Bear in Maine Bouvier des Flandres Arundel, ME

FOSTERED IN MAINE. Bear is a young, adolescent 18 month old neutered male Bouvier with natural ears and a docked tail. He was a singleton puppy and his present owners acquired him when he was three months old. He is up to date on vetting and walks well on leash. In his current home, there is another dog and a cat. He is jealous of the dog but tolerates him and ignores the cat. He knows basic commands and is very possessive of the female half of the family. He does not do well with little children and nips at them. He would do best in an adult home that has experience with Bouviers.
He can be possessive of his people, and does not like hands in his face. He has responded best to positive training and redirection; physical corrections have not worked well with him. Like a typical Bouvier, he is smart and intelligent and learns quickly, and does best when his brain is engaged. In his current home he responds well to cues for sit, stay, house, paw, speak, give me five, down, easy, lay down, treats, leave it, bath time, car, play with toys, breakfast, dinner or supper and a few hand signals.
Bear is crate trained and house trained, but occasionally can exhibit submissive urination if nervous, excited or scared. He travels well in a car. He has reportedly displayed signs of food guarding and has had some remedial work on this issue.
A Bouvier-experienced, patient, knowledgeable home without children or another dog would likely be best for Bear. He will need someone who is willing to continue to work with him to build his confidence, help him learn appropriate behaviors and manage him/his environment to help him become successful. For more information, contact Sandy at MEcoord@abrl.org. To be considered as an adopter, fill out an application online at www.abrl.org.