About Muffin

Meet Muffin! Muffin is a playful, loving 1.5 year old German Shepherd looking for a forever home where he can thrive. The best home for Muffin would be one where he can continue to improve his socialization (ideally with a playful dog sibling), and with someone who is caring and understanding of his fears and anxieties and willing to help him learn that the world is not such a scary place. The good stuff (there's a lot!): Muffin is a super goofy, energetic lovebug. He lives to play - his favorite games are tug-of-war and keep-away, especially with a good stick. He has a silly 'silent bark' he uses to invite play, or a high-pitched puppy bark if he's being insistent! He's fully house-trained and crate-trained, and he knows a few basic commands like sit and off. He is a hilarious goofball - whether sleeping upside-down with legs in the air, or being a bit of a clutz, Muffin will keep you laughing. He also loves a good cuddle, and adores being scratched and petted all over. He shows no sensitivity to touching paws, tail, or any other part of his body. Now for the challenges: Muffin struggles with fear-based behaviors that can look like snarling, growling, or snapping. This only occurs when he feels trapped or pressured to do things he is currently afraid of, like being leashed or having other objects around his head. He also finds getting into the car very stressful, though once inside the car, he settles down quietly. He's been working on these fear triggers and has already shown great progress, but he would definitely require a family that is willing to be patient and continue to help him become more confident. Around other dogs, Muffin is playful and pro-social, though sometimes a bit awkward. He desperately wants to play, but often will front aggressively at first as a fear response which can be off-putting to other dogs. As soon as he realizes a dog is a friend, he immediately switches to happy play mode. Muffin is quite leash reactive (barking, pulling, and lunging) when he sees other people or dogs approaching on walks. He is fearful of getting leashed to go for walks or hikes, but once he is outside he is happy to be exploring. He will need continued training to help him redirect and build more positive associations on walks. Usually though, Muffin is a bit of a homebody and mostly loves to play in the house and yard. Despite these challenges, Muffin is an absolute joy of a dog and would be a wonderful addition for the right family. He is highly trainable and responds beautifully to positive, force-free methods. He's already showing how quickly he can grow when approached with patience and respect. Muffin's perfect home would be calm, predictable, and understanding of sensitive dogs - even better if you have experience with German Shepherds. It would be great if he had a confident, playful, well-socialized dog sibling to help guide him (a slightly older female dog would be ideal). He would do best with experienced adopters who are patient, empathetic, and committed to helping him work through his fears at his own pace. Because of his handling sensitivities, a home without young children is recommended. ��%BD��%BD%90%BE Is Muffin the Right Dog for You? Muffin is a wonderful dog, but he isn't for everyone. He needs an adopter who can meet his unique needs and help him feel safe and confident. Please consider the following before applying: ��%BD��%BD��%BD Experience with dogs who show fear or reactivity You're comfortable working with a dog who may growl, snarl, or snap when he feels scared or pressured. ��%BD��%BD��%BD Commitment to positive, force-free training Muffin thrives with patience, kindness, and reward-based methods. Harsh corrections or punishment will set him back. ��%BD��%BD��%BD A calm, predictable home He does best in a routine-oriented environment with minimal chaos. ��%BD��%BD��%BD Adult-only or older teen household Muffin's handling sensitivities make him a poor fit for homes with young children. ��%BD��%BD��%BD A large, secure yard and a quiet neighborhood He'll benefit from having safe outdoor space for exercise and potty breaks without heavy foot traffic. ��%BD��%BD��%BD Ideally: a confident, well-socialized dog companion (an older, playful female dog would be best). Muffin loves other dogs and can learn a lot from a steady role model.

Contact

Multnomah County
Portland, Oregon

Contact Person:

Justine Elmer

Email