Meet Indy

Status with People

Cautious at first with unfamiliar adults, especially men, but with calm reassurance from someone I trust, I warm up quickly. I may bark or give a “rumble growl’ toward strangers at first, but once I know you I’m deeply affectionate and prefer not to be far away. Embrace the growl…this is me communicating that I’m nervous. It’s my “words” to you to just give me a moment. It’s no difference that you saying the same as you adjust to something that may be scary for you. I just need to feel safe and then I’ll be your buddy. I do best with older, dog-savvy children who understand personal space and gentle interaction. Children should respect my signals and give me time to feel comfortable. Young children who move quickly or crowd my space are not a match for me. 

Status with Dogs

Good with other dogs. Always lived as an only dog until AGN and have adapted quickly to living with a furry companion, enjoying the friendship. I’m social and playful once acquainted. I may bark at first when meeting new dogs and even “talk” a bit with some growly sounds, but it’s just how I initiate communication and engagement. I likely had minimal socialization with other dogs in my previous home, so I’m fine-tuning my dog communication language. I enjoy playful fun and will happily invite a familiar dog to play with a little front-foot dance, play bow and happy growls. I have a 4 year old Lab foster brother and have done well hosting a beagle about my age. I’m neutral in temperament overall.  I’d be happy as an only dog or with a calm (but playful), compatible furry friend. 

Status with Cats

Seem fine with cats. Basically no reaction when seeing the cats at Petsmart.

Favorite Toys

Big stuffy toys (according to my previous owner!) Sturdy chew bones, especially ones stuffed with something tasty, have proven to be popular. I enjoy playing with balls. I’m not much of a retriever, but I do enjoy the game. I like to play with sticks and this needs to be monitored for safety. I’d likely enjoy stuffies, but my foster brother keeps those to himself. Can you get me so big stuffies to play with, please?

Energy Level

Low to moderate overall. I have bursts of excitement at mealtime, on walks, and when meeting new people, but I balance that with lots of relaxation and cuddle time.

House Trained

Yes! I’m housetrained and will stand by the door when I need to go outside. **AGN recommends that you train me to Poochie Bells so that I can give clear communication that you can hear that I need to potty.

Crate Trained

Do not need a crate. I have great house manners and do well with free roam.

House Manners

Excellent. I’m calm, well-behaved, and not destructive. I may bark at the doorbell or unfamiliar noises, and I’m sometimes hesitant to explore unfamiliar rooms alone, but overall I’m a perfect house guest. I sleep in my orthopedic dog bed at night and enjoy some couch cuddle time.

Leash Manners

Good on leash and walk nicely using a Walk-Your-Dog-With-Love harness. I LOVE my daily walks, or as I like to call them, “sniffs interrupted by walking.” Let me sniff as it’s great mental stimulation for me.

Exercise

LOVE WALKS! My daily walks about 45 minutes to an hour. I also enjoy running and playing with my Lab foster brother or Beagle buddy in the backyard. And of course, the fun times of self-initiated zoomies.

Car Rides

Good in the car and settle right down. I do politely request assistance lifting my back end into the seat, though. A gentleman deserves a little help, so I welcome you to be my “human elevator”.

Basic Commands

Sit, down, and stay. I know my name well as it’s been my name since a puppy. Please do NOT change it!

Phobias

Startled by and cautiously curious about unfamiliar creatures, loud noises (thunder, oven beeping, etc.) and sights, and reacts by barking, not aggressively, just alerting the world that something is out of the ordinary. Also, the vacuum is not my friend, so I’ll be out of sight when it comes out. 

Medical Needs

Sometimes, I can be a bit stiff when first standing up. Anyone else know that feeling? I loosen up nicely with movement. I take joint and omega-3 supplements and am on a weight-management plan to achieve my ideal weight. I have a few lumps that are being monitored by the vet and a small benign bump on my foot that may eventually need removal. Overall, I’m doing well and enjoying life. Just remember….a body in motion stays in motion!

Miscellaneous

I am scared of shiny dog dishes. I will ONLY eat out of plastic bowls so put them on your shopping list. Also, the vacuum is not my friend, so I’ll be out of sight when it comes out.

Things I need in my Forever Home

• Someone dog experienced who understands that it takes me a little time to trust and feel safe, but with patience, understanding, kindness and time…my personality shines!
• A calm and quiet home with routine and predictability. The unknowns concern me, so I’m best in familiar situations and need a household that creates a feeling of security for me.
• Moderately active family that likes to engage in daily exercise such as strolls through the neighborhood and park, leisurely hikes through the trails, etc.  I need someone committed to my daily walking. I LOVE my sniffing walks! 
• Someone who is home more often than not. Someone who doesn’t work, works from home or works part time. I thrive with human companionship and need it for my well-being.  I’m fine when left home with my dog buddy, but would be lonely for longer hours by myself.
• I’d be fine as an only dog as long as your my true best friend spending most of your time with me. I need a lot of human companionship. 
• If another dog in the home, the dog should be gentle, fun, neutral in temperament, and willing to share toys.  Either gender is fine. 
• Children need to be old enough to fully understand how to read my cues and respect my boundaries.  They need to be experienced with large dogs.