Ralph
was found as a stray by a good Samaritan so nothing is known about his past. He is currently around 18 months old. He enjoys play dates, dinner dates, pool dates, pizza dates, and basically any date where he gets to be with people and be goofy while getting lots and lots of cuddle time.
He is housebroken with the use of a dog door, and is currently living in a foster home with another adult male and female GSD. He did not do well in a home with cats. Ralph is an energetic young guy who is doing quite well learning to be respectful with other dogs, but due to his energy and youth he would not be a good fit for a home with small children, cats, critters, or other dogs that are older or very submissive. He would love a play buddy of equal energy. He has learned to sit for dinner, with lots of happy wiggles, and to wait his turn when treats are being given out. He has also learned to ride politely in the SUV; even with the windows down he knows to keep his paws inside. What a good boy!
Ralph loves people. He does not jump up for attention. He is happy to greet every person he meets, loves a good scratch, and will lean on you all day long if you let him. He can be a tripping hazard at times because he wants to be wherever you are and likes to lay by your feet. His foster mom works from home on the computer, and he has learned to just hang out in the office with a few toys and take lots of naps. But he has a lovely alert bark to let you know when your Amazon or Door Dash has arrived.
Pros & Cons -
Water – Ralph loves water. He loves to drink it, play in it, tip his bowl over to splash in it, and stand in it from the cabo deck of a pool. He has not yet learned how to swim in it, and you must always share your ice with him because he loves to crunch it. Be prepared for some wet floors.
Toys – Ralph loves his toys. He likes squeekies, stuffies and nylabones. He sleeps loose in the bedroom at night with the other dogs, and as long as he has a few toys nearby to entertain himself, he will generally leave you and your things in peace all night... except for the bathmats – they should watch their backs. Ralph can be possessive of his toys with other dogs, and we are working on that, so he should always be supervised during playtime.
Body Awareness – Ralph has none. Not yours. Not his. His leaning on you for cuddles can be charming. His stepping on or sitting on the other dogs can be annoying. If you have another dog that is body sensitive, Ralph would not be a good fit. On the other hand, if you have another dog that enjoys close contact of the canine kind – Ralph is your man!
Ralph is an absolutely adorable goof ball that will make you laugh out loud every day, and he will be a real gem for anyone with the time, patience, and dog handling skills to complete his education. We believe Ralph is a magical mix of GSD with a little something else thrown in for good measure. Some of our volunteers have pitched in for his DNA test, and we will share his results as soon as they come back. Until then, what is your guess?
Ralph is a level 2.
