Russell isn’t just a goofy, fun loving couch potato who knows how to relax to the max, he’s also exuberant and high spirited with a zest for life. He’s a smart, sensitive, eager to please cuddler who loves being with his people and needs to be included in whatever’s going on. He accepts other people quickly but initially is fearful and reactive with strangers. To give Russell the best possible chance of success in his new home, we are working with a trainer to help improve his meet and greet skills with new people and to minimize his reactive behaviour before posting him as available to adopt.
Russell is a sweet 6 year old neutered (believed to be) Irish Wolfhound and Doodle mix. Russell was rescued by his current owner about 4 years ago. Because of Russell’s past, he is fear reactive. His current owner has worked very hard to help Russel gain his confidence, and help lovingly guide him through stressful situations.
Russell currently lives in a home with other dogs and people, and tends to get along really well with other dogs of all kinds. It is unknown if Russell does well with cats, but because of his gentle nature with puppies, it is believed that we would do well with them. Russell does need slow introductions with other humans over the age of 4. Once you’ve gained Russell’s trust, you’re in, and he will bounce over to you with love and excitement, begging for pets and cuddles.
Because Russell is still working to overcome his past, he would do best in a quiet home with a confident guardian who could continue the work with firm but gentle guidance, as Russell does not do well with yelling or aggressive behaviour of any kind. Russell does love to play and run, but he also loves to snuggle and be close to his humans. An active household would be an asset.
Russell has been prescribed a variety of different anxiety medications, but only takes Gabapentin when in very stressful situations, like long travel or in a very noisy and active environment. Russell is both microchipped and tattooed. Russell currently wears a muzzle when meeting new people, and when out on walks. Russell is crate trained, and he does well on leash walks, with some work still needing to be done on pulling. Russell has excellent recall, and will come speeding like a bullet at the sound of his name.
Russell is a very special guy. Although he requires a little bit more TLC than most dogs, your hard work and dedication will be rewarded with loyalty, love, and the warmest snuggles and smiles from Russell.
If Russell seems like your kind of companion, please submit a Dog Matching Application on our website.
Update on Russell
Russell has been looking for his forever home for just over two weeks, and during that time we’ve learned more about his personality and needs.
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Separation Anxiety:
Russell experiences separation anxiety that contributes to reactive behavior toward strangers. When anxious, he stays close to windows, jumps up, and barks. He is not destructive or aggressive when left alone inside the home. However, if left alone in the yard, he may bark, lunge at, or even bite strangers passing by. He also has a tendency to chase cars. -
Fear-Based Reactivity:
Russell was previously described as aggressive when fearful, which is true but needs nuance. He does very well in controlled, familiar environments — at home, at well-known beaches (on and off leash), and when new people visit inside the house. He currently wears a muzzle on walks and when meeting unfamiliar people as a precaution. With training and confidence building, he may not need a muzzle long-term. -
Progress and Potential:
Russell has already made significant behavioral improvements with his current guardian. With dedicated one-on-one training and consistent routines, his progress could be remarkable. He would thrive in a quiet home, with or without other dogs, with guardians who are active, patient, and able to provide gentle but firm ongoing training. -
Support From Current Guardian:
Russell’s current guardian is happy to pet-sit if the future adopters need to travel off-island and is also willing to help with grooming until Russell forms a trusting relationship with his new family.
