LINUS – A1047112

A volunteer writes: Named for one of my favorite Peanuts characters, Linus is very cute, bright and playful but he can be shy too and at times it’s easy to imagine him toting a security blanket around just like his namesake. He loves to explore so I give him free reign in the yard for a few minutes before dressing him in a snazzy bandanna and trying to capture some of his beautiful facial expressions on camera. From soft puppy eyes to ear-to-ear play grin and all the thoughtful looks in between, Linus may not be a born model (too easily distracted) but he certainly is a hunk and his sweet smile could light up a whole house full of rooms. Back on leash he trots alertly at my side, stopping every so often to sniff an interesting scent or turn toward some new sound yet still responding promptly to my voice and seems to be quite house trained too, using the facilities promptly and often. Other dogs are met with tail-wagging curiosity and in playgroup Linus is full of fun and even accepts correction well when another dog takes exception to his enthusiastic ‘hugs’. Gorgeous, friendly and boasting a behavior assessment full of near-perfect scores on everything from handling to resource sharing, Linus would make a wonderful addition to almost any family. You’re looking for a handsome good-natured gentleman to comfort and cuddle and Linus is looking for a home where he can feel safe and loved — it’s a perfect match!

Behavior:

Linus pulls hard on leash. She was sociable toward the handler during the assessment – soft body, wagging tail.  He was calm and relaxed during handling. Linus did a lot of jumping up, body checking and played tug-of-war with the leash during tag interaction. He did not resist being handled while eating, and was easily pushed out of the food bowl.  Linus took the toy away, body language was stiff but he took the rawhide with a soft body language.

Linus is reported to be chewing on furniture, so we advise future adopters to make sure to provide mentally and physically stimulating, appropriate chew toys to keep Linus occupied when left alone. Linus showed a bit of concern during the tag interaction he became a bit over arousal also during the toy he became a bit stiff.  The behavior department feels that she may do best with an experienced adopter who can follow up on this behavior in a more stable environment and can provide any necessary behavior modification. We also recommend a home without children.

Look: 2. Dog pulls out of Assessor’s hands each time without settling during three repetitions.

Sensitivity: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, his eyes are averted, and his tail is in neutral position with relaxed body posture. Dog’s mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item.

Tag: 3. Dog responds with his tail high, ears forward, mouth likely closed for at least half of the assessment item, body stiff and body checks the Assessor. Dog is often focused on other stimuli in the room.

Squeeze 1: 1. Dog gently pulls back his paw.

Squeeze 2: 1. Dog gently pulls back his paw.

Food 1. Dog lifts head and ceases eating when you reach to pull the bowl away

Toy: 3. Dog takes toy away, keeps a firm hold. His body is stiff.

Rawhide 1. Dog settles close, keeps a firm grip and is loose and wiggly. he does not place her body between you and the rawhide.

Linus greets very excitedly.  He is interested in rough play, but is pushy and very forward in his attempts to solicit.  Linus is slow to respond to correction from the other dog, but responds well to correction from the handler.

Group Behavior:  When off leash with other dogs, Linus is sexually motivated and attempts to mount.  He takes correction for mounting, but may persist afterward.  8/12: Was tolerant of being mounted by female dog.  9/1 update:  Linus greets very excitedly.  He is interested in rough play, but is pushy and very forward in his attempts to solicit.  Linus is slow to respond to correction from the other dog, but responds well to correction from the handler.  9/5 update:  Linus continues to show interest in rough play, but is still a bit pushy and forward with his attempts to solicit. 9/2 update:  Linus engages in rough play with a playful female. He is pushy and mouthy when playing and is slow to take correction. 9/10 update:  Linus is forward upon introduction, coming into the pen immediately mouthing and using his paws to solicit play. He responds to correction but will continue to jump on the other dog and attempt to engage her in rough play.

For more information on adopting from the NYC AC&C, or to find a rescue to assist, please read the following: http://information.urgentpodr.org/adoption-info-and-list-of-rescues/