Duke – New Mexico – ADOPTED

Photo of AiredaleADOPTED!

Duke is a neutered male Airedale between the age of 1-2 yr. He came through the shelter system and was reportedly too energetic for small children. He has been fostered with 3 Airedales, 2 females and 1 male, and despite their fussing at him he has offered no response other than to turn away. It appears that he had spent little, if any, time in the house, so early on he was confined in a doggy play pen when we could not watch him. After 2+ weeks he had more access in the house but with supervision. Now when we are home he has free access (dog door) but is confined when we are gone for a time. He has picked up the TV remote…and thought it was a toy so some supervision is still needed…but most other household items he has left alone.  He likes watching TV (perhaps he just wanted to change the channel). He likes dog toys and will get them out of the toy basket.

We have about 1 ac. fenced off the back of the house and he can use the dog door to go out when he likes. He does like to spend more time out in the morning but also likes to be with people and most of the time will be with one of us. Initially it was obvious he had had no training and did not know what to do with his adolescent energy. His two forms of play were with our 7 yr old female Airedale, who engaged
him in chase. Then he learned to chase the ball that is retrieved by our 7 r old male Airedale. That has become very competitive and despite our male fussing at Duke….there have been no altercations. Duke is very fast and quick and being able to run “all out” seems to be something he really enjoys. After a play period he is glad to come in the house and crash.

Duke had never been groomed before so we are taking that slowly. He can be a little fearful, esp. of the clippers, but is also curious so will overcome a fear quickly. He has the densest coat of any dog I have seen. The groomer needs to go slow and be patient. We have worked on basic house manners. He is not allowed on the couch and he has done well with house training to the point that we do not watch him all the time. He will put his paws up on things but because there has been no food on the counter he has…as yet…not
learned to counter surf. He is still in training 101. He needs leash work …working on sit etc. He is fed in the play pen and goes in there automatically at meal times.

He is more excitable (and a bit mouthy) when he has been confined for a period but exercise helps him settle down. He also likes being with people so being left in a backyard would most likely lead to his being bored and getting into trouble. In a new home he will need a consistent routine and if an only dog will need some play time with other dogs to maintain good socialization.

He LOVES to eat and inhales his food.