Entered: 08/29/2014
Status: Adopted
Age: 3
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 53 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Newark, DE
Health: UTD, HW-, seasonal allergies well managed with prescription diet and occasional antihistamines
Temperament: Good with people as young as 12, good with other dogs, unknown with cats
Update 09/21/2014: “While still a dog who loves to get exercise, he is also perfectly happy resting his head on his foster parents’ laps while he cuddles next to them and shows off his mellow side.”
Choco has settled wonderfully into his foster home. He gets along great with his foster siblings and has turned into an excellent family dog and companion. While still a dog who loves to get exercise, he is also perfectly happy resting his head on his foster parents’ laps while he cuddles next to them and shows off his mellow side. He loves to be where people are, and is a pleasure to have around. Choco’s allergies are well maintained with his prescription food, and an occasional antihistamine (which he happily gulps down!). He will truly make an excellent addition to a lucky family!
Original: “Choco has been described as a ‘social butterfly,’ and this has rung true in his foster home! He loves playing with dogs he meets of any age and any size–this guy loves them all! “
This beautiful, athletic, energetic and happy young guy came into MAESSR’s care when his Maryland family decided a different home might be more suitable for him. His good looks and easy going temperament are evidence of how he had received good care and been well loved.
Choco has been described as a “social butterfly,” and this has rung true in his foster home! He loves playing with dogs he meets, of any age and any size–this guy loves them all! He greets everyone with his handsome Springer smile, a wag of his tail and enjoys every opportunity to get some 1:1 time with his humans while enjoying the outdoors. This young fella does pull on his leash while walking, but is working on his leash manners with his foster mom. He is a strong guy who is responding well to a chest led harness while he works on loose leash walking. By far, Choco’s most favorite activity is going for hikes in the woods and swimming whenever and wherever he gets the chance. He loves car rides and wants to stick his face out the window to smell all the different scents. He has a great nose and would likely do well with tracking activities.
Back at home, handsome is housetrained and walks toward the door when he needs to go outside. He also does well in his crate and calmly stays there while sleeping and while his foster mom is at work—it’s a nice comfy place! Choco needs some reminders to stay off furniture and not to counter-surf, but, fortunately, he is very responsive to commands and listens well once told. He doesn’t chew inappropriately but does have the unfortunate habit of swallowing socks that he finds lying around—oops! They must smell good to him! Despite Choco’s thinking socks are a yummy snack, his forever home will have to make sure to do a diligent job keeping such items away from him as they could lead to negative health consequences. Choco tends to be a vocal guy and would make an excellent watch dog. He is learning “quiet” and “speak” with his foster mom, but because of his vocal nature, would likely do best in a single family home as opposed to an apartment.
Choco attended obedience classes as a young pup, and knows commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “kennel up.” He is currently working on “drop it” with his foster mom as he doesn’t always want to give up his toys! He does very well with hand signals and eye contact, and enjoys time with his humans. He is smart, eager to please and very motivated by food so the training opportunities are endless for this guy! Choco does best with durable toys as he likes to chew and tear apart stuffed animals. His orange training “dummy” that he borrowed from his foster brother is his favorite!
MAESSR’s new man loves the attention he gets from his foster mom and follows her wherever she goes throughout the house. He gives excellent greetings and will happily exchange belly rubs for plenty of kisses! He is happy just to be around others and enjoys the attention he gets. However, despite his happy attitude and the fact that his previous family included a 12 year old girl whom he adored, his inability to contain his enthusiasm might not be so great for the younger crowd. He does tend to get excited while playing and can sometimes kick his legs or jump up in excitement. He also play bites when he is excited. He is working on breaking that habit with his foster mom.
Choco is in great health but does struggle with some allergies which appear to be caused by the outdoors. His foster mom is working on finding him the best long term treatment so he can feel his best every day. He currently benefits from a special prescription diet and extra attention to bathing. He was great at the groomers and tolerated his bath as well as any dog.
The ideal adoptive family will provide Choco with plenty of exercise and playtime. The more outdoor activities the better for this athletic guy! His forever home should allow him enough room to play and explore. He would also appreciate regular trips to doggie day care for playtime and exercise as well as socialization with others. Due to his excitable nature and tendency to swallow inappropriate objects, Choco would do best in an adult only home or one with older children. Above all, this young man’s perfect family will be one who willing to invest the time and energy in him that will definitely be worth the payoff!