Christopher is a painfully sweet, gorgeous, purebred 6-7 year old Belgian Malinois abandoned at the animal shelter in Berkeley. Someone was very very hard on this sensitive little man for a very long time, and we are committed to giving this boy the BEST life a dog could ever dream of. When you meet Chris, you'll understand why - something about this dog just pulls on every heartstring, you can't help but totally love him and want him to know all the joy and love he deserves. We know a special forever home is out there somewhere.... Is it you?
Clearly a yard dog (with short nails from running on cement and squared teeth from chewing on rocks perhaps?), owned by someone with a very heavy hand, Christopher is a delicate soul who flinched at hand movements when we first pulled him from the shelter. He is so very much enjoying all the attention, love, petting, and fussing over we've been giving him. Chrispy walks great on leash, is good with most other dogs after proper introduction, and is a quick learner. Absolutely NO corrections can be used on this dog due to his past. We've worked hard to bring him out of his shell, and he simply wilts under even the mildest verbal correction. So EXPERIENCED R+/Alternative Behavior Training savvy home a MUST. No room for error or mistakes with this sensitive guy. He is such a good boy, and needs only rewards to be motivated.
A dog who never knew kindness before, Chris has learned quickly that humans can offer great love and fun. Chris loves sleeping in bed with his person, will get very silly rolling around in the covers on his back for tummy rubs, and has learned all about toys - he has great drive and LOVES fetch with a ball. Chris enjoys a daily 4 mile jog or hike and a good hour of fetch to keep him happy in his foster home. Give him that, and he is mellow and content the rest of the day. While Chris is mostly good with other dogs, his handler must keep a watchful eye (especially during hikes, he can get pouncey with unknown dogs), and we don't recommend busy dog parks on the weekends. (We generally visit at night or during the weekdays when there are but a few dogs and he doesn't get overwhelmed). Though Chris is good with people after proper introductions, and he loves car rides, he is very protective of his space and very reactive to anyone but his owner coming to the car. You definitely feel protected with this dog around.
We are absolutely head over heels for charming, handsome, Christopher. There will be many tears of joy from our staff when he leaves us! Though he is easy as Mals go, he is still a Mal (high drive, high energy, needing a savvy working-dog experienced home who will cherish and not stifle his skills and nature). Fill out an application if you'd like to meet this studly guy, please pay special attention to the training and BMal section.
** Chris CAN NOT be kenneled in an outdoor run or kept in a fenced yard/area unattended! ** He goes totally bananas and gets incredibly stressed. This is an "indoor" dog. He does OK left home alone with the other dogs in his foster home, or can be left in a crate for a short period of 2-3 hours max.
Christopher is neutered, current on all vaccines, and micro-chipped. Age: 6-7 years Level 2 Dog Adoption Donation $325
Foster home location: Southern California Adopt out of area? No
Good with Kids: No young children Good with Strangers: Yes, with proper introduction Good with Dogs: Yes, but sporadically reactive on leash Good with Small Dogs: ones he knows, yes Good with Cats: No
Special note on Christopher from everyone at OGSG: "this is a truly special boy who deserves the BEST, so only the most awesome, super duper, extra loving people need apply!! Chrispy has planted himself deeply in all our hearts, and it is just horrible to think someone could have ever been mean to him - no dog deserves that, but especially not Chris. We want all the happiness and joy in the world for him! Meet him and you'll understand what all the fuss is about." Local adoption only, home check and training contract required. (and you better be awesome if you're planning on prying him away from his foster mom, Kari Jo)