Freddie – Courtesy Listing

The very short version:

– American Village Dog
– 3 years old
– Male
– Neutered
– Other dogs: no
– Kids: over 6 years old (dog savvy)
– Teens: yes
– Cats: no

Management issues:

– Dog reactivity/aggression, situational.

Ideal situation:

– a trainer, vet, vet tech, experienced foster or rescue person, or other person with wide experience of dogs and dog training.

Background:

Freddie is a three and a half year old American Village Dog who had a difficult start in life. After being hit by a car in Tulum, Mexico, he was rehabilitated by The Tejido rescue, and flown to Ottawa to be adopted. Unfortunately, he also had a difficult trip to Ottawa.

His first placement failed due to the adopters being less experienced and not identifying and attending to Freddie’s training needs. He was brought back into foster after one incident with another dog, and is now stable with his foster. While he currently has a foster sister (from the same rescue) who he is submissive to and loves very much, he should be the only dog in the household. Adopter will need to commit to force-free and fear-free training.

Good stuff:

  • He has had a full check-up, and is in perfect health (all vaccinations up-to-date).
  • He is low to medium energy and loves to cuddle.
  • He is very intelligent and can be easily trained with time and consistency.
  • He is a “people dog” and is very good and deeply sweet and affectionate with people he knows (everyone who meets Freddie loves him).
  • He has met dogs in Canada who he gets along very well with – but this should not be used as a sign he can be near other dogs.
  • He loves water, and loves tug and to nibble on his toys.
  • He does not show any resource guarding behaviour.
  • He is non-destructive and also crate trained. He can be left alone for several hours at a time (in or out of a crate).
  • He has been fostered with children ages 6-8 in Canada and loves them.
  • His reactivity diminishes rapidly outside an urban environment. He is much happier and calmer in suburban or rural settings.

Management:

  • Freddie has a dog bite history.
  • He didn’t exhibit any reactivity or aggression while being rehabilitated in Mexico, but it’s likely the trauma that he experienced getting to Canada (with the trauma from the car accident) that has caused his dog reactivity and aggression.
  • He’s a bit nervous in the car, but it’s much worse in urban settings where he constantly scans for dogs. He will immediately settle and sit/lie down once he’s on the highway or in a rural setting.
  • He has been receiving training for the dog aggression, but his current foster is not able to dedicate the time needed to ensure he overcomes it (the trainer thinks he can be a very good boy).
  • While he has had success with some dogs, he should not live with other dogs unless the adopter is extremely experienced and willing to manage a proper introduction.
  • Freddie is an escape risk as he has escaped his foster’s fenced in yard and made it through the front door one time. He is significantly better now then when he first came into foster, but this needs to be watched.
  • He generally walks well on leash, but is very anxious in more urban settings and extremely reactive when he sees another dog (this can now be mitigated through some training exercises and redirecting his attention).

Health:

  • Freddie was neutered in late 2022.
  • Since his recovery from the car accident, Freddie has been given a clean bill of health from both his vet in Mexico and here in Ottawa.
  • He is up-to-date on all his vaccinations and has no mobility issues.
  • He was slightly underweight when arriving in Canada, and has since gained weight. He may need to now lose a few pounds as he doesn’t get as many walks as he should due to living in an urban environment and mostly going out into a backyard.

Steps we’re taking:

  • Freddie has received training from Barkbusters and is working with his foster mom on training for his reactivity and on leash behaviour.
  • We are willing to do more to invest in his future as needed. We are absolutely committed to his success, while and after we have him.
  • He is bonded with his foster, and would need to get to know his new family in her presence and slowly.

This is a courtesy listing.

If you are interested in giving Freddie a forever home, please contact laura.sweet@live.ca