Meet Onyx

Status with People

Social butterfly! I never meet a stranger. Everyone is my friend. I love children, but they need to be used to a big, bouncy puppy that is jumpy in excitement. Children should be older, sturdy on their feet and dog experienced with large sporting breeds. I’d be a great dog to run and play with the kids and then snuggle up with them in bed.

Status with Dogs

Great! I think every dog exists to become my new best friend. I’m neutral in temperament, confident and typically respectful of other dogs’ boundaries. I’ve lived with both female dogs and a male dog and adjusted wonderfully. I love running, romping and playing with my dog buddies. I’d thrive with a playful, confident dog sibling who’ll share toys with me. I’d also be fine as an only dog with lots of dog friends to play with.

Status with Cats

Curious, but respectful. I’ll investigate, but I listen when a cat “corrects” me. I could live with a dog-savvy cat who sets boundaries.

Favorite Toys

LOVE ALL TOYS! If it’s a toy…it’s my friend! Stuffies, chew bones, balls, enrichment puzzles, snuffle mats, lick mats, Kongs, Toppls, and the list goes on! I’ll chase a ball enthusiastically, but sometimes forget to bring it back. I get distracted by life, LOL! I’m still learning!

Energy Level

Typical high energy puppy! I needs lots of physical exercise, mental stimulation (sniffing on walks, going to new walking places, etc.) and canine enrichment (dog puzzles, stuffed Kongs/Toppls, snuffle mats, lick mats, etc.). I’d be a great hiking buddy! It’s important to tire me out physically, but also tire out my puppy brain. When my physical and mental needs are met, I settle nicely and become a snuggly couch companion.

House Trained

Yes, on a schedule. I walk toward the door when I need to go out, but I’m still learning a consistent signal. ***AGN highly recommends Poochie Bells so I can clearly communicate that I need to go potty.

Crate Trained

Yes. For puppy safety, I’m crated when my foster family leaves because I’m still a curious puppy and can get into things. I don’t love it, so make it positive by giving me a stuffed Kong/Toppl. I’ll bark for a while because I prefer being with my people. At night, I sleep in bed with my humans.

House Manners

Good for a 7 month old Golden puppy, but PUPPY PROOF!!! This is NOT optional as I’ve already had obstruction surgery for eating things I shouldn’t. As a typical sporting breed puppy, I put everything in my mouth to investigate. I’ll grab socks, shoes, or any interesting objects if left out. It’s 100% your responsibility to make sure I cannot get a hold of things I’m not supposed to have! When toys and chews are available, I choose those, but you MUST supervise me…I’m a puppy!

Leash Manners

Pretty good on my Walk Your Dog With Love harness. I sit to have it put on. I zig zag to sniff (which is important mental stimulation), but I don’t pull much. I’m interested in people and dogs on walks, but easily redirected to focus on you as long as you have some yummy treats to get my attention.

Car Rides

Great. I sit and watch the world, then eventually lie down and relax. Road trip ready. I’m your pup if you’re looking for a travel companion! Beach? Lake? Mountains? Let’s go!

Basic Commands

Watch Me, Sit, Lay Down. learning Touch, Stay and Leave It. I respond well to my name, Onyx or Onnie. I’m super smart and eager to please so my potential is truly endless!

Medical Needs

I had emergency obstruction surgery due to ingesting random foreign objects. I’ve fully recovered and have no limitations; however, supervision and appropriate toys and chews are critical! Also, a puppy proofed home is a must! A house full of clutter would be dangerous for me!

Things I need in my Forever Home

• Someone who wants and understands an energetic, growing puppy and all the fun, time, and sometimes frustration that comes with it.
• Active family that likes to exercise daily…lots of power walks/runs, hikes, swimming, chasing balls in the yard, and fun outdoor adventures. If you only walk 1 mile per day at a leisurely pace, I’m too much of an energetic puppy for you. I need a family that loves exercise and fun outdoor activities and wants a doggy companion by their side.
• Someone who doesn’t work, works from home or works part time as I’m used to my family being home with me and my furry siblings. I thrive in this environment because I’m a learning puppy, active and need someone with the time to commit to my exercise and force-free training.
• 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. ***AGN recommends DogsandKat.com
• Would love and active dog to run and play with who’ll wrestle and share toys with me. I love to play and thrive with a dog companion, but this could also be accomplished through a dog socialization plan where I play with dog friends on a regular basis.
• If an only dog, I would love older children to play with. Children must be sturdy on their feet, dog experienced with large sporting breeds and understand that I’m jumpy in excitement.