About Quincy

**ADOPTION PENDING** PLACEMENT REQUIREMENTS: Quincy will need a lot of exercise and a home with older children (no babies/toddlers), or no children. Fenced yard advisable. Likely best as an only dog as he is only good with some dogs; not good with cats. QUINCY'S STORY: Quincy is around 4 years old, possibly younger. He's on the smaller side, weighing about 45-50 pounds, but he has big GSP energy. In his previous life, he was an outside dog and spent his time with a Beagle buddy, however, Quincy isn't good with all dogs. We're not sure why, but since he is picky about his relationships, we recommend he be an only dog in his new home. Quincy is a very quick learner and his foster dad says he is a 'diamond in the rough'. Quincy is a medium-high energy dog, meaning he'll need a lot of exercise to keep him healthy and happy. He LOVES to run in fields and his foster dad takes him running on a long lead to give adequate exercise. Exercise is the key to keeping this guy happy. He likes to run, run and then run some more all to find that ever elusive prey. He covers a lot of ground in a short amount of time, so make sure you put your sneakers on and are ready for an enjoyable, long romp in the great outdoors. Quincy is prey-driven, so if you have pet squirrels or bunnies in your yard, make sure they are given plenty of notice when Quincy is headed into their domain. His prey-drive probably means cats won't be a good idea in his new home. Quincy hasn't really been with children (to our knowledge), but because of his high energy level and his obsession for toys/prey, we're recommending he not be homed with young children (babies/toddlers). He tends to be a little possessive and fixated on his toys and he hasn't learned that every stuffed animal, rope, frisbee, doesn't belong just to him. His inclination to want every toy he sees could lead him to try and grab a toy from a toddler, inadvertently injuring the child in doing so. While playing with toys is a favorite of Quincy's, once you take this guy for a run (on a lead please!) in a field, you'll get to see what he truly loves to do...run! His favorite toys are balls, frisbees and rope toys. He plays fetch and will retrieve a toy, but he still hasn't learned to drop the toy when he brings it back. He plays coy when he retrieves his toys, but will give them to you with a bit of gentle coaxing. Quincy doesn't show aggression toward people with his food; however, he gulps his food and requires a system to help him slow down his eating. As far as basic commands, Quincy knows 'sit', 'come' and his fosters are working with him on 'give' and 'down'. Since Quincy was an outside dog without much people interaction and indoor living experiences, his new owners will need a bit of extra patience to help him adjust. Enrolling him in obedience training classes will go a long way towards the goal of making him a happier, more disciplined dog for his new family. One of the simplest and most important things to help Quincy's transition to his new home be successful, is to make sure you spend time with him; get to know him and let him get to know you. Taking him to obedience classes and working with him at home on his 'homework' will help you find the quality time needed for the bonding experience. Quincy is a social dog, but not to the point that we'd classify him as a velcro dog. He's very friendly, warm and loving, but not in a pesky, needy type of way. He likes to be with his people and would love being on the furniture to snuggle with them, but he's not allowed this opportunity in his foster home. But don't be fooled. Just because Quincy knows he isn't allowed on the furniture doesn't mean he doesn't challenge these boundaries every now and again. If snuggling with your dog while on your lap or next to you on the sofa is what you prefer, then we're pretty sure Quincy will be more than obliging. Overall, Quincy is well-behaved in the house with no chewing, scratching or marking, but he can be a little fast going up and down on the stairs, so you may want to hold on to the railing just in case he doesn't allow for a 'passing lane.' Quincy rides well in a car and is crate-trained. He loves to greet you in the morning with a toy in his mouth after having spending a quiet night in his crate. Quincy is energetic and will do best in a home with an active family who will include him in their daily activities and weekend excursions. Quincy isn't a dog that will be happy to sit around at home and wait patiently for you to return, only to watch you eat dinner, watch television, spend time your phone/tablet and totally ignore his exercise needs. He'll want that special bonding time with you - playing fetch, tug-of-war, running in the fields, hiking, leash walks or whatever you have in store. He's a diamond in the rough and ready for his new family and new fun! If you're interested in Quincy, please be sure to read and complete our online adoption application at www.ilshorthairrescue.co

Lake County
Gurnee, Illinois 60031