Sausage Ryder Labrador Retriever Mix Northbrook, IL

Here's what Sausage Ryder's foster has to say!

"Are you looking for a friendly, playful, silly, cuddlebug? Then Sausage Ryder is your guy! You can tell he is looking for love from his human companions and enjoys spending time with you- whether that is playing a game of fetch, watching you eat trying to convince you to give him a piece with his puppy dog eyes, or snuggling up with you watching TV. After fostering Sausage Ryder for a little over two months, we've been able to see his goofy personality shine through.

Sausage Ryder is very curious about the world around him and wants to take everything in- which can sometimes be too much! He definitely takes on the energy of those around him so in loud or chaotic situations he can become super energetic wanting to join in on the fun. So long as his family knows his social limits and allows him to take some breaks from fast paced situations, Sausage Ryder will do just fine!

Sticking to a routine has been very helpful for Sausage Ryder's transition into our home. It took him about 3 weeks to be comfortable in his foster home and then about 2 more to learn our routine. Now whenever I need to go to work, he goes into his kennel without needing to be asked because he knows that I need to leave and he isn't able to come with.

When it comes to going on walks, squirrels beware! Sausage Ryder definitely has a drive to chase after squirrels and bunnies. However, once they are safely up the tree or out of sight, he is good to keep moving on for his walks. Just be sure whoever is behind the leash can handle the pull of this 75lb dog! Aside from the squirrels, he loves going on walks. We have done a bit of jogging with him and it seems like he would fit in with someone who wants to do short jogs around the block. He can sometimes pull on the leash at the start of a walk because of excitement, but within a few minutes he is sniffing away happily on a relaxed leash. Sausage Ryder is definitely a food hound though- so be sure to be on the lookout in case there is food on the ground as you walk- he will absolutely try and gobble it up.

While we are unable to introduce Sausage Ryder to other dogs while in foster, he is definitely curious about them on walks! He does well if the other dog doesn't start barking at him and can walk right on by the other side of the street without issue. If the other dog starts barking at him, then Sausage Ryder can get riled up and will need some help disengaging out of sight of the other dog. Any dog introductions to Sausage Ryder should be done slowly as his high and excited energy can be a lot for other dogs.


Sausage Ryder likes: walks, treats/food, meeting new people, getting pets, new toys, playing, giving you kisses, watching outside the window, going on car rides (he LOVES this!), being social, the mailman (ours gives him treats!), his kong and snuffle mat

Sausage Ryder dislikes: squirrels/small animals, cats, extended loud noises, rough housing while playing, dogs who bark at him for no reason when we are out on walks

Overall, Sausage Ryder has been a great foster dog. He truly loves his people and is looking for a family that will love him back. He plays fetch very gently, brings the toy back to you, and knows some basic commands- sit, stay, kennel, down (we taught "down" to him in about 3 weeks since we got him- so he is trainable for more tricks). He is housetrained and also kennel trained (although he will give you loving puppy dog eyes trying to convince you that he should be able to stay on the couch instead!). If your family would do well with a loveable goofball who loves to play and snuggle, then consider giving Sausage Ryder a chance!"