Bosco - 2-year-old black male mix with natural ears and is on the small side. He came from a family that adopted him after he had been rescued from being tied outside. His new family had another dog that kept attacking Bosco, so they gave him up. He is healthy, up to date on shots, and neutered, although he could stand to gain another 15 pounds. He's quite the happy Velcro Dane, and is highly (if not exclusively) food motivated, knowing sit and shake. He will hoard his toys, consume as much as water (at some point in his life someone taught him to lift toilet lids) and food as possible when available, but is not food aggressive. He gets along with all types of dogs, and loves the dog park. He chases cats, but fears being clawed so leaves them alone once they stop running (our dog-savvy cat easily swats him away) - he doesn't appear to want to hurt them, just sniff and play.
Bosco needs leash work. The only toys he cares about are soft squeaky toys, which he loves to play tug of war with, fetch, or simply sit around and make squeak. His previous owner said he would steal food from anywhere it was left out, though he hasn't shown that in his foster home. He's great with kids, but is still a puppy and a bit wild when he gets excited, so older children are recommended. He's good in the house during the day, though is clearly much happier (and more reliable with his business) if he's visited at lunch. Bosco came to MAGDRL in February 2008.
Update 3/17/08 - Bosco continues to be a nice dog. He's happy to hang out with you on the couch all day, or run around and play with toys. After a day trip up north, he appears to be good with children of all sizes. He continues to play well with other dogs at the dog park and within homes. He still chases cats, but once they stop he doesn't appear to have any aggression with them (he just sniffs and licks). He has become better on the leash (especially with a gentle leader) and is no longer obedient just for food but also to go out or get his ears rubbed. He's quite smart, picking up new commands quickly and now capable of jiggling doorknobs to open doors that swing away from him.
He will steal food that you leave accessible while you are gone (and remove tasty things form packaging and eat only the goodies). However, he's perfect with someone at home - which means he will be much happier with someone who is not gone all day and/or has another animal with which to interact.
Update 4/19/08 - Bosco has been in our home for nearly a week. He is a very sweet loving boy who wants nothing more than to please his people. He listens very well and knows all of his basic commands. He is currently living with a senior Dane foster sister, children 10 years old and 18 months old and 2 cats. He just loves everyone. He is just a ball of energy and loves running through the yard with the kids. Bosco would be the perfect dog for a jogger, or any active family that wants a dog that will tag along and go with the flow. Gets along just perfect with other dogs and with kids. He will chase cats but only in play and curiosity. He will require a few days to transition to his new home, but after that will be the perfect gentleman. All he needs is a second chance and a couple days of patience.
