Pet Name

Rico

Gender

Male

Animal Type

Dog

Where did you get this pet?

New Pawsibilities (Closed)

I have owned this pet for

Its whole life

Breed

Pitbull/Terrier Mix

Age

8 Years

Spayed or Neutered

Yes

Current on Rabies

Yes

Current on Distemper

Yes

I have lived with children:

No

I have lived successfully with kids aged:

No children, 13-15 years old, 16-17 years old

Do you think your pet would be happy in a home with children?

No

If yes, what ages of children would your pet be most comfortable with?

No children

I am good with dogs

No

I am good with cats

No

Things pet likes:

Ropes, tennis balls, car rides, laid back activities like cuddling up or lounging outside.

Things pet doesn’t like:

Water (but can tolerate a respectful and trusting shower, not directly aimed at his head). Sudden loud noises, having air being blown on him/in his face, being picked up (trust needs to be built first), loud aggressive/high energy strangers.

Please describe how your pet reacts around strangers

Rico does like people,(needs to meet them one or two max at a time, can get overstimulated) but when meeting him it is essential to be calm and relaxed. He does sense another person’s energy a bit. The energy you bring the first time you meet him, is the energy he will likely expect. Once he uses up all his excitement, zoomies, and vocal tones to allow me to let him run up to you and lick your face/get pets (I hold him back on a harness & lead when he meets new people), he does mellow out. Not recommended to pet his face when meeting him for the first time, he likes booty scratches and a very specific spot in his hip that he enjoys being massaged gently. If needed, I’d recommend to administer some anxiety medicine when meeting new people. The vets recommend me to give him some prior to vet visits.

Positive qualities pet has

He’s very curious, loves people (BUT ONE AT A TIME, he can be overstimulated easily), can be protective in a good way, house trained as long as things are doggy proofed and he is on a set schedule of feeding/potty breaks. I’ve known him to be extra soft around females, but as long as anyone meeting him is relaxed and happy, he should be fine either way.

Reason for rehoming pet

My living situation is changing within the next 6-12months (or sooner), other animals will be present, maybe small children and it will be a much smaller space than he would be used to. Biggest thing is that there will be other animals present. Rico is a good, happy dog, but when it comes to other animals the aggression he shows is “On Sight” and immediate. It is not territorial barking. It’s “middle hairs on back and tail standing up” with aggressive barking/pulling that has deadly intent”. He cannot come with me. I love him and need somewhere safe for him to go.

Kind of home pet needs

He needs a laid back, semi structured scheduled home. With Adults who are understanding, enjoy being followed around and cuddled with by a 90lb couch potato. He likes to be involved in whatever you are doing.