About Bear

Five year old English Mastiff / Rhodesian Ridgeback mix in need of a loving home in DELAWARE OHIO. My son brought Bear home to us when he was almost nine months old. January 13th he will be 6 years old. Bear had spent the majority of his puppy life locked in a garage by himself. Once he arrived here he was effectively integrated into our household, however, the lack of early socialization has left him with several poor behavioral traits which within the proper setting would not be an issue. My son moved out a couple of years ago and was unable to take his pup with him leaving Bear in a less than optimal environment where his behavioral quirks make things difficult. He is neutered and up to date on everything. He is in excellent health other than his weight. He has been on a diet for over a year with little success. Because of his size he, at times, will over exert himself and limp. I have anti-inflammatory meds and pain meds that are given as needed. If you change his food please do it slowly, his belly tends to revolt and he will have diarrhea for weeks if the change is too fast. Bear is 150 pounds of love. He has size distortion disorder where he thinks he is a tiny lap dog who can fit into small areas but in reality he takes up half the bed. He is 100% an inside pup who loves to find a sunny spot for naps. He has a preference for women but will warm up quickly to a man if the man is patient. Bear is not a high energy dog, he's more of a couch potato who prefers to have you in the same room. He loves being included in everything including family outings or running to the gas station�'�|even better if you have a sun roof he can poke his head through while cruising down the road. He loves affection and will demand your attention buy leaning heavily against you, sitting on your foot or when all else fails he will bat at you with his paw. Bear thrives in a household where he is not left for long periods of time. He is not destructive nor does he make messes, he just becomes very anxious and will bark for a long time. He does not do well crated. Last time he was in a crate he pushed so hard against the bars of the door he cut both sides of his nose trying to push through. He will sit by the front door and whine for hours waiting on his favorite human to come back. He is an excellent watchdog and deterrent. His size and poise make him imposing to others until he gets to know them. He also does best with a fenced yard so he doesn't wander or try to chase anything out of his line of sight. Bear knows basic commands sit, stay, come, potty, lay down and sometimes, if he is in the mood, roll over. Behavioral issues: Bear is extremely food aggressive. He does NOT bite but he will snarl and shake his head back and forth like a T-Rex causing injury to smaller animals with his skull. He loves snacks and will wait patiently for his turn but will guard snacks left unattended, growling at any critter walking past. Bear does not like anyone to get in his face especially if they were to grab his cheeks and try to touch his nose with their nose. That action will result in instant growling. He will, at times, put his face in yours to get your attention so you will pet him. Bear does NOT like male dogs. To him, he is the Alpha dog in every situation. He will try to fight with the other male if there is any food, his favorite human or intact girls present. He is a terrible fighter, more bark and snarl than bite but unfortunately as he swings his head growling his teeth have grazed and accidently punctured our male dog. Bear does well with children who are old enough to know to stay out of his face. He does not like to be climbed upon, bounced upon or 'ridden'. He has zero appreciation for having his ears or tail pulled. Nor does he like to be roughed up while sleeping. Bear has few manners when he gets excited to see someone. He will muscle other critters, children and small adults out of the way to get to the newcomer, hoping for affection. Overall Bear is an amazing loving loyal dog. He will do much better in a home with no male dogs and no other small animals. We have a very full household with cats, an older male dog and a couple of tiny girl dogs. It is not unusual to see him curled up with a cat or little girl dog. He sleeps on an oversized chair in my room and relaxes on my bed as we watch tv with his head on someone's leg. To give Bear up breaks my heart but in the end it will be best for him and our household. Bear will come with his collar, a leash, his meds and a bag of food. I am asking a small rehoming fee of $100.

Delaware County
Delaware, Ohio 4301t