My name is PAXTON!

MEET PAXTON!!

Paxton is a true lover, best friend and cuddler extraordinaire! He loves to play ball, chase other dogs and have a yard to run around. He loves going for long walks, hikes and car rides. He will bring all the love and so much more to his furever home. He would best fit in a home where he would have a fur brother or sister as his role model, playmate and bestie.

Paxton is a male two year-old yellow lab mix. Very shy and skittish at first however upon gaining his trust he is quick to become the hugest of cuddlers and oversized lapdog. For me as his new foster, it only took him 2 days to begin to snuggle, put his head next to my lap and accept my pets. Over the next 2 weeks this occurred more often and his quick retreats to his crate tapered off. Now in week 3 he has taken his space on the couch and bed and coveted all the throw blankets and several pillows. He likes to spoon at night and will nuzzle his nose up on my shoulder any chance he gets. 

Paxton is fully leash and crate trained and will use a doggie door when other dogs lead. Otherwise he is still a bit skeptical and skittish to attempt on his own. He knows all his basic obedience and recall skills, though at times gets a bit skittish and will either ignore or retreat to his crate. If outdoors, he will look for a car door to retreat to. While he loves his treats, he is equally happy to receive praise and a hug from one of his safe people. For obedience he is much calmer and ready to respond when led by or next to a familiar dog. While he doesn’t pull on his leash, he still requires a harness so he doesn’t accidentally pull out of his leash when scared. 

Now in week three with me, Paxton has begun to allow others on our walks to slowly approach him and pet him. Sometimes on his first meeting, however, more likely the second or third. This does require any new person to put their hand out and allow him to approach them. If they have another dog, it usually speeds up this process a bit. As for meeting dogs, he is very good at sitting back and waiting for them to approach him. He does need time to make initial nose to nose and fully sniff the other dogs. He will then play or walk with or behind them or play when off leash in a yard or enclosed area. He also loves to play catch. 

Paxton would benefit most in a home with one or two adults and possibly an older child. A home with a yard large enough to run around and another dog with an equivalent energy level would best serve him. He is a 2-year old lab mix, so his energy is loving to run and play fetch outside several times each day to get his zoomies out and then retreat to a calm and cuddly indoor environment. 

Note: Due to his prior trauma leading to skittish and retreat from behavior, a home with smaller children would not be his best fit. While he is not a biter, when scared or spooked and feeling unable to retreat or back away he will offer a warning snap. Also if he doesn’t get enough time to burn his energy, when outside with you he gets happy excited and will jump next to you and try to kiss you. When you turn your back and say sit, he immediately stops. 

If you are interested in meeting this dog, please visit our website for our online application www.underdogaz.com.