About ELTON

ELTON: LOOK BEYOND THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES Elton is a stunning 3-year-old, 46-pound neutered Shepherd mix with intelligence, athleticism, personality, and enough enthusiasm for life to fill an entire play yard. His official breed is Shepherd mix. Those who know him suspect there may be some Chow Chow in the mix as well. Whatever his ancestry, the result is undeniable: Elton is beauty walking on four legs. But Elton has a problem. He doesn't always make the best first impression. After spending hours in his kennel, Elton may come into a meet and greet bursting with stored-up energy. His enthusiastic greeting can include jumping and occasionally humping. Then he may race around the play yard at lightning speed, only to come flying back to say hello again. Someone meeting him for five minutes might think, 'This dog is nuts.' Someone who has worked with him for months knows a very different dog. One of Elton's regular volunteer handlers has been working with him since shortly after he arrived at the shelter. In the beginning, Elton behaved exactly the same way with him. But something quickly became obvious: Elton is exceptionally smart, responsive and easy to redirect. Using a simple, consistent 'No - Sit - Treat' routine, Elton learned what was expected of him. Within a short time, the jumping stopped. Today, with his familiar handler, Elton comes out of his kennel, burns off that initial energy, runs and explores the yard, plays with his toys, and then comes over and sits beside him for affection. Then he goes exploring again. Then he comes back for more petting. No jumping. No humping. Just a vibrant, happy dog enjoying his freedom and the company of someone he trusts. And here's the remarkable part: this transformation happened with only a few hours of interaction each week. Imagine what Elton could accomplish living with someone who gives him consistency, exercise, training and companionship every day. Elton already knows 'sit,' is highly treat motivated and eager to learn. He can become mouthy when overly excited, particularly when first getting to know someone, but this has also been easy to interrupt and redirect with calm, consistent handling. He still needs work on his leash manners. Elton is strong and likes to lead when walking, and his handler is actively working with him. A properly fitted front-clip harness has been helping considerably with pulling. Elton would do best with an active person or family. Long walks, jogging, hiking, training and outdoor adventures would be wonderful outlets for his energy and intelligent working-dog mind. A securely fenced yard with a tall fence (approximately 6 feet) would be ideal for this athletic boy. And then there is WATER. Elton doesn't merely like water. He LOVES it. He loves playing in the pool. He loves being sprayed with the hose. His idea of perfection may be playing in the pool while simultaneously being sprayed with the hose. For all his energy, Elton also has a wonderfully independent side. He enjoys entertaining himself with toys, exploring the yard and sniffing every interesting corner. He doesn't demand constant attention. But periodically he'll return to his person, sit nearby and ask for some affection. He loves a good back rub and has recently discovered the considerable pleasures of belly rubs. On walks in the park, he'll sometimes sit quietly beside his handler between walks, enjoying a back rub while attentively surveying his surroundings like the working dog he is. Elton has not shown aggressive behavior toward his regular handler during their months together. His behavior around other dogs is more complicated and should be professionally evaluated before placement with another dog. Elton can be dog selective. He generally does not react to dogs while moving through the kennel area or while walking in the park. In the play yard, however, he may become territorial at the fence when dogs pass. With certain dogs he has also shown friendly interest and appropriate social behavior. For these reasons, any potential canine housemate would require careful evaluation and introduction. Elton has a high prey drive and should not live with cats. Because of his energy, strength and enthusiastic greetings, a home with children 13+ is recommended. An adopter with Shepherd, working-breed or other large active-dog experience would be especially helpful. Elton isn't a dog who should be judged by the first five minutes of a meet and greet. Give him structure. Give him exercise. Give him clear expectations. Give him a little time. Then watch what happens. His volunteer handler already has. The wild, jumping dog who once greeted him is now a dog who runs, plays, listens, sits beside him for affection and comes back again and again simply because he enjoys being near him. Elton isn't waiting to become a wonderful dog. He already is one. He just needs someone willing to stay long enough to meet him.

Contact

Upland Animal Shelter
San Bernardino County
Upland, California

9099314185

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