Asher

Introducing our foster dog, Benny. This wrinkly little bulldozer is one of my favorite fosters, ever. He's doing better on his manners and is ready to find a new home. Benny's LIKES include: tugging ropes, smooshing his face into your face while insisting he's a lapdog, stuffy toys, receiving kisses on his soft lil cow snout, being super comfy inside the house, and burping in your face. Benny's DISLIKES include: you having any personal space, you being on your phone and ignoring him (yes, he paws the phone out of my hand ?), fast approaches by new people, walks in the dark. Benny has all the great qualities that you can't really teach. Sweet nature, joy for life, and he's got these deep and soulful brown eyes (he just lovingly stares into your eyes often). He's doing well with learning new things and also learning just to be present and at peace. I feel he really reflects the energy that he is given. He is potty trained and now crate trained. Good in the bathtub. Sleeps in his crate quietly all night, doesn't chew up dog beds, and has great energy when approached in the crate. Benny only barks to alarm me something is approaching. He does make this adorable Chewbacca noise if he wants something. Benny-isms that need work: 1) He requires patience!! I only use positive reinforcement training (I will stay off my soapbox on this topic), but I really think negative reinforcement would be terrible for him. 2) I don't think he can see very well. I believe that is what makes him hesitant at night in the dark yard. I try to make plenty of noise if I approach at night so I don't scare him. (No, he's not aggressive when scared, just makes you feel super guilty.) He will also bark at you (if you just arrive) until you get close or speak to him. 3) He has no spatial awareness. This may be tied into his eyesight. He's a bad judge at distance when jumping. He hits like a wrecking ball. I do not recommend small children in his household - he will flatten them...with love. 4) He still has A LOT to learn. He is estimated to be around 2 years old, but he acts younger. He's super curious about everything. I think he would be destructive alone and left out of his crate. His worst habit is counter surfing. We are working on it. 5) I am not sure if he is truly cat friendly. When tested and when we first got him, he ignored the cat. But as time passed, he became very focused and changed his body language around our cat. He never seemed aggressive towards her, but we can't take a chance. Our cat is 23 years old, deaf, fragile, and has no sense of self preservation. Because of this, they have not interacted with him off leash, ever. So I can't speak to it. I think he prefers women in general. I'm totally his favorite. ?? But he does love and snuggle my husband, too. I do think he is a special companion. He makes me feel loved. I think he's got potential to be a once-in-a-lifetime dog. I have found with him, the effort I put in is the love I get out. It's super rewarding. He keeps me laughing and well-snuggled. So if you are looking for a companion, look no further! Video links: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r1JHgSG89W53bGaziZ8TFN9_UuI38GUS/view?usp=drivesdk https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r2kFL-zBp0iHxORhs77iCqXdTjSCxenX/view?usp=drivesdk https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r1KGy5IOQbmzSSIfu7ypw4hUsYRTuq5W/view?usp=drivesdk https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r61eBFGsqkA7_VLaaMQ2UWKWFwBxpKfA/view?usp=drivesdk Let me know if you need anything else! I have no background information other than we picked him up from the shelter.