Please carefully read Kendro's bio before applying
Our adoption process and application can be found on our website;
www.straytoplay.org/adopt
Ideal home: Kendro's perfect adoptive home would have a backyard, though he is currently in a condo and could do well with adequate exercise and mental stimulation. He may do well with another dog in the home if the dog and Kendro are a good personality match. Kendro loves to play and would do well having a large space or a dog pal to get his energy out with. An active family that loves to go on long walks would be a perfect match for Kendro, preferably outside of the city. He can be stubborn and will need a firm handler that will remain consistent with Kendro until he learns the rules of his new home.
Name: Kendro
Age: Approximately 3 years old
Breed: Shepherd mix
Weight: 46lbs
Gender: Male
Energy level: Medium-high
Good with dogs: Kendro is always friendly with other dogs and seems happy to meet them. Majority of the time, his interaction is on the calm side when greeting other dogs but once in a while, he can get very excited and move towards physical play. He will also stay non-reactive if the other dog is barking back in a defensive posture. He can also stay calm even if the other dog is excited. Overall, he is excellent with other dogs.
Good with cats: No, high prey drive
Good with kids (+ ages): 12+
Good with strangers: Kendro really loves to greet people in the condo building and on the street on walks. He is working on not jumping up to greet people. He loves getting attention and pets on walks, and will sweetly kiss people's hands.
Guarding issues: None seen
Behavioural issues: Kendro counter/kitchen table surfs, but will disengage when called out. Kendro sometimes does not like the TV; he ocassionally barks and growls when the TV is on, even when the volume is off. Although this has improved greatly over time.
House trained: Yes
Crate trained: Kendro sleeps during the night in his crate with the door open. He will also go into his crate on his own throughout the day to take naps or rest. He sees it as a safe space. However, he does not like a closed crate at all. He is currently being trained to increase his comfort level with closed crate.
Separation anxiety: Kendro has mild seperation anxiety, but it's getting better. He has been left alone for up to 4 hours with free range of the home with no issues. He does cry at the door, but does settle.
Destructive: Kendro has moments initially when first getting settled in and dealing with the stress of the transition. He definitely has a thing for blankets and towels. However, over time, things do settle down, even with the blanket chewing. He has now started to self-regulate and chew his own comfort blanket when the urge arises.
Leash skills: Kendro has two modes when on a leash. Regular walking without pulling where it is loose and can walk beside you with little or no pulling and scent/hunt mode, where is he has his nose to the ground and pulls. Even when he pulls, he will stop immediately when you stop and give resistance on the leash with a slight tug.
Okay with manipulations: Yes
Medical issues: None
Other notes such as overall observations, personality, etc: Kendro is the sweetest, most affectionate dog. He is very quiet and hardly barks in the apartment or outside on walks. He loves to spend him with his people, and will closely follow them around the house during the day. If you sit on the floor with him, he loves getting hugs and will come in for kisses and put his head on your lap. He has a goofy side to his personality occasionally kissing himself in the mirror and chasing his tail. He is an adventurous and athletic dog that loves to explore the neighborhood by going on long walks. He is curious about his surroundings and is not afraid of the downtown Toronto sounds. Generally, he is a smart dog and enjoys games or other forms of mental stimulation. Using treats, Kendro knows how to sit, and he will give you his paw on command. If you tell him to wait when seated, walk away and place a treat on the ground, he will continue to wait until called upon. Overall Kendro is highly trainable. Kendro is completely okay with physical touch, and he is never not in the mood for pets, kisses, and love. The first vet that Kendro visited did say that he did not enjoy having his blood drawn and temperature taken so that is something to make sure to give his next vet a heads up on.