SKYLER
Skyler (ADOPTED!) is a sweet, fun loving and energetic boy, who is 18 mos. to 2 years old. He is currently very lean at 27 lbs. and may be ideal at 30-32 lbs. Our boy has a very playful personality and is quite good at entertaining himself. His goofy, puppyish behavior, as he makes up his own games will make you laugh. He will sometimes run laps in the backyard and jumping over everything in his path. Skyler is extremely affectionate; and will focus on and follow his person everywhere, if he can. He is very much a cattle dog in his desire to bond with his own person. He is very attentive and responsive to people, and will check in constantly with his foster, when she is with him in the backyard. This boy is super smart and learns very quickly about what his foster wants. Skyler's foster is teaching him some manners and appropriate behavior. He currently knows sit, is learning down, along with some tricks, such as sit pretty.
Skyler is a little timid when first meeting new people, and direct eye contact from new people will make him nervous. He will warm up quickly to women, especially if they have treats, but may take a little longer to warm up to men. He is very playful with other dogs, and likes to run and play chase with them. Because of his enthusiasm and energy when playing, he may be too much for smaller dogs. Also, he plays well with dogs his size and larger, but has the impulse to chase small dogs and other small animals if they run or move suddenly. Skyler also loves to play with stuffed toys, and enjoys tugging with other dogs using pretty much any kind of toy. Depending on the other dog and the toy, he may sometimes guard toys and chews from other dogs.
Although Skyler is a moderate to high energy boy, he will settle down well when indoors. He walks fairly well on leash and does not pull, although he may when he's excited. Skyler is also just about house trained, and will walk to the door to let his foster mom know when he has to go out. Skyler's foster mom is crate training him, and he now goes into the crate by himself. He also sleeps quietly in his crate at night. Skyler is also now accustomed to riding in a car, and is fine getting in and out, and will lay quietly in the back seat.
Skyler will jump up on people when he's happily excited, in greeting or when seeking affection. For this reason, we do not recommend him in a home with young/small children, who could be knocked down easily. After he has been well exercised he enjoys being close, in your lap, or cuddling on the couch. Skyler would be a good watch dog. He will bark as an alert when people near the house. He is fine on walks around a lot of people. However, if walking down an empty street and one or more persons appear suddenly, and startle him, he will bark.
In summary, our boy is young, full of life, and has great potential. He needs adopters who will give him the mental and physical activity he needs, and will also have the experience, time and patience to continue working with him, and expose him to new things, to help build his confidence.
