About RUGBY

MEET RUGBY - A BIG-HEARTED ADVENTURE BUDDY WHO IS LEARNING HIS MANNERS! Rugby is a handsome 1-year-old German Shepherd mix weighing 71 lbs. He is affectionate, playful, athletic, smart, and an absolute social butterfly. Rugby loves people, toys, fetch, water, walks, and just about anything that turns life into an adventure. He is also a volunteer favorite who has won plenty of hearts at the shelter. Rugby is very treat motivated, knows 'sit,' walks well on leash, and is eager to learn. He would be a wonderful match for an active adult who enjoys walking, hiking, playing fetch, training, and spending time outdoors with a canine companion. Rugby is still an adolescent, however, and sometimes his enthusiasm gets ahead of his manners. When first coming out of his kennel and during exciting play in the play yard, Rugby can become overstimulated. At those times, he may jump, become mouthy, and occasionally try to pin during play. Because Rugby is a large, strong dog, these behaviors need continued training and are an important consideration for his adopter. What is encouraging is how well Rugby responds to structure and positive reinforcement. His volunteers are working with him on keeping four paws on the ground, regulating his excitement, and making better choices. He responds well to 'sit' and treats, and he is already showing progress. There is also another side of Rugby that is important to know. Away from the high excitement of the kennel and play yard, Rugby is generally a very different dog. On walks and outings to the park, he typically does not display the jumping, pinning, or mouthy behavior seen during highly stimulating play. He walks nicely on leash, enjoys exploring with his person, and when he does become overexcited, he is usually easy to redirect. Rugby would do best in an active, adult-only home with someone comfortable handling and continuing the training of a large, energetic adolescent dog. German Shepherd, large-breed, or similar dog experience is preferred. He can also be a door dasher/escape artist, so his future family will need to be careful around doors, gates, and other exits and provide a secure environment. Rugby is not good with cats and has a high prey drive. Formal dog testing is still pending. He has shown no reactivity toward other dogs on walks, but at this time a single-dog home is recommended. Rugby isn't looking for someone who expects a perfectly finished dog. He's looking for someone who sees the wonderful dog already there and is willing to continue helping him grow. Underneath all that adolescent enthusiasm is an affectionate, intelligent, fun-loving dog who wants to be with people and participate in life. Give Rugby exercise, structure, positive training, boundaries, and plenty of love, and he has all the ingredients to become an extraordinary companion. If you're looking for an adventure buddy and you're willing to help a very special young dog turn all that enthusiasm into good manners, Rugby may be waiting for you. Rugby is available through Upland Animal Shelter in Upland, California. Animal ID: IEPA-A-18545

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Upland Animal Shelter
San Bernardino County
Upland, California

9099314185

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