Ben
australian shepherd Mix | male | 1 year Old | 45 Lbs
QUICK FACTS: ✔️ Housebroken!✔️ Good in car! ✔️ Good running buddy!
❌Working on leash manners ❌ Separation anxiety
Updates
Ben found his family on October 21, 2020!
PUPDATE 3
Ben has been making improvement as he continues to grow! His leash reactivity and general fearfulness on walks seems to have decreased (although it really depends on the day). He can still be scared by strangers but other dogs around help ease the process. We have started crate training him at night, and believe he enjoys his own “space.” He still whines and barks if we leave him during the day for a short period of time.
He is an incredibly intelligent dog and we’ve been teaching him various tricks — all which he learns very quickly. Ben will come almost immediately if you call him (smart pup!). We love giving him morning snuggles and evening belly rubs. If you are looking for a loyal dog and are accepting of his less social behaviors, Ben will be an amazing companion to spend your time with.
PUPDATE 2
Ben has fear and anxiety that at times can prohibit him from being himself unless he is around his "family." That means on walks if we encounter someone (including children/another dog), he cowers behind us and avoids going within 10 feet of them and starts to pull on the leash to get back home (his safe space). We don't know his background before coming to us, but he is only comfortable around my girlfriend and I so far. I have three other roommates who have not been able to even pet him after four weeks of being here. Ben has not been left him alone for more than an hour, as after an hour he starts to bark and has gotten destructive once or twice (most likely severe separation anxiety). We have tried socializing him with other dogs and using positive reinforcement to help him transition; sadly, we believe this behavior is just a part of who he is. He’s not a people dog unless he trusts you. There are many triggers for him and we believe the best place is somewhere with minimal distractions and a consistent home schedule. Ben would love a patient family!
PUPDATE 1
Ben wakes up at 8 am to go outside for a short walk for pee/poop and then eats some breakfast. Around early/midafternoon, he goes outside for 45 minutes to an hour long walk for more exercise, and then a night walk before bed to pee/poop and eat some dinner.
He is a shy guy and is very nervous meeting new people. Ben needs time to have him warm up to you and is looking for a patient family. He will bark at people and dogs that he doesn’t know. Ben can be protective of his owners. If there is another dog in the home, he seems to warm up faster.
In general, Ben is mild energy though he does enjoy getting riled up. He's a go with the flow kind of dog. We typically try to get him out a sprinting at least 3 times a week. He doesn't really pull on the leash unless he's scared and wants to go home.
Ben does great with other dogs off leash in an enclosed area. He lunges at cats but not out of aggression, more just curiosity.
He sleeps and relaxes on the bed.
Ben is a sweetheart that will take a lot of time to be comfortable in his new home. If you patience and are willing to invest in him, he will be an amazing companion!