Meet Maggie

Status with People

Sweetly shy at first when I meet new people, but quickly become your best friend. I’m great with children and have lived with them my entire life. I could easily knock tiny humans down as I’m bouncy and strong. I should NOT be walked by children.

Status with Dogs

Lived as an only dog in my previous home so it took some time for me to warm up to my furry foster siblings.  There are three big ones, but now I love them. My best buddy is my young Golden foster sister as we play a lot and snuggle up on a dog bed together. I’m neutral/confident in temperament in the dog “pack” and get along with all dogs in the home. I recognize when they’re through playing and take their guidance well. I love to play and snuggle with my dog buddies, but I’m too much for a submissive dog.  I need a confident dog companion who’ll keep me in check when needed.

Status with Cats

Lived with a cat in my previous home. AGN cannot confirm how I am with cats as I don’t have a cat in my foster home.

Favorite Toys

Love stuffy toys that squeak! If there’s a hole, then I’ll happily pull all of the stuffing out.  I also love chew bones such as Benebones and Himalayan chews.

Energy Level

High to Moderate. Although an older puppy who plays with the other dogs and children in my home, I’ll settle down nicely when I get my energy out.  I get A LOT of exercise, and playtime with my young siblings. Without this level of exercise and playtime, my energy level will increase.

House Trained

Yes and will sit at the back door when I need to go out.  I usually go out every two to three hours on a regular schedule as my foster family works from home. 

AGN highly recommends “poochie bells” so I have a clear method of communication.

Crate Trained

No, I have free roam of the house during the day. If my foster family leaves for a short time. I hang out with the rest of the dogs. Crating in not recommended for me.

House Manners

Pretty good for my age, but PUPPY PROOF!!! I’m your typical older puppy who can sometimes be puppy mischievous.  I steal shoes and things that are lying on the floor.  I may counter surf if you leave tempting items on the counters, so make sure everything is put up. I sleep in my foster parent’s bedroom on an orthopedic dog bed or on the floor if I get hot.

Leash Manners

Work in progress. I’m just learning to walk on a leash and I’m strong. Leash walking every single day is important for me. My “Walk Your Dog With Love” harness is critical so I learn how to walk without pulling.  I need both physical exercise, canine enrichment activities and mental stimulation so allowing me to sniff on my casual walks is important.

Exercise

Keeping my body in motion with low impact exercise such as walking and swimming is very important. Put on your tennis shoes and let’s go. I need the leash walking practice!!! Walks, hiking, swimming and fun adventures are all good for me. Just remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. I’m an active, older puppy so must get significant daily exercise and playtime. Playing with other dogs is helpful to meet my social and exercise needs, but should be monitored so that it’s not too much for me. Canine enrichment games such as dog puzzles, bobs-a-lots, snoops, etc. are great for me.  This exercises my brain.

Car Rides

I’m not a big fan of riding in a car, but only because I’m not used to it. Let me find treats waiting on me in the backseat so that I associate the car with good things. Fun adventures like going for pup cups will help me to enjoy the ride.

Basic Commands

I know how to Sit. I’m smart and can easily learn more commands. I know my name “Maggie”.

AGN recommends that you do not change my name since I’ve had it since birth and know it well. 

Special Needs

I’ve been diagnosed with early stage hip dysplasia in my left hip by Dr. Au (board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Blue Pearl). I do NOT need surgery and I do NOT have symptoms, but MUST have someone focused on keeping me lean throughout my life and someone committed to daily exercise via walking, gentle hiking, swimming (any low impact exercing). This will help maintain my pelvic muscle mass without exacerbating the hip dysplasia. I should avoid off-leash, high impact motion such as chasing a ball, running and romping at dog parks, etc.  I can run and play with dogs, but it needs to be in a controlled setting. This conservative management may allow me to never require surgery in the future.  The critical component is keeping me lean!  I will also need a glucosamine supplement such as Dasuquin Advanced and an Omega supplement such as Nordic Naturals or Welactin for the rest of my life.

Things I need in my Forever Home

• Someone who fully understands and is committed to the conservative management needed for my early stage hip dysplasia
• Someone who wants and understands an energetic, older puppy and all the fun, time, and commitment that comes with it. I’m a really good pup!
• Active family that likes to exercise daily by taking lots of walks, hikes, swimming and fun outdoor adventures. I need a family that loves exercise and fun outdoor activities and wants a doggy companion on leash by their side
• Someone who doesn’t work, works from home or works part time as I’m used to my foster family and previous family being home with me and my furry siblings. I thrive in this environment because I’m young, active and need someone with the time to commit to my exercise, mental stimulation and training. Plus, I would get bored being left alone for long periods of time.
• Positive reinforcement obedience training classes REQUIRED – this will help us bond and build our relationship… and it’s so much fun. ***AGN recommends DogsandKat.com
• I’d be fine as an only dog if you are my best friend and spend most of your time with me.
• I’d also be good with a dog companion who’ll play and snuggle with me. It should NOT be a dog that wants to play non-stop.
• I adore children and would love them in my home, but I cannot chase them around constantly due to my hip dysplasia. Children should be sturdy on their feet and know how to respect the boundaries of a dog.
• A condo would be acceptable for me as I need someone committed to walking me on-leash every single day. Remember…no dog parks due to my hip dysplasia.
• A home with a pool or access to a lake that I can swim in would be a tremendous plus for my hip.