Meet Maverick

Status with People

Affectionate and loving with everyone. I greet people with lots of enthusiasm. I jump with joyful exuberance because I have so much love to give. This means I’ll knock children right over by accident. Turn your back to me and reward me with praise when four paws are on the ground. I’ll learn in no time…it’s all part of puppyhood. Because I’m high energy, jumpy, and still puppy mouthy, I’d do best in a home with older, dog-savvy children who understand boundaries and can help properly reinforce positive training. I’d be overwhelming for younger children.

Status with Dogs

I LOVE other dogs, but they don’t always love me because I want to play ALOT! I have a confident, persistent personality and can be too much at times. I have three other Retrievers in my foster home, ages 3 (female), 5 (female), and 8 (male). I’m like the annoying little brother who teases his siblings and doesn’t listen. At times like these, my foster mom takes me for walk or engages me in play to give the others a break. Sometimes I am easily redirected to a chew bone. Each day, I am more well behaved and am becoming such a good citizen. My success with other dogs depends heavily on the other dog’s temperament and tolerance. I am really hoping to have another energetic large breed buddy who wants to wrestle, play tug and run around as much as I do.

Status with Cats

My prior home reported that I was good with cats. AGN cannot confirm.

Favorite Toys

I love to chew! Benebones/Nylabones and durable chews/toys are ideal for me. Outside, I love to carry around sticks and will retrieve the ball, though I am still learning to “drop it”. Trade me for a treat or use a second ball, and I’ll learn in no time. I also love soft toys.

Energy Level

HIGH energy older puppy! I’m a true “energizer doggo.” Outside, I’ll chase squirrels, bunnies, birds, or any critter I see. As long as I get enough attention and exercise, I settle down nicely in the evening. But make no mistake, I need LOTS of daily exercise…. power walking, jogging, wrestling with dog friends, playing fetch, etc.

House Trained

Yes ***AGN recommends that you train me to “Poochie Bells” so that I can give you clear communication that you’ll hear.

Crate Trained

Yes, but one is not needed. I spent too much time in a crate in my prior home, so please don’t crate me for long periods. Fully puppy proofing the house and limiting my access by closing doors to most rooms would be a much better option for me.

House Manners

PUPPY PROOF! I’m still a puppy in many ways and am prone to chew on whatever I find. You must put away what you don’t want me to have. I am not mischievous but I am curious so I will pick up anything you drop or leave out. I’m a couch cuddle bug and also love to lay directly under your feet.

Leash Manners

Pretty good for my young age. My Walk Your Dog With Love harness is important as it guides from the chest and kindly helps with pulling. I do pull when I see other dogs or anything that interests me.

Exercise

LOTS of exercise is needed Every. Single. Day. I thrive with a 2–3 mile morning walk to help manage my energy. I get a second long walk in the afternoon to burn off more energy. I also run and romp in the yard, enjoy daily fetch, toys, enrichment games, training sessions, and mental stimulation throughout the day. ALL of this is needed for me to live my best life!

Car Rides

Great in the car! I love car rides and happily go anywhere with my person. Please be patient with me as a learn how to get in and out of your car the first few times.

Basic Commands

Here, sit, lay down, leave it, trade for a trade, and special treat. My recall is excellent. I’m smart and have so much potential to be maximized.

Things I need in my Forever Home

• Patience and dedication. I am seeking someone who understands the needs of an energetic, older puppy which can be fun and exhilarating and also frustrating. I require force free/positive reinforcement training, patient redirection, and loving guidance. My family must be committed to continued training, mental stimulation, and meeting my very high daily exercise needs.
• Highly active family that loves to exercise… one who is committed to daily exercise with me by your side…lots of power walks, jogging, hiking, trail running, swimming, chasing balls in the yard, and fun outdoor adventures. I need a family that loves fun outdoor activities and who wants a dog companion to be involved in all aspects of family life.
• I require time…I am not the kind of dog that is just going to fit into your schedule perfectly. Ideally, someone who doesn’t work, works from home or works part time. I must be your focus at this point in my life. I’m used to my family being home a lot and giving me direction, attention and exercise. You must spend tons of time with me or neither of us will be happy!
• Force free/Positive reinforcement obedience training classes REQUIRED – this will help us bond and build our relationship. It’s so much fun and my potential should be maximized. I’d excel at any dog sports such as agility, nose works, rally, etc. ***AGN recommends DogsandKat.com
• I must have another young, large breed canine companion that wants to play. I would be suitable as an only dog if you plan to do agility or another rigorous activity with me.
• Children must be sturdy on their feet and very dog-savvy with large, energetic dogs. Due to my jumping and mouthy puppy behavior, kids must be old enough and able to appropriately handle this! If they’re not old enough to consistently train me with force free methods, they’re not right for me.