About Stout

I adopted Stout from an animal rescue out of Long Beach in Feb 2014 at which time they guessed he was approximately 2-3 years old. When he had been brought into the pound from animal control, he was about 65lbs and so aggressive that the veterinarian could not approach him to do a full examination. Now he is a happy and healthy 90 pounds and insists that all approach him and let him love them (after the initial 'No eye contact, ignore him and let him check you out first' introduction, of course). Stout was initially leery of males, even after they had done a lot of work with a behaviorist but he has overcome this by about 99%...when I first brought him home (and once or twice since then) he had a hesitant and growly reaction toward 2-3 specific men but he settled down pretty quickly once he checked how I reacted to the person and recognized that there was no threat. I haven't seen him respond that way in over two years. The last time it occurred was when a male he didn't know was making direct and constant eye contact before he was able to be checked out by Stout. He lives with two cats and there have never been any aggression issues between him and cats or dogs. In fact, he was attacked by a dog recently (a potential re-homing that didn't work) and he did not show any aggression or fear of being around the dog after she went after him twice. He can be a little apprehensive if approached by an unknown person or dog on leash; however, he is redirectable if his handler is firm (but fair) and consistent. Like most big molossers that I've had, he just needs an alpha with patience and equal measures of calm and confidence in guiding him. I don't want to give the impression that he is difficult to manage or unpredictable; but I want to make sure he is taken in by someone who understands the breed as well as the quirks that can come with a rehabiliated rescue. I have socialized him off-leash with other people, dogs, and kids with no issues, and he looooooooves attention! Bonus: He's an excellent roadtrip companion. I drove to Nebraska with him and he slept the whole way. Stout doesn't have any major health issues, which is great! Typical of the breed, he does have some food sensitivity and can get itchy and gassy, and a grumpy tummy when he's anxious (mostly this has occurred when I've had to board him). I've found that Taste of the Wild has worked well, and he's never been fed table scraps or human food by me so he does not beg or have a complex pallet, with the exception of the oranges he likes to snag that fall from the tree in the backyard. He is a good walker (with one person...he's learning to walk with two...most of our time together has been with just the two of us), heels on the left and can go about 1-2 miles these days without being too stiff the next day...his age does seem to be showing slightly in that regard (he used to be able to go farther with no visible discomfort the next day), but no major signs of arthritis or other age-related problems. Stout is a very sweet boy and an extremely loyal, loving companion. True to the nature of his breed, he craves to be with his human. This is THE ONLY REASON I am seeking to re-home him. I'm working close to 70 hours per week these days with no end in near sight and it breaks my heart to leave him alone in the house or in the yard. Even with daily walks, it is unfair for him to be solo for so much of his time. I love this boy enough to recognize that he deserves more than I can give to him right now. I know that he will bring so much happiness to the right person or family, he is such a treasure.

San Diego County
Vista, California