Dave

My story

Dave is a loyal, very good, somewhat anxious guy looking for a quieter, adult-only home, where he can have a predictable daily routine. He loved their kids, and has spent the last 5 months in a home with children ages 5 to 13. But, because of his unpredictability with children at times, his adopters made the really difficult decision to bring him back to PAWS to allow us a to find him a better fit in a home without kids. It was not a choice they made lightly, and it is one we at PAWS fully support. They clearly loved Dave and tried very hard to make it work. They said he has been such a wonderful and smart dog with them for the most part. He falls into patterns and routines easily. He would attend doggie daycare and loved the people who worked there. He even established favorite folks, which he seemed to know by name. He would get excited when his parents would say, "do you want to go visit so and so?" There is no doubt he can be a real lovebug, but he does need a certain home life for him to fully thrive. His adopter shared some information on his personality and needs. She writes, "His favorite treats are plain baked chicken, peanut butter, turkey cold cuts and Blue Buffalo Blue Stix Chicken. He loves hot dogs and cheese but those will upset his stomach, as will any high-fat food. He is scared of thunderstorms - we cleared out a spot in an upstairs closet with lots of blankets and towels for him to lay on and called it his "safe place. He is great about going to the back door when he needs to go potty but will not bark to let you know. He goes to bed in his crate at 8:00 every night - just say "crate and he should go in it. Sometimes he will go in it unprompted after dinner. He loves to go on walks. He needs to be in a very sturdy harness or a martingale collar. He is very strong and becomes reactive around most people and pets. Moving to the other side of the street helps, along with a very high-value treat(like baked, shredded chicken) and a command to distract him. When you get home from your walk, give him space to get his extra zoomies out. He knows basic commands: sit, down, stay, come - but is not 100% there. He loves to give a sit and a "high paw or a shake for a treat. Treats help reinforce the more difficult commands. He has been responsive to a trainer who has worked with us on basic commands but is still extremely reactive around strangers (including the trainer) , and very territorial. He is a high-energy boy who would love to go on daily runs. He would do best in a quieter home with a regular routine. " Dave would do well in a home with an adult or couple who are open to working with to help him overcome his fears.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Dave, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.