Andy 2

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Updated 12/28/05: Andy is coming down the home stretch on his course of antibiotics for a positive Lyme’s screen.  He shows no signs of Lyme disease and never did.  The treatment, in his case, was simply a precaution.  He is very muscular and loves to run and leap.  It is really thrilling to watch him.  Andy has a lovely, shiny, rich coat that is very pleasant to touch.  He is tolerant of brushing but has not yet been swayed to enjoy clipping.  Fortunately, his coat is one that requires little maintenance.

His foster mom is now beginning to think that Andy was an “outside” dog which accounts for his initial frenetic activity in the house and a couple of accidents.  He has never had an “accident” in his crate or x-pen, even for up to 8 hours.  His foster mom says she has never seen a dog entertain himself for so long, but when Andy tires of one game, he will find another.  Although humans, as entertainment, are “OK” with him, they are Andy’s second choice at this time.  His foster mom would like to see humans be more important in Andy’s life.  She is working on making her relationship with him into the most important one for him and feels this effort to elevate humans should continue in his forever home.

Andy is very bright and will do well with continued obedience training.  Formal classes would be beneficial.  His foster mom feels that working privately with a trainer until Andy is ready for the stimulation of a group setting could be a useful approach.  By limiting his space, clicker training, and hand feeding, Andy has made considerable progress.  He is on his way to bonding and it would be great if this were to continue in his forever home.  Are you ready for the challenge and reward of creating this special bond with Andy?  How wonderful it could feel to be Andy’s “first” choice forever!!

Original: Along with his mother, Chloe, Andy came to MAESSR as an owner relinquishment from central Pennsylvania. His owner, who was also his breeder, was experiencing health and financial stress and loved his dogs enough to send them to MAESSR for a fresh start. Andy is underweight but very muscular. He tested mildly positive for Lyme disease and positive for a low level of hookworms, so short term treatment for both is underway.

While very active, Andy is bright and settles nicely when alone with his foster mom. He is not mouthy, and even during the painful process of removing mats, he did nothing more than whine and put his mouth on the comb or mat breaker. It would appear from the mats, and his frenzy when the clippers were turned on, that professional grooming is unfamiliar to him. Andy surely feels much better though with his coat combed and clipped. He certainly looks much more handsome!

Andy is housebroken and tolerates crating but prefers an x-pen to a crate. He knows the word “sit” but his foster mom thinks that is the extent of his training. He exhibits very little self-control and will jump on furniture, people, and explore everything within reach including counter tops. For this reason, his foster mom would not recommend at this time that he go to a home with small children or frail adults. He pulls very hard when the lead is attached to his collar but is very manageable when using a Gentle Leader Easy Walker harness.

Andy’s only “problem” with other dogs is his exuberance. His foster mom feels this might well subside with a little consistency and training in his life. Andy loves treats, and because of his weight, gets many in his training process. His foster mom wishes the resident dog was as gentle as Andy when taking treats. Andy likes toys and is not destructive. He has such a gentle mouth that his foster mom thinks he might make a good hunting companion.

Although Andy likes a soft place to recline, he is not a couch potato. Are you ready for an active partner? Andy is ready to learn and almost ready to go. What he needs most is a person who will continue his training and welcome him as an active part of the family.