Louie

Profile

Please join me in welcoming handsome Louie to the RAGOM family. Louie is a 1-year-old (DOB 12/04/14), purebred, male Golden Retriever. He weighs 66 pounds, and is neutered, heartworm negative, and up-to-date on his vaccinations.

He did come into RAGOM with roundworms, but has been given medication. He will be retested on Jan 11 to confirm treatment.

Louie was surrendered to RAGOM by a loving family that had acquired him from a private owner, but were only able to keep him for a few days due to his puppy-like behavior. It appears that Louie spent the first year of his life with the previous owner.

Here is all the really good stuff about Louie:

• Highly intelligent and trainable (food- and treat-motivated)
• Very curious about his environment and loves to explore and have adventures
• Sits very nicely and takes treats with a very gentle mouth
• Loves to ride in the car (although he does need to be restrained with a dog barrier or harness - as he will explore all over the car)
• Appears to love Minnesota snow and cold
• Learning to walk nicely on a Gentle Leader and starting to understand "heel" - he is also learning to "stop and wait" at intersections; he LOVES to walk, walk, walk
• Is a good sleeper at night - goes to bed quietly in his crate in his foster's master bedroom - and sleeps until 7 or 8, or whenever the household begins to stir
• Has fairly good recall (this has not been tested outside of a fenced yard) and is starting to learn other commands as well: leave it, lie down, etc.
• Crate-trained - and will relax in his crate (after some initial whining) while you get things done around the house and does fine with being crated when humans are away from home
• No resource guarding (although he does like to steal things and run off with them - he is working on "trade" and does fine giving up his treasures for higher-value treats)

Here are the things that need serious consideration about Louie:

• Louie is a spoiled boy and thinks he is (and should be) the center of the universe - he will need a home that can provide boundaries and leadership and clear expectations to help him learn that he can't always get his way
• He acts very much like a 12-week-old puppy - and needs to continue to learn appropriate interaction with humans and other pets

1. He jumps on people (and is strong enough to knock you over)
2. He will nip at heels and legs when people move by quickly (because of this - we will want to discuss any situation where Louie will be in a home with children)
3. Louie mouths and nips - at hands and arms and clothing - he does this when he is excited, or to get attention, or to try to engage humans in his play
4. He does not seem to be able to unwind on his own - and often requires a timeout when playtime gets out of control or he has one of his tantrums (like when you take away something he wants)
5. Everything still goes in his mouth (plants, towels, hats, clothing, pillows, etc.)

• Louie pretty much never stops moving - he is very busy, and because of this high-level of energy and interest in play, we would be concerned about cats or other small animals in the home; he gets very excited and may need help to shut down when playtime should be over
• He thinks that EVERYTHING is a game - and will wind up very quickly when he doesn't get the interaction he expects (hey - I stole your mitten - chase me)
• Louie needs LOTS of exercise - physical and mental - to help take his edge off so he can focus and continue to learn proper, social behavior

1. He is currently getting 3 walks per day - after which he is much more relaxed and able to listen
2. We are also using puzzle toys and search games to give him a chance to properly explore and play
3. Louie does like to spend time in the yard - he will make up games with sticks or balls and keep himself entertained; note that his yard time is logged under mental stimulation - this does not wear him out as needed for physical exercise

• This Golden boy doesn't seem to view humans as caregivers and leaders - and will need some time and patience to feel safe and secure so he can relax and be part of a family

1. Initially, Louie showed no interest in humans except as a source of treats and play
2. We have started to see signs of bonding and he has started seeking attention from humans in the home
3. We would recommend that the adoptive family continue to work a nothing-is-free program - where Louie learns that he must show positive behavior/actions in order to get anything he wants

Louie is a curious, smart, high-energy pup. He needs to find an adoptive home that will understand that he has A LOT to learn and will provide him the patience and stability and boundaries that he needs to learn to be a good citizen. It is going to take serious work by his family (and by Louie himself) - but there is an awful lot of potential with this handsome boy. He really does need to be in a controlled environment where he can continue to learn positive behaviors and which items are appropriate for doggie play. Please think about whether or not you have the resources to be able to offer Louie a forever home and a wonderful new beginning.