Heckle

Hello new friend, my name is Heckle (aka Sir Handsome Heckle)! I'm a 3-year-old certified handsome good boy, according to my foster family. They aren't sure how I'm still with them, but they know my perfect family is coming, and I am ready. I can be a little shy at first, but my confidence continues to grow. I'm best with another dog buddy, as they help my confidence grow and I love having a friend to play with. I typically follow their cues and learn from them about the rules of the house. I'm curious about the world around me, but I never really chase after things too much. I show interest in squirrels and birds, but have never done anything toward them. My foster family has a cat, and I'm curious about her, but she doesn't like me. It's not because I did anything wrong; she's just not the friendliest cat.

I do get a little excitable about new friends, especially dog friends. Don't be dismayed if I bark a little when I meet people. I had a ruff start to life, and trusting people is something I've worked really hard on. Ask my foster family how far I've come; outside of my looks, I'm not even the same dog! Besides strangers to me, I don't bark much, unless I need to go outside while I'm in my kennel. I'm pretty quiet like that and always have been, even when I'm crated. I do great in a kennel, but love getting to run in the big dog outdoor kennel at the foster house or just hang with the people while they do people things. My recall is pretty good, but in a new environment, I will need some touch-up training as I'm learning a new landscape, and a dog buddy will help a lot with that. I love chewing on toys and have never chewed anything that wasn't mine. I play hard and rest harder. I do like to be by my humans and tend to be a bit of a shadow.

Bath time is my favorite time, the warm water, suds, and all the scratches. I'm pretty good at having my paws handled and nails trimmed, and a little cheese or peanut butter treat will always be a distraction. I love treats and food, but I'm not treat-motivated to learn new skills. I do best with consistency of rules and expectations. I know my basics: sit, leave it, off, wait. I've been working on lay down and fetch/drop it, and they are improving, but will still need some work there as well.

I've never been around children, and a home with older children or no children would be best for me.

Ideal Home

A home with another dog buddy, preferably male, would be ideal to help build my confidence. A home with older children or no children would be best for me.

Ongoing Health

No ongoing health concerns have been noted.

Training & Support

I have basic commands like sit, leave it, off, and wait. I am still working on lay down and fetch/drop it, which will require continued training. I am not treat-motivated for learning new skills, but respond well to consistency and positive reinforcement. I also need some touch-up training for recall in new environments.

Application Details:

• Applications start by contacting us through Wags.
• Please be prepared to share information about your home environment and lifestyle.
• We can discuss Heckle's progress and needs in more detail during the application process.

Transporation

Heckle is currently located at our foster home in Cleveland, Ohio. Transport can be arranged within a reasonable distance.