~ 32 lb ~ 18 months old ~ fostered in Alexandria, VA ~
Brian is very playful and good with other dogs. I think he will quickly grow bored with just me! He's full of puppy energy and interests and very sweet. Jumps on tables but will jump down when you tell him to. He's a paper/fabric chewer. Luckily there's lots of both around, and a bag of old toys.
He has big paws, shortish legs, and a tiny bit extra in the jowl area so I'm guessing there's some basset hound in there. His fur is almost completely red and white except for a small sprinkling of black on his back.
General characteristics: Very, very sweet and affectionate, a little goofy and boisterous, can be high-strung and a bit of a barker, but can also settle down at night. Does not appear to have any aggression in him.
I think he would benefit greatly from having a doggy sibling to show him How to Dog.
He seems to have a bit of separation anxiety. The first time I went away, about 2 hours, I sealed him in the back room via a long wire puppy pen stretched across the room opening with some treats, water and a doggie video. When I got home, I found an open gate, turned-off computer and no Brian. I knew he had to be in the house somewhere, so I waited…and waited …and finally, “Woof! Woof woof!” He was upstairs and had somehow gotten the upstairs door to close behind him.
1 month Update on Brian's progress:
Ear: Still has some brownish-red gunk in there but it's much better than it was (ear wash/drops)
Eye: Healing nicely with the ointment from vet. Bump is about 60 percent smaller than it was. Fur is growing on some of the healed area.
Itching: The Cytopoint shot really worked! Much less itching.
Wet food: Does best on Blue Buffalo beef and veg pate. The other flavors don't seem to go down as well. Half a can in the morning, half at night.
Dry food: Purina One Plus digestive health formula. I leave out for free feeding. He nibbles at it.
Socialization: Loves to visit and run around with the other dogs at the dog park but seems to lose interest after a while. He's had play dates with dogs in the neighborhood and done well and two visits (one half day, one full day) at doggy day care where I was told he did well.
Walking: LOOOOOVES to go for walks. Does fairly well on the leash but pulls and gets distracted, especially by other dogs. I'm going to try training treats.
Barking: He's a barker, no question about it. It might improve with age/calmness.
Housetraining: Not there, but I sense we've turned a small corner this week. Baby steps :)
He's still very much a puppy so has lots of puppy energy and playfulness. He's such a cutie.
posted 09/05/24 and updated 10/01/24