Sammy Goldendoodle Toronto, ON

Please carefully read Sammy's bio before applying

Our adoption process and application can be found on our website
www.straytoplay.org/adopt

Ideal home: Sammy's perfect home would be a condo or a small home, with a yard to play (but not necessary). He ideally needs someone who works from home as he does best when someone is near him for company. He requires a quiet, designated area for him to nap during the day. A home without children, cats or other dogs would be best as he is reactive. He requires an owner who is patient and attentive. He also needs someone who is ok with dog reactivity. He always bites when he's uncomfortable, stressed or annoyed, and sometimes it comes out of nowhere. He also has more of an affinity for men, but it isn't necessary for his owners to be male. Sammy would make a great companion to someone working from home and who has experience with senior dogs.



Name: Sammy

Age: approx 13 years old

Breed: Labradoodle

Weight: 40lbs

Gender: Male

Energy Level: Low

Good with dogs: He has definitely gotten a lot better with dog interactions, but his handler should still be careful when he meets dogs for the first time. He has now started to whimper and wag his tail when he wants to say hi to another dog. He used to growl. So definitely an improvement. He still is reactive to certain breeds like Dobermans, huskies and other bigger dog breeds. Smaller breeds are usually fine

Good with cats: As long as the cat doesn't bother him.

Good with kids (+ ages): No

Good with strangers: He LOVES people. He will always go to strangers in the elevator or the street for pets. He'll usually go to the dog owner instead of saying hi to their dog. However, when he is tired he can become reactive to people.

Guarding issues: No.

Behavioural issues: If you grab his tail or ears he will give you a warning. He will bite if you continue.

House trained: Yes.

Crate trained: No. He doesn't like the crate and doesn't need it.

Separation anxiety: No

Destructive: He isn't destructive at all and is fine to chill and sleep on the couch or his bed when left alone at home.

Leash skills: Most of the time he's pretty good on leash. He usually pulls for the first 5 to 10 minutes of a walk, especially if he's in a new neighbourhood and there are new smells. When we walk in the city, the leash is pretty loose but when in the suburbs he pulls a bit more. He can still become spontaneously reactive to vehicles and other dogs, but it's much better than what it used to be.

Okay with manipulations: If Sammy doesn't trust you, he will start to growl and probably bite you if you touch his paws, ears or tail. He is extremely reactive, will 100% bite and maybe break skin if he is stressed (like the groomer), hasn't had enough rest or doesn't trust you. Usually he's very good with first meetings, but he can get sensitive within an hour.

Medical issues: He also has a tremor in both his back legs. It doesn't seem to bother him. But, perhaps as a result of this, re refuses to go on stairs. As well, dental surgery will be required down the road.

Other notes such as overall observations, personality, etc: He is very sweet and gentle once he has established a trust with you. He is a dog with firm boundaries. He isn't very cuddly, but loves to be pet and loves to have someone keep him company (even at a distance). He's a quiet dog, but he grumbles a lot! Mostly old dog happy grumbles. He's quite anxious when something new is presented to him and can reactively bite as a response. Sammy has pretty strict boundaries and will let you know immediately if he's unhappy. You have to let him come to you. Thankfully he's very treat motivated and this helps a lot when introducing him to new people/places/things. Everything with Sammy has to do with trust and gentleness. He requires patience when it comes to new in-home surroundings, but he's very smart and can figure things out for himself pretty quickly! He also knows sit, down, stay, come and off (for the couch).