Meet Leo

Status with People

Great with people of all ages, but need a moment to feel safe. I’m gentle, affectionate, and especially wonderful with children. I can be a little cautious when meeting strangers at first, but my excitement wins out quickly so I’m soon your best buddy. I have no fear of men, but any raised voices cause me to cower.

Status with Dogs

Submissive with other dogs and easily bullied (which is not okay!). I was constantly attacked by the male dog in my previous home. Even with that, I’ve been good with my Golden foster sisters. Because of being bullied, compatibility with another dog is very important for me. Dogs I interact with, especially in a forever home, must be must be completely neutral in temperament with zero possibility of being over-bearing with me. They should be stable, gentle, no resource guarding, like to play nicely and have a sweet demeanor. No bullying allowed. With that said, I’m very people-focused, so I don’t need another dog to be happy.

Status with Cats

Brief exposure to a cat and was submissive and respectful. With a dog-savvy cat and proper introductions, I’d be fine.

Favorite Toys

LOVE toys…all of them! Balls, stuffies, squeakies, chew toys! If it’s a toy, it’s my friend. I like to play fetch, but need some work on bringing it back. Use two balls or trade me for a treat!

Energy Level

Moderately High. I love to run, romp and play! I have bursts of puppy energy, but I also settle nicely to snuggle on the couch when I’ve had enough exercise. I’m an older puppy so daily exercise is important!

House Trained

Yes. I let you know I need to go out by standing at the door and doing a little “dance”.

Crate Trained

Not in my foster home. I likely could be introduced properly to a crate… properly being the key word. I stay out with my foster sisters while my foster parents are briefly gone, but someone is usually home with me. I sleep snuggled up in bed as close to my foster mom as I can, sometimes on top of her, LOL!

House Manners

Good house manners for my age. I’m not destructive, though like all young dogs, I need supervision. I’ve chewed on a baseboard and a few personal items before, but gentle, force-free, re-direction to a toy worked great. Consistency and patience are key for me, but it’s your responsibility to puppy proof! Socks and hats sometimes look like toys, so keep those up! I’m a couch and bed snuggler, so if you don’t want dogs on your furniture, I’m not the pup for you. I cuddle as close to foster mom as possible in bed at night. I’m her “weighted blanket” that keeps her warm.

Leash Manners

Work in progress. It’s clear that no one ever took me on leash walks. I’m strong and pull, so a no-pull harness such as a Freedom No-Pull harness, Walk Your Dog With Love harness, etc. is key. Going on daily walks in one of the most important things that can help me build confidence. I need someone fully committed to this!

Exercise

Lots of daily exercise, mental stimulation and canine enrichment is needed! I’m an older puppy and that requires you wear me out physically and mentally each day. I also get lots of playtime with my Golden foster siblings, but I need daily walks and continued socialization to thrive and gain confidence.

Car Rides

Good in the car. I ride nicely and quietly in the backseat.

Basic Commands

Come, sit, stay, Stop

Miscellaneous

“Dance” for my food. I get so excited to eat and do a little dance with some “talking”. I just love to eat!

Things I need in my Forever Home

• Calm environment WITHOUT raised voices. Raised voices make me cower in fear…yes, it’s heartbreaking! I’ll get better daily, but must feel safe and secure in my home.
• Someone who is dog experienced, understands what I’ve been through and is committed to helping me continue to overcome my sad past. I’ve made amazing progress with time, patience, a routine, and force free/positive reinforcement guidance to create a feeling of safety and security for me.
• Someone who wants and understands an energetic, older puppy and all the fun, time, and sometimes frustration that comes with it. I’m a really good pup, but learning!
• Active family that enjoys spending time outside with their dogs letting them run, romp and play in a fenced, spacious area. Someone who likes to exercise daily by taking lots of walks/runs, hikes, swimming and fun outdoor adventures.
• Someone who’s home more often than not. Someone who doesn’t work, works from home or works part time. Someone must be focused on ME and committed to helping me heal from my past. I thrive with my humans home and I’m desperate for that attention right now. I’m also young, active and need someone with the time to commit to my needs. I’ve spent most of my life afraid, so now it’s time for me to learn how wonderful life can be!
• Force Free/Positive reinforcement training classes REQUIRED. This will help us bond and build our relationship. Agility would be a great way for me to build confidence. ***AGN recommends DogsandKat.com
• Optional is another nice, active, medium/large dog to run and play with who’ll share toys with me. I learn from other dogs, so a “helper” dog would be beneficial as long as we’re compatible. A female likely would be better unless it’s a submissive male.
• NO DOGS THAT WILL BULLY ME OR TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY SUBMISSION!
• Children would be wonderful. They should know how to respect the boundaries of a dog. I’m great with children, but they need to be kind and gentle.
• A stable home because I’ve been bounced around too much! I need home to be forever!