Socialization: He likes to play with both toys and other dogs, and he shares his toys nicely with the other dogs in our household. He also likes to join his brother on the couch and get some attention and cuddles by your side. He loves petting and affection and likes to cuddle with his people on the sofa. He has respected the baby gates and barriers better than previous fosters. He is very treat-motivated but gets confused on what he needs to do to get his treat. With some patience and work his training will continue to improve. There are no cats or children in Atlas’s foster home. He is very affectionate but not always respectful of personal space, so he would need to be watched closely with toddlers or small children to ensure he didn’t accidentally knock them over. We don’t have any cats in the house, but he has demonstrated a strong prey drive with the squirrels and chicken outside the yard. He would likely view a cat as prey or something he can play with, although he is probably young enough to learn to respect a family cat with time, patience and training. Atlas has been living with a large pack of 12 other dogs. He has demonstrated no aggression or dominance behavior, and he gets along well with all of them. He likes to play with his siblings and with a couple of the other dogs in the pack but also seems comfortable doing his own thing. He quickly learned the pack dynamics including which dogs he could play with and which dogs wanted their space. He would do best with a family with another dog to keep him company and provide a friend for him to play with.
Training: His recall is good, and he normally comes back to me if I call for him. He was a leg lifter when he first arrived but has since stopped that behavior. When he gets nervous or scared, he sometimes has a dribble, so we have been keeping him in a belly band. More often than not, his belly band stays clean. He isn’t quite 100% perfect with his housebreaking, but he’s getting close. Atlas is crate trained and sleeps in one during the night. He knows he needs to go to his crate for meals and/or treats and then waits patiently to be let back out. He sleeps peacefully in his crate at night and when we are away from the house, but if he sees you, he likes to remind you that he is in the crate and wants to get out. He does settle down well in his crate but will bark again if he hears or sees something in the dead of night. We have been putting a blanket on one side of his crate so he can’t see anything through the windows during the night, but he can see the other dogs sleeping in crates near him. He got some practice with leash-walking since the weather has improved and he walks very well on the leash.
Activity requirements: Atlas is an energetic puppy with a sensitive side. His preference is for play both inside and outside. He likes to play with his brother outside and then he switches to play with his sister inside. Atlas is a typical, energetic puppy who loves to play with toys, sticks, and other dogs. He will happily play and romp with reciprocating playmates. He has been very good at checking back in with me when in the yard but loves to run the fence line and bark at the neighboring squirrels and chicken. He likes to stay out and play with his pack and will normally follow his playmates back inside to continue the romping inside. He does calm down nicely indoors, and he likes to sprawl out on the couch. The couch is his safe space, and he is more than happy to share it with someone that will give him affection.
Fence requirements: A fence is always preferred. If he doesn’t have a fenced yard to run and play, he will need time at the dog park or a doggy day care to expend his puppy energy and desire to play. He has not challenged the fence, but we are confident that he would come back to us if he got out of the yard.
Personality: Atlas is a peppy puppy but is still building his confidence. He loves to play, cuddle and get affection but gets shy and tentative with new experiences. He looks to his pack for cues on how to tackle new challenges, so he would do best in a house with another dog who is more confident. He didn’t handle the first 24 hours of being neutered very well since he was wearing a cone and being asked to maneuver around on a leash, but he observed the rest of his siblings overcoming the obstacles and was back to being a lively puppy in a couple of days. He has claimed the couch as his safe space and likes to plant himself on it whenever there is space. He is not always a fan of the Michigan winter and has been known to stay on the couch while his two siblings want to run headlong into the cold night. He is a great puppy who just needs to continue building his confidence or be helped along with a demonstration by another of his pack mates.
Health history: Atlas is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and on monthly heartworm prevention. He is due for his next Leishmaniasis test in December 2025.
This dog originates from Greece where Leishmaniasis is endemic. They tested negative before coming to the USA, but the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years, so potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The cost of the test seems to vary widely by area, but is approximately $150-$250. or if your vet is willing to send the test to a veterinary college lab, cost can be as low as $80.
Foster comments: Atlas is a very sweet puppy. He started out quite timid and shy but has gradually become more confident and social over time. He loves his foster family and is very affectionate with all the people he knows. He is still a bid timid with new people, but quickly overcomes it if they offer him treats and love. He is a smart puppy who is learning what is expected of him. He now goes straight to his crate for meals or treats and is very good at coming to you when you call him. Atlas loves a good cuddle on the couch, and he is a perfect companion to snuggle up and watch a movie with on a cold winter night. Atlas would really like another friendly dog to play with in his new home. He is social with other dogs and loves to romp and play, and he does so very nicely. He would also benefit from having another dog to learn from. Atlas would do best with a family that is patient and kind – he’s very sensitive, so he needs gentle correction to continue learning what is expected of him.
According to the DNA test we did, Atlas’s mom is a purebred setter (combination of English and Llewellyn setter) and his dad was a mix of setter, german shepherd, brittany and a few other breeds.
Foster location: Temperance, MI
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