Ben - Adopted!

Ben has flown away to a wonderful, Shar-pei savvy home in lovely Alaska! Don't worry we packed him a heavy coat!
Congrats Ben and your new family!
Here is an update from Ben's new family from one of our volunteers who is keeping in touch with them:
Mark (Ben's new dad) called again to rave about how wonderful Ben is last night! He's already taken over Ricky's big old recliner in the living room window and didn't chew, poop or get into any trouble at all while they were at work. Last night he slept on the foot of their bed, which Mark says they like, because it helps them stay warm. He went over and met the grandkids and was great with them. Mark says he really loves Susan, his wife, and knows already when she is coming home from work, gets all excited.

Upon Arrival:
Ben is a super handsome, young man who is well-mannered and ready for his new home. His photos don't do him justice, he is much better looking in person; a real knock-out! If you want a young, active, goofy, fun-loving, gorgeous, blond male in your life let us introduce you to our BEN! Let us guide you to him; just send us an e-mail or fill out our on-line application at www.tntsharpeirescue.com.

Ben would do best in a home with older kids who have experience living with dogs as he likes to bark and jump around in play. He can also be mouthy and this may startle those who do not know he is just playing. Ben is pretty playful guy and that is good, but it seems he has not ever been told that certain play is not appropriate. He plays with people the same way he would play with another dog and can be a bit overwhelming at times. Anyone who has had a young dog knows this behavior is all play and he will grow out of it with guidance. He has already started to figure out how to play more appropriately as once ignored his focus quickly moves on to something else. He is not interested in playing if you are not going to play too! He does not keep trying for your attention or get rough. He simply slows his pace and wanders off to find something else to do. This is a very good sign that he will learn with time and training to play more appropriately. Turning your back on this boy is all you need to settle him down. If ignored he wanders off as if to say "I didn't want to play with you anyway!"

Ben is not so much in to balls or toys. He will chase them but not pick them up or bring them back! He may pick up the game of fetch in time. If not, he is pretty cute to watch run after stuff and stare at it. At least he gets some of the game!
Ben has met a few dogs at the shelter who he feels the same way about thus far. He will greet them and then move along. He could just be looking for the right play-mate but we have not seen him inter-act much with other dogs so far. He is about as interested in them as he is a tennis ball.

Since Ben is an active boy we suggest his home be prepared to exercise him daily to ensure he gets an outlet to run off some steam. Daily exercise and a bit of one on one training time will keep his body and mind in check. He is good on-leash, may jump up when excited and pull at the start of a walk but good once he is out and about.
Ben really enjoys being chased and thinks this is a great game. However, he won't come back! If he were in an un-fenced area he'd be gone. He really loves this game of chase. So much so that he'd love to see it go on all night! It will be some time before Ben can be trusted off-leash. He will need to have excellent re-call and be very bonded with his owner or he will just run and run and run...
Speaking of chasing, Ben LOVES to chase cats, rabbits, pretty much anything small so we are looking for a small animal free home for Ben. This is also another reason he must be on-leash and in control when outside. We have no idea if he would hurt a small animal but he should never be given that chance.

Read on to find out more and see more photos at www.tntsharpeirescue.com