and a half years. If fostered in Phoenix we will pay for his foster or foster-to-adopt to take him to classes. He's waiting for his 2nd shot at a loving and productive life. UPDATE 3/29: The word from Tucson is that Dave is a very head strong boy who handles strong corrections. He must have an experienced handler, preferably one with ample GSD experience. He has a working dog nature and will need lots of activity and mental challenges. In the right hands he will shape up well, however, Dave is a not a good match for a novice. There is great potential here.
UPDATE 4/19: Our Tucson staff spent a few hours with Dave today and found him to be just another undisciplined teenager with a nice core temperament yet in need of work and leadership. He was also tested by some K9 handler friends for possible police work but proved too low in some drive levels. Again, in the right hands, Dave is a winner.
UPDATE 4/26: Dave has been in boarding in Phoenix but because the owner of the property is a senior and cannot handle Dave's jumping when excited to see his human friends, we are forced to move him yet again. We really wished to have found a foster home locally which would enable us to work with him on a daily basis but none has materialized.
Dave is headed back south on Wednesday, to spend a few weeks in basic training with a friend who trains working dogs for the prison system. We've asked Chuck for basic obedience only. During his short stay in Phoenix we have visited with Dave every day and found him to be, as previously described, a very friendly boy, absolutely no aggression, just no direction and a youngster who stores energy when confined. In fact, after his exuberant initial greeting, he's been calm and responsive.
It is our hope that we can find a qualified foster home in the Phoenix area awaiting Dave's return. In essence; our staff REALLY likes this guy and we'll do whatever it takes to find him... ....FOREVER...
UPDATE 4/28:
We're eager to have a trained Dave back and ready for a foster home in about 3 weeks. ARE YOU READY TO FOSTER DAVE? No young children or small dogs and cats are an unknown. If you are interested in fostering Dave, please read about OUR FOSTER PROGRAM and submit a Foster Application (found on the Foster Program page). UPDATE 5/23:
Reports from training camp are that Dave is doing well with obedience but he's a very busy boy. He will need a very active owner willing to continue his training and fulfill his need for action. He will not fit well in a home where his folks are gone for a long work day.
UPDATE JUNE 22nd: Well, Dave's time in training is up and we need to find a qualified foster ASAP. He has learned his lessons well and is now obedience trained. His handler has reiterated what we have previously posted; Dave requires a physically active leader, perhaps someone who hikes and one who enjoys working with their dog and taking him with whenever possible...a real full time companion. Swimming in the summer months will also keep him occupied. We suspect that once out of a kennel environment his need for speed will diminish; he needs more freedom. Routine will serve to increase his focus which is a bit scattered. This friendly and happy youngster is so very eager to explore his new world. There isn't a staff member that would not take him on if not already over committed but all of us have a full house already. Dave has to be moved SOON...no seniors over 60, no small children, other dog OK, experience required. UPDATE 7-10: He's back! Dave returned to Phoenix this past Thursday and is now in foster care learning to be a house dog. He's been obedience trained so now it's time to figure out routine, boundaries and the more social side of life. Given that he's been kenneled when not training, we anticipate some bumps along the way but so far, he's doing well. He's sharing his home with a young Great Dane mix female who was initially warm n fuzzy but in the course of the past couple of days has decided she might rather be the sole Queen Bee. Her foster folks have been given some leadership pointers so that she is not calling the shots; we'll just have to see what direction their relationship takes. As for Dave, he's friendly, affectionate and just wants to play but can be sort of that annoying kid brother when his female friend would rather be left alone. Time will tell if they can work it out. Dave's only real challenge is his lack of focus. We liken some of his characteristics to the Siberian Husky temperament; his attention span is short, again, possibly the result of both his age and too much confinement or maybe it's just the kinda kid he will be. He adores people and follows his new folks everywhere. He's a very lovable guy who responds very well to leadership and consistency and has shown no aggression. He's ready to meet his potential forever family. UPDATE 7/22: Dave has confirmed that once out of daily confinement he's not over the top and not all that busy. He shadows his people and craves human companionship. He's not your typical GSD in that he's never learned to fetch or tug or play with toys. He has a minor stubborn streak when it comes to complying to a command but with firm consistency caves in rather quickly. He simply wants to accompany his person as much as possible and be an integral part of his human's life. Dave has been a good house dog; hasn't destroyed anything and crates well too. He and Miss Queen Bee have worked out their differences and get along well. While he is fully obedience trained, he and his foster Dad are in a small group obedience class just to hone his social skills. Dave is ready to move onto prime time...are you? Adoption fee $395.00.
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He was evicted from his current foster home as his constant motion and lack of manners created some agitation for the many other dogs in the pack. He is, after all, still a male pup in need of lots of activity and boundaries.
We will be moving him to temporary boarding in Phoenix while searching for the right foster/adopter.
If you have the experience and would like to foster Dave, please submit a foster application
ASAP. Thanks
