Prince Dutch Shepherd & Labrador Retriever Mix Auburn, CA

Prince is a happy, exuberant 5 year old boy who is full of life!! He enjoys life to the fullest and if a human, he would be the one up all night getting the most out of a good time! Prince is high energy and would do best in a home that understands how to reinforce leadership in a fair but firm way. He would love someone who will enrich his busy brain in a productive way, such as regular obedience practice, and he would definitely make a great sports dog if you're thinking of dabbling in some agility or dock diving!! Prince is an outdoorsman meaning he'd much rather be out exploring and burning off energy with his humans than sitting around!! He has his basic obedience and even with all that energy, he has learned how to control his impulses, including politely waiting for his meals and waiting at doorways until he hears his release word "free". Once he gets his energy out he does enjoy snuggling up with his human and watching t.v.

Child appropriate? Because of his high energy and sometimes inability to control that energy, we feel kids 16 and up would be the best fit for Prince.

Other dog appropriate? Prince has played with other dogs but his play style is very rough and tumble and that can turn off a lot of dogs. He has never shown aggression toward other dogs, just overexcitement, but other dogs don’t necessarily appreciate his exuberance. Because of this, we think he’d do best as the only dog in the home unless the other dog is VERY tolerant of rude and rough play.

Cat appropriate? Prince needs a kitty free home.

How is he with strangers? Prince is friendly with strangers and happy to meet anyone!

What is his play style? As mentioned previously, his play style with other dogs is very rough. When playing with humans it’s important not to overstimulate Prince because he can lose his brains pretty fast which results in jumping, mouthing and other rude behavior. He is not the kind of dog who can wrestle and do high excitement play because it’s just too much for him and he goes from 0 to 100 in seconds. He loves chasing a ball or a stick and doing zoomies around the yard.

Does he like toys? Prince loves playing with his jolly ball and loves playing fetch with various toys. He's not much into stuffy toys but does love tug toys or things he can gnaw on.

Does he like water? Prince has not been around large bodies of water so we aren't sure how he'd be. He does not like a kiddie pool as he's had one and instead of enjoying splashing around, he chews it up!

Does he like car rides? Prince enjoys car rides and rides nicely for the most part.

Exercise level needed? Prince requires a high degree of exercise, both mental and physical. He is a much happier dog when he’s had adequate exercise. He needs at least twice daily walks, more are preferred, and he’d do well as a running partner to help get that energy out. He is not a couch potato and is not the right companion for someone who is a homebody and lower energy. He needs someone willing to help him work on his mental energy as well by teaching him tricks, always practicing obedience manners, and integrating new practices to keep his brain busy. Giving him food puzzles helps get energy out as he has to use his brain.

Behavior issues? Prince can get overstimulated relatively fast which can lead to him displaying rude behavior like mouthing, jumping and not listening. He doesn’t mean to be this way, it’s just his brain, but these behaviors can be annoying and therefore he needs a firm caregiver who can keep him calm and respectful. He has come a long, long way in training and he’s improved drastically but he will likely always be a bit of a spaz and need to be reminded to use his manners. Once he is bonded to a person his annoying behaviors decrease dramatically but he will need time to get there with anyone new.

Medical issues? No known medical issues.
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Skills? Prince spent 8 weeks at an intensive board and train program where he learned general obedience, impulse control, leash manners and has learned engagement with people. He is crate and potty trained as well. Prince has learned things such as “sit” and “down”, “park it”, which means go and stay on his bed, and to “touch” something by putting his paws on it. He benefits from learning skills like these and needs a caregiver who will continually challenge him. Using treats, he can learn new skills quickly and he's very eager to please.

Special/endearing things? Prince is a big manly-man of a dog on the outside however on the inside he's a soft, sensitive cuddly marshmallow. He very sensitive and doesn’t like being corrected in a forceful manner so he needs a gentle but firm leader. He’s a very happy dog and really enjoys life. He loves being outside and exploring the world and really looks to his person for guidance. He’s a wonderful companion and enjoys belly rubs and getting as much love as possible from his people. He has a very big spirit and reminds us how wonderful and exciting life can be and to value every minute!

Ideal home? Prince’s ideal home is one that will fulfill his mental and physical needs daily. As mentioned, he is not a low energy dog who will be content with playing in the back yard. Low energy people need not apply. This boy wants to go out, hike, walk, run, and engage in outdoor activities. A home who would be open to introducing Prince to some fun canine sports would be great but not necessary. Someone with knowledge of canine sports would be awesome! Prince's ideal home would be one that promotes a "zen" environment between all the fun outdoor stuff. He can forget he has a shut off switch and would love a human that will help him find it when needed. Due to his super duper party mentality, Prince would like a home that has a calm environment without a lot of stimulation in the home. A home where he could be the star and not have to share with other animals would be the best.