Old enough to remember Pound Puppies? Well, Fred’s a pound puppy brought to life. Those soulful eyes and floppy ears of his just make you want to cuddle him forever. Fred – who’s seven years old and weighs about 30 pounds – entered rescue when his family had to move to a senior living facility.

 

Fred has issues that are not to be taken lightly, but know that once Fred bonds to you he is a wonderful, fun companion. He also seems to adjust his activity level to yours. So he loves to go on walks, but is also very happy just hanging out or chasing his tennis balls indoors or out.

 

Judging by his behavior, Fred must have had free range of his home, wasn’t left alone very often (if at all), was not around children, and received treats on a very regular basis. Given that Fred may not have been socialized very well in his first seven years, he becomes especially stressed when people focus on him and approach him directly.

 

He reacted to a friend of mine trying to pet him and he bit her on the hand, leaving two puncture wounds. During a trip to the vet, the vet also saw some fear aggression behavior and Fred has been put on fluoxetine (Prozac) to lessen his stress/aggression.  He will whine/bark/pace when left alone at home.

 

He’s a good walker, moves at a good pace. Fred now walks past people on walking paths with no reactions. He is still very reactive to other dogs, all sizes, all breeds. He also doesn’t like motorcycles and anyone on roller blades, scooters, or bikes, and tries to chase them. But he’s learning and with continued training, he will make great strides.

 

He's very good in the car; however, if doing drive-up windows or curbside pick-up he becomes agitated as the person approaches.

 

He took immediately to a daily potty training schedule; no accidents in the house day or night ever. He can go for a very long time without having to go outside if he has to. Gradually, he’s earned more and more freedom, with no gates or crates needed. Kenneling at night also proved problematic, but he settled right down when his bed was put in the bedroom.

 

Fred has a good appetite. When you’re cooking or eating, he will stare a hole right into you, hoping you’ll drop something… anything. But he leaves you alone when you tell him to lie down or go to his bed. He had dental issues when he entered rescue and had 16 teeth pulled. He’s down to 10 teeth, but still happily chews his Nylabones!

 

Fred LOVES to chase and play with tennis balls. Apparently he’s half a retriever as he brings the ball only halfway back (we’re working on come, drop, and leave it. He knows sit, shake, and lie down). He is very possessive of his tennis balls. Due to his inability to nicely share toys and reactivity, he will need to be the only pup in the house.

 

It will take a while before Fred is comfortable in his forever home, but again, despite the issues and in the right environment, Fred will make someone a fantastic companion, who will be as active or as laid back as they want him to be.