Poppin

#12-095 Poppin, update 12/31/12

Weight: 88 pounds

AVAILABLE

Hard to believe Poppin has been a GRR dog for six months! He has come a long way in that time and, in fact, has become a very accomplished pup, having completed a course in Canine Etiquette and earning (of course!) the coveted Gold Star for good manners.

Poppin enjoys so many things. For starters, he LOVES children. He’s very happy and calm and seeks them out for attention. (He is a little clumsy because of his size, so slightly older kids are probably a better fit for him than tiny toddlers.) He also loves to go swimming and car-riding… and he especially loves to retrieve (you might also say he LIVES for it!). He will fetch as long as you can throw a ball for him to go racing after. He will bring it back, and will usually drop at your feet. Food is another great favorite. He doesn’t counter-surf, but he does check out the table—after all, he’s tall enough to see what’s up there. (His height also makes it very easy for him to nuzzle your fingers or slip his head underneath your hand for a pet.)

He’s not crazy about getting a bath, but he loves being dried and really enjoys being brushed. Regular bathing & grooming help keep his coat shiny and control his allergies, too (he does get itchy at times from airborne allergens).

He’s great with the girl Goldens in his foster home. He might grumble at another dog who rushes him, so careful intros are important (as they always are!). He doesn’t even blink at the neighborhood cats, but he hasn’t met one face to face yet. He's very outgoing, but in a nice, gentle way—no launching himself at your head, etc.! He was great at Shake, Paddle, and Roll and made lots of new friends (especially those that threw a ball for him).

Poppin’s a healthy, sturdy fellow who enjoys his walks about the neighborhood. We’ve notice that the cold weather is making him a little stiff in the morning, but once he's up, he moves around just fine.

Poppin is so easy to train. All you need is love, praise, and a treat—and he picks up new tricks/commands within hours.

Poppin would do best in a home with slightly older kids; other dogs are fine, too, as long as they are relaxed, non-dominant girl dogs. And the more love and affection you can give him, the better. He didn't receive much attention through his younger years and seems determined to make up for that oversight!

Poppin, age 6 1/2

AVAILABLE 

Update 8/5/12:

Seven-year-old Poppin came to GRR when his family had to move out of state. He’s a big, handsome red boy who’d been living entirely outdoors, so we knew his foster home would need to housebreak him… but our intake volunteer commented, “Poppin is the kind of dog people want—loves to retrieve, gentle with kids, even toddlers, and loves the water.  He's the typical backyard dog, but very interactive & playful.  Nice boy - just needs to discover there is more joy to life than a tennis ball or Kong.”

After just about a week in foster care, Poppin has settled right in. His foster mom sends this report:

Poppin is a big, lovable goofball who wiggles from head to toe from ANY attention (glancing his way counts!). He gets along great with our pack (loves to play tug) and is actually submissive to all but our gal Cassia, who doesn't care. He is a little too attentive to GRR #12-086 Liberty, but that's understandable given that she went into heat before we could get her spayed—AND that he’s freshly neutered.

Housebreaking went really smoothly—for a former yard dog he got the idea fast. As for crating, he’s not crazy about it, but it’s getting much easier (he was terrified of the crate at first). Leash walking is a work in progress; he’s a puller, but the Halti helps a lot!

We already knew that Poppin LOVES to retrieve, but now he is learning to give up his toy or ball, too. He does adore stuffies, and if  his prize has a squeaker, that’s a definite bonus. He even plays catch with himself—he’ll walk around throwing a stuffie into the air and trying to catch it!

Poppin adores brushing but isn’t so excited about the bathing part of his beauty routine. He DOES like damp towel rubdowns, though, and will flop over in ecstasy.

He really is a wonderful houseguest! Relaxed, seeks attention but isn't obnoxious about it; he just wants to please and be around his people. He’s not too high-energy or too much of a couch potato—he’s got that average energy level that everyone wants.   He's learning his basic commands quickly (he will do ANYTHING for a cookie!). He's the ideal gentleman Golden and will make anyone happy.

Update 8/1/12: 

Watch this space for Poppin's story and more pictures as we get to know him better!

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