Size
(when grown) Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
House-trained,
Story
Dog Name: Just Ken
Foster Location: Middletown, DE
Sex: Male
Age: 1 year
Weight: 60 lbs
Medical Needs: None
Housebroken: Yes. While he had a single initial marking incident upon arrival, he has been perfectly clean since. He was also recently neutered, which will continue to help curb any marking instincts.
Crate trained: Yes. He will happily run into his crate on command when motivated by a tasty treat. However, he experiences some FOMO (fear of missing out) once inside and will loudly protest. Because Ken has a very powerful voice when vocalizing his displeasure, apartment or condo living is not a match for him.
Good in the car: No. He shows curious excitement toward vehicles but becomes fearful when it is actually time to load up and ride. While we are actively working on his vehicle confidence, the safest and most successful transport method right now is placing him in his crate and lifting the crate into the car.
Good on a leash: Just Ken walks beautifully when using a prong collar; without it, he is a strong puller. Many neighborhood sights and sounds are still novel and intimidating to him, causing him to bark and yodel at passing people, dogs, or objects. He is gaining confidence every single day and needs an adopter dedicated to showing him that the world isn’t so scary.
Energy level: Medium-High
Need a fenced in yard: Not required, but it would certainly be a great bonus.
Dog Friendly: Yes, given structured, patient introductions.
If yes, does your foster need another dog in its adoptive homes? No, though a confident resident dog could help him navigate his insecurities.
Cat Friendly: No. He exhibits a strong prey drive and will attempt to chase so a cat-free home is required.
Kid Friendly: Older or dog-savvy children only. Just Ken is a nervous boy and has displayed some resource guarding behaviors surrounding his food and toys.
Special traits that make your foster special or that we need to know about them? At just one year old, Just Ken is still transitioning out of puppyhood. He has plenty of youthful energy and genuinely tries his hardest to be a good boy. He has a solid foundation in basic obedience and is incredibly eager to please—especially if you have a handful of treats! It appears Ken missed out on some crucial early socialization before being abandoned by his previous family. Because so much of the world still feels overwhelming to him, he tends to use his big, intimidating voice to try and scare away whatever makes him uncomfortable. However, once he realizes a person is safe and friendly (high-value treats are the key to his heart!) his wonderfully goofy, affectionate side takes over, and he will happily demand endless pets and belly rubs. Just Ken is also displaying some signs of separation anxiety. As mentioned, he dislikes being separated from his humans and will vocalize in his crate. We have found great success using a crate cover and a fan for white noise, which allows him to sleep peacefully at night. We are currently working on building up his tolerance for calm, independent rest during the day. Just Ken is looking for a patient, dedicated adopter in a single-family home (no shared walls due to his loud yodels!). His dream family will have experience managing a sensitive or under-socialized young dog, and be comfortable establishing clear boundaries to help guide him. Ken would thrive as an only dog with an attentive handler, but he would also do well sharing a home with a confident, well-balanced canine mentor to show him the ropes. If you have a stash of yummy treats and a heart ready to help a goofy boy find his confidence, Ken is ready to be your most loyal sidekick!
Application can be found here: https://www.grrde.org/adoption-application (if you already have an approved application on file email GrassRootsDE@gmail.com and ask the app team to pull your app
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