Shadow (ADOPTED!) is a good natured, friendly boy, who loves and wants to be with people as much as possible. He weighs around 45 lbs. and we estimate he's 4 yrs. old. He is a quiet, happy, playful, medium energy dog, who enjoys cuddling and belly rubs; and if you are otherwise occupied, he is content to sit at your feet. If meeting several new people at once, Shadow can be a bit of timid. When he realizes that a person is good and will not harm him, he will freely give out and accept kisses. One of Shadow's favorite things to do is roll around on his back while sighing contentedly. He loves to play ball and enjoys squeaky toys.
Shadow is very good natured and playful with other dogs, and meets them in a very relaxed and friendly way. Several very bossy, dominant dogs accepted and invited him to play immediately. With the proper introductions and initial supervision, Shadow should be fine with cats.
He is fully housetrained, is a good eater, and is always up for a walk outside. Shadow walks fairly well on leash, but sometimes will pull to investigate something. He is very treat motivated. When you have his attention, he learns very quickly, but he can be easily distracted by new sounds and sights. His fosters are teaching him basic commands, but his adopters will need to continue his training. Our boy enjoys car rides, but usually won't sit still, unless you buckle him in with a seat belt attachment. Shadow seems fine when left completely alone for an hour or two, although he may whimper when you initially leave. If he is in the company of other dogs, and left alone by his human(s), he is perfectly happy and secure.
We believe that Shadow had very limited experiences in his former life. He needs exposure to new things in the world. He has been very interested in new sights and sounds, trying to take in and process his new experiences. He's very curious, but is also (wisely) cautious as he approaches something unknown to him.
We worked, everyday, for 3-weeks, through convoluted red tape, to get this dog out of the shelter, where he had been for 40 days. He spent most of his first night of freedom, constantly visiting his foster human to give her kisses throughout the night.
Shadow seems to have a few worries, that we believe are a result of his long stay and treatment at the shelter. We feel sure he will be able to overcome his 'post traumatic stress' with time, once he feels secure, knows he is in a loving home for good, and builds some confidence. He does not like being in a crate, as it probably reminds him of the shelter kennel, but he will go in, if you instruct him to do so. When he is restrained or closed off and can see his people leaving him, he gets panicky. He also is a bit collar shy. Shadow will jump back to avoid anyone suddenly reaching for his collar. If you do this in the car, he will panic and try to scramble away. However, if you call his name, he will happily come to you. When Shadow is inside a crate, car or house and you open the door, his response is to bolt out the door. His mind still seems to be in the 'need to escape' mode. We also noticed that if his back side/rear end area is touched by someone he doesn't know, he startles in fear and concern.
While Shadow has a very soft, sweet, friendly nature, his natural tendency in taking treats is with his teeth, rather than his tongue. His fosters are teaching him to take treats more gently, but for this reason, he may not be suitable in a home with children under 9 years old.
Although Shadow will be wonderful with everyone in his household, as a cattle dog, he will choose and bond with one person, over the rest. He would also do best in a household with another dog for company and to play with.