Kevlar

Kevlar was surrendered to a pound in the Butte County area, his former owners stating that they did not have time for him. Eighteen months of age, big, easy-going Kevlar is 90 pounds of handsome raw material, on his way to being fashioned into a wonderful pet. In late adolescence, he is part untrained puppy, part big boy, and learning not to be mouthy.

He does not seem to realize his size yet, and may accidentally knock things over when the front end doesn't know what the back end is doing. His good nature and comical expression -- one floppy ear and quizzical eyebrows -- make it difficult not to smile at his mistakes as he learns to be part of the family.

Kevlar likes people and has met both adults and children well. He greets nicely when with his human, but would prefer not to be approached by a stranger when he is alone. He is learning that dropping a ball means you get to chase it again, but loves to chew it instead.

He is a quick study, having already learned Heel, Sit, Down, and to sit for his dinner. Kevlar appears to have been an outdoor only dog, but loves being indoors and can't wait to go back inside. He is learning to wait before going through a door, and not to bowl through his human's legs.

He is getting good at settling on his bed in the living room, or by the desk at his foster human's office, where he has been going to work. At night, Kevlar sleeps nicely in a crate. He is eager to get in the car, and rides calmly with no car sickness. His chewing has so far been all appropriately directed to dog toys and bones.

He is not fully house-trained yet, and is learning to stay off the counters, furniture and desk. Kev takes treats gently from the hand with his tongue, and does not grab food from people. However, it is best not leave human food unattended around him, as this big boy's head is dinner table/kitchen counter height.

He is relatively unflappable with other dogs, meets nicely, and gets along well. He is learning the pack manners needed to fit in with the 3 GSDs at his foster home, and that adult dogs may not appreciate puppy-style play. Kevlar doesn't want to be dominated, and will challenge them, but doesn't get his hackles up. He enjoys friendly roughhousing, and is learning how to keep his play level appropriate.

Kevlar is learning to live with the two resident cats at his foster home, and doing fairly well at it, though he prefers not to be attacked by the playful cat, and will react when that happens. He is not generally cat-reactive, and does not seem to have significant prey drive. With time and proper training, he could probably live well with cats.

Kevlar needs a home that is committed to his continued training and socialization, and able to carry it out. With that, he will be a remarkable dog who will fit in well, bring a lot of fun and happiness, and be able to go anywhere with his new family. Though he likes children and is very good natured and tolerant, Kevlar may be too much dog yet for a family with small children unless there is an experienced trainer in the family.

This is a Level 2 Dog

Added August 2012