Available - Axel

My story

Socialization/training:  Axel is very treat-motivated and was the first of his siblings to learn routines like when its time to go to his crate. With some continued patience and training, he will learn what is expected of him. Housetraining is a work in progress but trending better. We are using a belly band and he is getting better at giving us the signs that he needs to go outside. His recall is decent but could use more work when he is distracted by creatures. He has respected the baby gates and barriers better than previous fosters. There are no cats or children in Axel’s foster home. He is very affectionate but not very respectful of personal space so he would need to be watched closely with toddlers or very small children for fear that he might knock them over. We don’t have any cats in the house but he has demonstrated a strong prey drive with the squirrels and chicken outside the yard. He would likely view a cat either as prey or something he can play with, although he is young enough that I am sure he could learn to coexist with a cat given appropriate training and time.  Axel has been living with a large pack of 12 other dogs. He has never demonstrated any aggression or dominant behavior. He likes to play with his siblings and with a couple of the other dogs in the pack but also seems comfortable doing his own thing. He quickly learned the pack dynamics and which dogs he could play with and which dogs wanted their space.  He would do best with a family with another dog to keep him company but could probably adapt to being a single dog as long as he got enough stimulation. Crate trained: Yes, Axel is crate trained and sleeps peacefully in one during the night. He knows he needs to go to his crate for meals and/or treats and then waits patiently to be let back out. He sometimes barks if he wants out of his kennel, particularly if others are moving around. Leash trained: He has gotten some leash practice since the weather has improved, and he is starting to walk very well on the leash. He will continue to improve with more practice. Activity Level:  Medium high. Axel is an energetic puppy and loves to play with toys, sticks, and other dogs. He will happily play and romp with reciprocating playmates. He has been very good at checking back in with me when in the yard but loves to run the fence line and bark at the neighboring squirrels and chicken. He is normally the first in his pack to want to come back inside, and once inside, his preference is for lap time on the couch. He likes to play with his chew toys if no lap is available. He also likes to park himself on the couch. Fence:  A fence is always preferred. He has not challenged the fence but we are confident that he would come back to us if he got out of the yard. Behavior: Axel is a sensitive lover. He loves to cuddle and get affection. He was terrified of the TV when he first arrived and would bury his head in your chest in an attempt to hide. He has learned to live with the TV especially when he has a person to give him love while we watch it. He has a sensitive nature so positive and constructive training would be essential. He doesn’t always respect the personal space of the other dogs and sometimes crawls over them to get into your lap. He loves toys but is particularly destructive with them. He likes to tear them to bits so some durable toys should keep him occupied for hours. Medical History:  Axel is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and on monthly heartworm prevention. Axel is due for his next Leishmaniasis test in December 2025. This dog originates from Greece where Leishmaniasis is endemic. They tested negative before coming to the USA, but the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years, so potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The cost of the test seems to vary widely by area, but is approximately $150-$250. or if your vet is willing to send the test to a veterinary college lab, cost can be as low as $80. Foster Comments: Axel is a sweet, affectionate and slightly shy boy. He was very timid and tentative when he first arrived and was scared of all the normal household sounds like the television or vacuum cleaner. With time, he has become much more comfortable with those things, although very loud and unexpected sounds still startle him. He is a playful boy who loves to romp and wrestle with his siblings and to play tug with his toys. Most of all, though, he loves to snuggle with his people. The living room sofa is his favorite location, especially if there is a person sitting there to cuddle with him. He is hugely affectionate and loves attention. Axel’s mom is a pure setter, but dad was a mix of setter, German shepherd, Brittany, and few other breeds, so he has a unique look. Axel is looking for a family that has time to spend with him, will continue to work with him on his training and help build his confidence and, most importantly, will give him lots of love and cuddles. Foster Location: Temperance, MI Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $75.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).  Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions. ##2262143##

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