My name is Tyson and I’m a 2.5 yr old male Chow/Rottweiler/Shepherd mix. I was discovered chained to the tire of a police cruiser and so began my quest for a new home. The Animal Control Officer took care of me until my time was up in the kennel. She knew I couldn’t go just anywhere because, although very lovable, I had not been trained and it was obvious to her that I had previously been abused. She called Kitty Connection, raised some money for training me and got me a second chance at life. I am now a very well trained dog. I am crate trained, know and obey my basic commands, respect my leader of the pack (foster mom) and walk well on a leash. I am well behaved in my foster home. I love going on car rides and doing just about anything that keeps me active with my foster mom. I live well with her resident dog and am very respectful of that dog’s space. Sometimes, when out on a walk, some dogs can raise my adrenaline but I can be easily re-focused.
My foster mom and I enjoy early morning walks if possible. I am an extremely friendly, lovable, and happy to please my foster mom. She can take food out of my mouth and do anything with me because of the bond and trust that we have developed. When she goes to work, I am crated until she returns and will stay sitting in my crate until she tells me to come out; then we go for a nice long walk. When she has to work late, volunteers take me out for my afternoon walk. Although I am good with them, I still do not have the 100% trust in the volunteers that I do with my foster mom. Doing something that arouses my fear and mistrust can ruin our relationship. On a walk, I meet many people and when asked if I can be petted, she says no. She explains that I had been previously abused and their approach could be intimidating for me. I am a great watch dog and will bark to alert her of possible (perceived) danger and will stop once told. Because of my good behavior, I have earned the privilege of sleeping on my dog bed in her room but I sometimes choose to sleep in my crate.
At my foster home, people come and go often, but my interactions are always with the supervision of my pack leader, my foster mom. She lets strangers know that I had been abused and to just ignore me. Once a person is in her home, I am instructed to go to my crate and lie down because I am not a part of the visit. Once I am comfortable, I will let you know if and when I want to be petted. Then, I am very playful and love to run and play games
Sadly, because of the previous abuse and resulting Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD), I need time and patience to get to know you and build my trust in you. An experienced dog owner with strong “leader of the pack” ability is essential. Because of the “Chow” in me, I would do best with one owner whose life follows a daily routine. Because of the PTSD and Chow in me, I can be distrustful of people and, when I am in my crate, I don’t like strangers standing too close. (I’m actually no different than a person who suffers from PTSD. Getting touched by strangers or being too close to them can be very uncomfortable. These same people may not like to be in crowds or in strange, new environments.)
I would do best with an owner who is looking for a best friend in their life… to spend time with and have as a faithful companion. Once our bond is formed, I am happy to do anything to please you and make our time together special and meaningful. I love going out for walks, running, playing ball/tug of war and car rides. I need someone who understands that my crate is my safe haven and is not afraid to put me in there should I get anxious for any reason. If you want to go to dog parks, I am NOT the dog for you; I need a familiar and stable environment. Key to my training is maintaining that routine, training re-enforcement and a stable environment. You MUST own your own home or a town house style condo; my breed is not accepted in many apartments. A fenced in back yard is a plus. I would make a great friend to an existing female dog but no cats.
My Adoption Process
1…If you are interested in meeting me, your first meet is a stop by as if you are there to visit my foster mom. This is your opportunity to talk with my foster mom and observe how I interact in my foster home environment. If a Kitty Connection volunteer is available, he/she will come by so that you can witness my natural interactions with him/her. Going for a walk is an option if you wish.
2…If you think I may be a good fit for you, fill out a “Dog Application” and a second meet will be set up. Here, you can take me for a walk and we can begin our training using food as my reward. (I am VERY food motivated!) You will observe how my foster mom gets me out of my crate and ready for a walk, as well as the return and how she puts me back into my crate.
3…If you are serious about me and feel that I am definitely the dog for you, another meet and walk will be scheduled at my foster home. Next, I will be brought to your home to meet you in your environment and my possible new home. At this point, a nonrefundable deposit must be submitted to proceed with the adoption process. You will come and take me out of my crate for a walk and return me to my crate. A meeting with my professional dog trainer will be arranged and preparations for an overnight/weekend stay will be arranged. Then, your decision MUST be made and a date set for my big move into your home!
4…You will be on our way to have an incredible, lovable and faithful companion for the rest of our lives!
Adopter can work with Tyson’s trainer. Discounted adoption $200 and pick up training and reinforcement for anyone submitting application to adopt for Tyson to 7/6