Entered: 09/27/2003
Status: Adopted
Age: 4
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 55 lbs.
Gender: Altered Female
Location: Coatesville, PA
Health: Good, UTD, HW-, urinary incontinence controlled with medication
Temperament: Not good with young children, needs work with territorial issues
Original:
Maddie needs to find a new home because she has not been taught how to properly treat the toddler in the home, and the toddler has not been not been taught how to treat her. Therefore, Maddie is showing dominance aggression to the toddler probably stemming from a lack of attention and the fact that the child does not know the difference between hitting and petting. Maddie has never bitten, but tries mounting the child, and is therefore separated from the family behind a baby gate. Poor Maddie surely doesn’t understand this because in the wild, older, stronger pack members would certainly teach the new pack members their “place” a the bottom of the pack. It is up to the humans to teach her that she now falls below the new child in pack order too. Because of this Maddie will not be placed with children under 12 years. Maddie gets along fine with dogs but cats are unknown.
Maddie is protective of her home and family and has shown some territorial issues during the past 2 years. She lets our her warning barks and jumps and acts in a protective way when people approach the house. MAESSR sent a volunteer out to assess this issue, she reported that with the right dog savvy owner, Maddie can get this under control. She will likely need diversion training to get this under control and time and consistency. Maddie had a bad grooming experience and since then she has to be muzzled while at the vet and groomers. She has not had formal obedience training but does know sit, down and stay. Maddie will pull on the leash but settles down after while. She will not wonder off of the unfenced property when let out to attend to her potty business. She loves to ride in the car, swim and play with a ball. Maddie does not dig, chew or beg for food.
Maddie has urinary incontinence which is hormone-related and controlled by medication. She is a little chubby at around 55 pounds, this is probably due to the fact that she doesn’t get enough exercise and her food has not been cut back to make up for this.
Maddie will need a new owner who will teach her the ropes of acceptable behavior, with the time and patience to help her learn. We recommend an obedience class to help form a quick bond and to help the new family learn how Maddie learns and what are the best methods for teaching her. Do you have the time, patience and love for this girl? She will surely be a willing and playful companion given the chance!