Available - Maverik

My story

Socialization/training: Maverik is very well socialized with people. He is excited any time someone comes home or someone new comes over! He loves my kids (ages 11 & 15yrs).  He has not been around kids < 10.  He loves to play with people. We have been working on his basics commands like sit, stay (sort of) & shake. He does not have good recall but I think he would do well once trained. He has learned to walk on leash with a gentle leader. I would not recommend a harness as he pulls everywhere and is out of control. He will try to chase rabbits if given the chance. He does have some reactivity to other dogs while on walks. I would strongly recommend that Maverik get involved with a seasoned trainer to make sure this behavior does not progress.  Maverik is a quick learner with manners! He has been fine to be left alone at home as he is not destructive. He is a counter surfer though and will eat anything within reach. Other than that, he sleeps while we are away. He is a great traveler and already knows that he gets to go for car rides, which he loves. He does fine being left in the car while I go inside places. Maverik is a runner!! He will dart out the door if given a chance! He does not go far and does not run away once you approach him but for his safety this is not good to let him do. He is potty trained and will sit at the door to be let out. He is not much of a barker but will bark if our dog barks. I would not recommend a crate for Maverik. He came with a kennel which he seemed afraid of, so we put it away and he has loved sleeping on dog beds, kids beds and the couch. He does not need a kennel as he is not destructive. Maverik likes to walk daily (we do a 1.5 mile walk daily) but other than that, he really enjoys playing with toys as long as you play with him. He likes to play fetch with his stuffies. After he plays he settles down quickly and loves lounging around the house. He does not like to be left outside alone!  Getting Maverik in with a trainer to make sure he is not reactive to other dogs on or off leash is essential. He has done well with our dog and other dogs that have come into our home. I have noticed that when we are leash walking, he is a bit reactive to other dogs. I do not see him as aggressive towards other dogs, he simply needs some training so this does not become a problem.  Fence: We do not have a fence so we have used a long line with Maverik. He does just fine with this but I think he would really love to have a fence!! I think an underground fence would be an option but only with proper training and time. I would not recommend an underground fence for several months so he can learn to settle in and trust his people. He is VERY sensitive and even the beep on our dogs collar makes him nervous so this would need to be a slow and methodical process.  Behavior: Maverik is incredibly affectionate & follows his foster mom around the house (except downstairs as he has not mastered that yet). He would be a lap dog if given the chance! He is playful, goofy & eager to please. He is sensitive and will not do well with physical discipline. He does just fine with a stern ‘no’.  Medical History: He is neutered, UTD on all vaccinations, on monthly heartworm & flea/tick prevention. Maverik has some skin issues we are currently working to correct. From his recent vet visit it seems that monthly injections are not necessary and his itching, hot skin, bald skin can be corrected with proper nutrition, supplements, & weekly baths. I would recommend that Maverik continue to see a vet that does not just want to put him on Apoquel to mask his symptoms but instead see a vet that wants to see him thrive. His skin is already less pink, less hot & his fur softer. Foster Comments: Maverik is a true gem. He is smart, silly, loveable and deserves a forever home to call his own. He has done well with our dog and friends & family dogs. He does need some training to make sure he isn’t leash reactive. He would really prefer to be home & on the couch with his people vs. being left outside or home alone all day. He REALLY loves to be with people & he is a huge cough potato!. He really just wants to be inside with his people. Maverik needs to go to a home that will allow him to do this!  Foster Location: Bozeman, MT 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 (“Health Certificate”).  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. ##2397345##

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