About SAGE

SAGE - ONLY 9 MONTHS OLD AND FULL OF POTENTIAL. Location: Upland Animal Shelter, Upland, CA. Animal ID: IEPA-A-19438. Breed: Cane Corso Mastiff Mix. Sex: Female. Age: 9 months. Intake Date: August 7, 2026. Sage is only nine months old. She is affectionate, intelligent, playful and eager to learn - a big adolescent puppy who needs the right person to help her become the wonderful adult dog she has every potential to be. Recently, Sage spent one-on-one time with an experienced dog handler, giving us valuable insight into both her behavior and the kind of home she needs. To observe Sage at a naturally high level of excitement, she was taken directly from her kennel for a walk without playtime first. When they reached the park, Sage jumped twice and attempted to grab the leash. She was immediately redirected into a sit. Sage responded. Throughout the walk, she was frequently called back and asked to sit to help her remain focused. Again, Sage responded well. And something became very clear: Sage LOVES affection. She responds so beautifully to praise and petting that very few treats were needed to keep her engaged. Throughout most of the walk, Sage did not react to people or dogs. She showed some reactivity when another dog reacted toward her near the play area and again while returning to the kennels. Sage has not yet been formally tested with other dogs, so we cannot make assumptions about dog compatibility. She has not been tested with cats. The overall impression was of a sweet, affectionate young dog who, with proper direction and training, has the potential to become a wonderful adult companion. WHAT VOLUNTEERS HAVE SEEN: One volunteer meeting Sage for the first time found her easy to remove from her kennel, easy to walk and easy to return. When they reached the play yard, Sage sat beside him and covered his face with kisses. She enjoyed being petted, showed no discomfort with being touched and happily demonstrated that she already knows 'sit.' Other volunteers have also had positive interactions with her, and Sage has been observed playing positively with people. But Sage is still an adolescent. When she becomes excited or overstimulated, she can become jumpy, mouthy and overly physical during play. Because Sage is already a large, powerful puppy and will continue growing, these behaviors need to be addressed consistently rather than allowed to escalate. The encouraging part is that Sage has demonstrated that she CAN be redirected, regain her focus and respond to guidance. THE HOME SAGE NEEDS: Sage is recommended for an ADULT-ONLY HOME. Her ideal adopter should have experience with Cane Corsos, similar powerful breeds, or young large dogs. She needs someone comfortable reading canine body language who can recognize when she is becoming overtired or overstimulated and help her settle before her excitement escalates. A predictable routine of training, appropriate exercise and play, meals, potty breaks and quiet rest would help Sage tremendously. Crate training, along with an exercise pen or another appropriate safe containment area, is recommended to help her learn how to settle and get adequate rest. Sage doesn't need harshness. She needs structure, clear boundaries, positive training, consistency and someone who understands adolescence. SAGE AT A GLANCE: Affectionate. Smart and eager to learn. Social and people-oriented. Knows 'sit'. Walks well on leash. Loves toys. Responds beautifully to affection. Active adolescent puppy. Can initially be shy/nervous. Can become jumpy and mouthy when overexcited. Needs continued positive training and socialization. Adult-only home. Large-breed/Cane Corso experience strongly recommended. Dog testing pending. Generally nonreactive on walks; some reactivity observed in response to another reactive dog. Not tested with cats. Sage is not a finished dog. She is a nine-month-old puppy at one of the most important developmental stages of her life. The behaviors we see today do not have to define the adult dog she becomes. We know Sage can learn. We know she responds to redirection. We know affection motivates her. And we know that when a volunteer took her into the play yard for the first time, this big puppy chose to sit beside someone she barely knew and cover his face with kisses. There is a wonderful adult dog growing inside Sage. She just needs the right person to help her get there. Please consider giving Sage the structure, guidance and home she needs to become everything she can be. TRANSPORTATION IS AVAILABLE FOR RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS.

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Upland Animal Shelter
San Bernardino County
Upland, California

9099314185

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