Church

About Church

​All About Church

​Church is a very mellow young adult estimated to be around 3 to 5 years of age. He is neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on all his shots. This lovebug is a robust 80 pounds of pure affection, constantly wanting to please and be told what a good boy he is.

​His name should be Puddles or Olaf, as he melts at the mere touch of your hand rubbing his super soft jowls or head. He has a darling heart marking on his forehead and an even bigger heart presence. He just can’t get close enough to you and loves to be loved right alongside your other dogs. If given the chance, he’ll even slither up onto the bed or couch to be that much closer to you. He snores when he sleeps, and sometimes when you leave his crate open, he’ll wake you up with his big old noggin.

​He’s a typical lab, filled with love and mischief. He is easily correctable but needs soft corrections. He could use some positive reinforcement to build his confidence, as he used to pancake at the first sign of displeasure or raised voices, even if he wasn’t at fault. Church knows how to sit and come, and you can work on “stay” with him.

​Church’s favorite activities are playing in water, whether it’s his baby pool, a water bucket, or the fish tank. He’s a “stop and smell the roses, once around the block and go home and chill” kind of guy. He’s an easy walker who doesn’t pull or stop to mark every bush, which is a dream come true! However, he does need some training, as he weaves in and out on walks, stops, and doesn’t get “boundaries”—he’ll sniff your dog’s butt while they’re pooping or get in your face when you’re loving on your dogs. He’s also always getting caught on the other side of a post or pole when you’re walking.

​He likes everyone he meets but needs time and patience to warm up. Approaching him and petting his head are triggers, so slow introductions are best. He can be startled by quick movements, so he would be best in a home with teenagers and older kids.

​Church is a lady’s man, preferring the company of adoring female dogs over males. He exhibits some resource guarding with treats, so he should be supervised when he has them with other dogs. He plays nicely with stuffed animals (my dogs mangle them!) and likes balls. He is not an excessive barker, but he has a deep, menacing bark that is sure to keep you safe and aware of deliveries.

​Church is very curious about cats. If your cat hisses, spits, and “ninja-kitties” him, Church will back off and slink away. If your cat runs, he will chase. If your cat allows him to sniff, he will gladly oblige and then lose interest. Over time and with patience, it’s expected that Church will get along with cats and they will coexist, but success also depends on your cat.

​He appears oblivious to livestock on walks, but precautions should always be taken.

​One of Church’s unique skills is redesigning bed placements—he likes to move all of the beds and bedding, even mine, when I’m not paying attention to him or taking a shower. He is potty trained and crate trained.

​He recently exhibited some separation anxiety, climbing over a gate to get to the front of the house and was gently coaxed back home. I had taken my son’s dog for a walk and came in through the garage. Church must have panicked and tried to get to me through the front gate, which has boards to help him get over the five-foot fence. This leads me to believe he is NOT a runner (my dog would have been GONE!) and also warrants a high fence. This could also be why he was a stray.

​Church is located with a foster family in Danville, CA.

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