Ranger Australian Shepherd Edmonds, WA

This is Ranger! He is coming up on his 3rd birthday and is looking for just the right place to live, grow and learn! He’s a strong willed, energetic, rambunctious, intelligent, charming, smiley, handsome, curious and did I mention, rambunctious boy, who still needs to learn some manners.

Ranger is headstrong, stubborn and likes to think he can decide what to do, or not do, as his mood and playfulness desires. His biggest fault is he can be nippy, or growly, when playing, or trying to show his people he’s the boss. He responds best to male authority figures, like his Foster dad, who he thinks is the coolest person on earth. He is not as receptive to his Foster Mommy, but is mostly respectful of her. He needs an adopter who is very keen to pick up on his antics and establishes boundaries, while being able to funnel his drive towards play, or other positive outlets. Otherwise he is certainly one of those Aussies who will try and rule the roost himself. Someone who has time and experience to spend on training, or who is willing to work with a trainer would be ideal.

He is smart, good natured at heart and reacts well to firm, clear boundaries. He has been to a training center that teaches herding dogs to herd, as well as provides some behavior correction consultations. He did very well with the sheep and perhaps with a little training he would like to live on a rural property with livestock.

We have been working on his leash manners and overall he does ok on walks now, however its best to keep an eye out for what is around, or coming up. He needs space when crossing other dogs on leash, or dogs barking at him from fenced yards. He has shown he thinks Joggers and bicycles are things to be herded, or chased, but we have been working successfully on that. Careful introductions with new dogs will be needed, as he likes to play the alpha boy card and comes on too strong, particularly with other males. He has done well with his female, Aussie sister at his foster home. She is patient with him and he’ll challenge her rules at times, but backs off when she lets him know who rules the roost! She has also shown him the joy of chasing Frisbees, which he does enjoy!

He gets overwhelmed in very crowded, urban areas, but does well in his fosters quieter, more suburban neighborhood. He should definitely live in a home with a fenced yard space and not a crowded city area, condo, or apartment. He LOVES riding in the truck or running/jogging with his foster Daddy! The park nearby with trails and a creek is possibly his favorite place to go, we think he’d make a good companion for someone who enjoys the outdoors, although he is not and may not ever, be an off leash trail dog, or a off leash dog park dog. He has been around some children who were 7+ years old and been friendly/respectful of them and enjoyed chasing toys they throw. However, we have not observed him around toddlers, or hyper/rambunctious groups of children. Rangers people social skills are coming along well, he has gone to a couple dog friendly breweries near his foster home and likes going out, as long as it’s not too crowded and he loves getting treats from staff and other patrons.

If you think you’d be a good furever home for Ranger, please reach out and lets talk! He’s a charming fellow and certainly deserves to find just the right people and place to call home.

Here is the application: https://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoption-application