Larry is a special kid for our rescue because he is the father of  Legacy Florence as well as adoptable Berlin. We've pulled this entire family of dogs from Hillside Kennels over the last two years. We don't know anything about their life prior to coming to Hillside, but the familial resemblance is uncanny and all the dogs were picked up by the pound from the same general area, running at large. In March, we completed an Embark test on both Berlin and Larry and they are confirmed father & son. Larry's DNA results can be found below.

 

First impressions:

 

Dogs: He likes other dogs, does not require any special introductions and seems to do well with both males and females. He plays very well with his male foster brother. He matches his canine companion's play styles nicely.

 

Cats: Indifferent with cats outside of his crate, however if he is in his crate and they pass by he will let out a bark.

 

Kids: He gently greets the 2 and 3 year old kids in his foster home, allowing them to pet him and seems to enjoy kids.

 

Strangers: Larry loves everyone, he will wiggle his giant body and if people approach he greets them excitedly. He does jump up sometimes, which we are working on.

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Crate: If his owners are nearby while he's in his crate, Larry is quiet and clean. He settles quickly and doesn't bark or make noise. However, when left in his crate with no people nearby, he whines. His fosters are working with him on this, but e will likely need some work with separation anxiety.

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Leash: He had no leash manners when he joined us. He has made significant improvements but is still working on it. He is really good with the transitional leash on. He is mostly excited when he is in the snow, but as soon as he's on a road he's good. He also has a good recall, he will very likely be able to be let off leash if his future owners want it.

 

Resources: Larry has not displayed any resource guarding at his foster home, but it was noted at Hillside that he would steal all of Legacy Willow's food when they were together. He also may be guarding his space from the cats when he is reacting as they pass by his crate.

 

Confidence: A little unsure, would definitely benefit from a confident handler who will advocate for him and continue to build him up.

 

Energy Level: Low to medium. Larry is a happy go lucky fella who enjoys sauntering around with periodic bursts of playfulness.

 

Affection: Larry has a decent level of affection, he neither seeks it out obnoxiously, nor avoids it. He enjoys a good pet, but will also contentedly do his own thing.

 

Car Skills: Good. He's only been in the car once. He attempted to get into the front seat at first, but quickly learned he wasn't allowed and then laid down in the back seat.

 

Health: When Larry arrived he had a generalized skin infection which is being treated with medicated baths. This appears to be mostly cleared up now. Besides that Larry appears to be in good health!

 

Behavioural: We have absolutely no behavioural concerns with Larry at this time.

 

Training: Larry is highly motivated by food so training thus far has been a breeze. He is a smart guy who seems to learn quickly.

 

Best traits: a gentle giant, great with all dogs, clean in his kennel, easy going and really doesn’t need much in the way of work/training for him to be adopted besides some leash work and general obedience.

 

Needs improvement: Leash skills! He is a big boy and has minimal awareness on a leash. Fortunately, this will come quickly with his level of food motivation!