Max 2

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Original:

Max came into rescue after being given up by a family who didn’t have time for him. As a result, he wasn’t really well trained and needed discipline. He is doing quite well in foster care. The following is an update from his foster mom:

Max has been with me since Friday afternoon and we are all having a great time!!! Max is a very happy, good tempered dog. He loves to cuddle and give kisses and his tail always seems to be wagging. He let me take something he had stolen from the trash right out of his mouth the first night he was here with no show of temper or aggression. He adjusted to Lucky being top dog in the house and recognizes my authority.

Max has clearly had no obedience training, but in the past few days has learned to sit automatically for a treat and to get his leash on and off (though on is sometimes iffy because he gets so excited when he hears “out, walk, and Park”). He does jump up but has gone from doing it all the time to everyone to just when I first come in after being gone awhile and when I remind him he settles down. Max knows his name and will usually come when I call or whistle unless he is really interested in something (like another puppy in the park). Given that he is only 8 mos. I think he is doing well; it is just hard to keep him focused. He is very much like Lucky when she first came to me: eager to please but a little scatterbrained. So far Max has not been at all destructive in the house though he will grab my sneaker and carry it if he is very excited.

Max is not big on fetch but likes to play tug with the other dogs and he collects all the tennis balls and “Really Good Sticks” he can find and hordes them under a bench. then he sits and guards them. He is very playful and inquisitive.

Since he has been with me he has calmed down a bit because he is getting a lot of exercise. He IS very overweight; my vet said that he should lose about 10lbs over the next three months and build muscle. I am encouraged that his waistline in beginning to emerge and his back end and legs feel firmer. He eats Fit n Trim mixed with Science Diet (50/50) per the vets recommendation. Treats are limited to veggies, apple bits, and the Science Diet. I only use treats for training and to put in his teething bone, other wise no snacks.

The owner did tell us that she thought he would do better in a home without small children but he has reacted positively to all the kids in my neighborhood. The only time he was hesitant and barked was when the two little boys downstairs came around the corner suddenly on rollerblades making a lot of noise. Then Max backed up and barked.

He is not phased by elevators, electric doors or gates, or buses with squeaky brakes and cars with no mufflers (so exciting to be a city dog!) He socializes well with other dogs and people but is a little possessive of me when other dogs run toward me or jump on me. All in all, he has been very adaptable; not too anxious; and a real joy to have around. He’s a real love.

Update: from his foster mom:
Now that Max is in better shape he has become an accomplished toy thief — no tennis ball or kong is safe if Max is on the prowl! What’s nice is he is not aggressive about it and will hand it over or take it in stride if the other dog steals it back. It is wonderful to see him run for the joy of running and jump over fallen trees and big roots in the woods — he couldn’t do that at all at first! The only flaw I can find with Max is his food obsession. He really is focused on treats and people food. Every meal time I have to be very stern with him about barking for a bite and trying to snag anything that comes within a foot of his nose. I am getting some results and I am pleased that he is not showing aggression, just pestiness. I think because of his prior situation he equates food with love, but he’s getting better.

Update:
Max’s foster mom fell in love with him and has decided to keep him. While we regret losing a great foster home, we are very happy for Max who has a forever home!