About Dino

7 years old, Black/Rust, Cropped/Docked. Dino is one of our longest term residents and a favorite of everyone who works at the shelter. He has an interesting history having been purchased from an established show breeder but then returned at 6 months old. His first owner was elderly and not up to the task of raising a young, active Doberman pup. Dino was quickly re-homed but the 'bounce' at six months old (a critical development stage for behavior) contributed to a 'worried' state of mind that has remained with him. In his second home, he objected to having his head and neck area touched to the point of biting his owners and they decided he was too much for them to handle. When he came to us he had an embedded collar, most likely because his owners were worried about trying to remove it. Since his enrollment in DRU University in October 2019, Dino has made amazing progress. Using patience and clarity, we have gained Dino's trust and affection. He has shown us his pushy side, which can verge on inappropriate play with 'shoulder checks' and big vocal displays, which stop as soon as his handlers remind him to tone it down. His obedience is excellent; he takes great pride in working with his handlers and accompanying them on many walks through the neighborhood and in the woods behind the shelter where he loves to explore. A recent screening uncovered a mild arrhythmia which, at this time, does not merit immediate action. However, because DCM is such a common issue with Dobes, it will be important to keep an eye on his cardiac health. Dino is a true 'lifer' at DRU; he is very settled and happy with his routine and his family of caregivers, he enjoys nesting in his comforters and arranging his many toys when he is not having hilarious 'arguments' with them and he even offers a toothy 'smile' when some of his favorite humans enter the room. As content as he seems with us, we would still love to see him in a home of his own with a truly experienced Doberman person who can understand, appreciate and work with Dino's quirky nature. Because he is so settled with us, we would also prefer to see him go locally in order to better transition him back into civilian life a little at a time and to provide immediate support for him and his new adopter. Dino should be an only dog and, because his history with children was very limited, an adults-only placement is best. Dino actually did very well with our resident cats, so feline family members may be negotiable.

Rockingham County
Sandown, New Hampshire 03873