Chico Diablo

Chico Diablo is a stunning black and tan Doberman with cropped ears and a docked tail. He's lean, muscular, and athletic, and enjoys playing with balls and being outdoors. Chico is affectionate with his foster family, and he leans in for attention and affection. He is crate-trained and sleeps in his crate overnight. Chico is also leash-trained and knows basic commands, responding well to verbal cues.

This sweet and spicy Doberman is looking for a loving family pet home where he can thrive. He desires affection and has all the right training to fit into a new home: house-trained, crate-trained, and leash-trained. A fenced yard would be ideal for him to exercise and play safely. While not necessary, a home with another dog, preferably a medium to large female, would be comforting to Chico.

Chico came to us with some baggage; he was grieving the loss of his home and was confused at the shelter. Shelter staff noted he was 'nippy' and would avoid being petted, using his teeth to ask for space when his collar was grabbed. We agreed to give him time to decompress in a home environment, with his own space (crate) and slow introductions. Chico was walked out of the shelter, leaned on his foster, and responded to verbal commands. We observed that he would snap when his collar was pulled, which in our experience suggests abusive handling or improper use of a prong collar. We have since switched him to a secure, fitted tactical collar and are working with him on positive associations with his neck and collar. Chico trusts people, but he would need confident owners to establish clear boundaries for his safety. This includes avoiding board and train facilities, using a muzzle during vet visits with strangers, and being mindful of who is around him.

Due to Chico's reactivity to having his collar pulled or grabbed, we do not recommend a home with small children. Chico is being self-protective, not aggressive, but we want to ensure no child is harmed or afraid of him. He is sensitive to yelling and is not a dominant personality.

Chico is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, has been treated for heartworm and is on prevention. He is now at a healthy weight with a shiny coat and is food-motivated.

Chico was surrendered with another Doberman after his family passed away. We soon learned the two male Dobermans did not get along and were separated. Chico was initially fearful, barking and protecting himself by backing up and growling. He was given time to decompress, build trust, and understand his routine. Chico has been successfully paired with a young male shepherd and confident female dogs for playtime. He will "fence fight" (run up to a barrier to growl/bark/push) with another male, but without a barrier, he will back down and not engage, though he may continue to growl and bark. Due to this repeated reaction to other larger male dogs, we do not recommend dog parks or a home with another male dog. He is submissive, gentle, and playful with female dogs. Due to stress, Chico was underweight when he arrived. He has not been tested with cats or small animals.

Ideal Home

Chico would thrive in a home with a securely fenced yard where he can exercise and play. A home with another dog, preferably a medium to large female, would be comforting but not essential. We do not recommend a home with small children due to his reactivity to collar grabbing. We also do not recommend dog parks or a home with another male dog.

Ongoing Health

Chico is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, has been treated for heartworm and is on prevention. He is now at a healthy weight with a shiny coat.

Training & Support

Chico is crate-trained, house-trained, and leash-trained. He knows basic commands and responds to verbal cues. He has shown reactivity when his collar is pulled or grabbed and requires owners who can provide confident leadership and establish clear boundaries. He is sensitive to yelling.

Application Details:

• Applications start by contacting us through Wags.

Transporation

Chico is being fostered in Texas. Adoption fee includes van transport to the PNW, Midwest, or NY-NJ-CT-VA-VT states via pet transport partners.