A dog who is already uncomfortable or antsy about brushing, nail trimming or other grooming necessities can get downright testy about it after something painful happens like a snagged mat or clipped quick. Gaining back trust is usually slow, so starting right away, before nails become long again or coats need another brush-out, is important. Nice guy Max, who's on that path now, can tell you all about it.
There's a whole lotta floof and cuddle in a great big puppy like Winston, who's already a giant at only 18 weeks. But his size makes it even more important that he starts off life with good productive routines that teach him manners and self-control.
I got an extra treat when I learned on our first visit that his breeder is my longtime friend Naomi Kane of Lewenhart.
Fear is appropriate and necessary for most animals' survival. When we make an animal into a pet, whether by "taming" a wild one or genetically engineering one through history from a wild ancestor, we kind of have to undo that nature so it can live in our world. For the most part we've done that genetically with dogs, but without vigilance in breeding and raising (or occasionally even in spite of it), sometimes too much fearfulness for easy adaptation seeps back to the surface.
This is Lovey, who is trying to adapt to apartment life in a population-dense neighbourhood with lots of noise. Helping her cope is going to require some patience and carefully planned exercises, so it's a good thing she got picked by a loving, understanding new dog mom.
I've heard Border Collies and Australian Shepherds compared to Lambhorginis - Great to own, but requiring a great driver. A mix of both breeds, Dexter has another thing in common with the Lambo - he goes from zero to sixty super-fast when he sees dogs, kids, bikes or joggers on a walk. But he's a quick study, and I hope to have video of progress for you soon!
At roughly 7 years old, Kaito has the joie-de-vivre of a puppy, but gets so overstimulated by the sight of other dogs that, being over 70 pounds, he's a lot to manage on a walk. The team at Mississauga Animal Services and I are helping him relax some, to help him find a new home.
In case you might know someone who would love him, there's more about him here: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/kaito-call-to-book-an-appointment-70170644/on/mississauga/city-of-mississauga-animal-services-on180/
