Barney #1379
Posted in 2011 Archive
Male
Age: 9 yrs
Weight: 68 lbs
Being fostered in Minnesota
Basset / Beagle mix (“Bagle”)
Exposure to children? Yes
What ages were the children? 8 years and older
Describe the dog’s reaction to children: Barney does well with children. Barney may try to grab food from kids so it is important that this is monitored closely when kids are eating. It is best to have the children in the house at the table where Barney knows not to try to approach.
Good with other dogs? Yes
Comments about behavior with other dogs: Barney does best in a house hold where there is a dominant dog. Barney will not try to challenge a dog that is already the dominant dog of the pack. We have 4 dogs in our home and he has fit in well and follows the pack order without hesitation.
Good with cats? Yes
Comments about behavior with cats: We have 2 cats and he was also exposed to cats in his previous foster home. Barney pays no attention to the cats.
Good with birds, parrots, etc: Unknown
Comments about behavior with birds: Barney has not been exposed to birds so it is unknown how he would respond.
Good with other pets: Unknown
List type of pets, and comments about behavior with other pets: Barney has not been exposed to other small animals. Based upon his reaction to the squirrels and rabbits outside I would suspect he is not a candidate to be in a home with small pets other than cats.
Can climb stairs? Yes
Comments about stairs: Barney does have a back leg that is weak. He is given glucosamine and fish oil for this as well as 50 mgs. Novox (Rimadyl) twice a day for pain and inflammation. The meds at this dose work well for him. If he is active he may limp a bit. He can manage a flight of stairs (up to 8 stairs) without issue. Anything more than this on a consistent basis may be too much for him.
Pulls on a leash? No
Comments about pulling on a leash: Barney loves taking walks! He may pull for the first couple minutes out of enthusiasm. After that he walks very well on the leash. Walks are recommended to help maintain his weight.
Food aggressive? Yes
Comments about food aggressiveness: His food aggression is minimal and can be managed. He eats his dinner with our other dogs with no issue as long as he is given the “sit stay” command before his food bowl is put down. It is not recommended that he be exposed to a situation where food and/or treats are being given freely. This is a situation where he may become overly excited and may snap at the other dogs in the area. It is important that he be in a structured environment for feeding and treats.
Has allergies? No
List allergies and any related comments: Barney seems to not have any issues with allergies.
Type of family life? Quiet
Comments about family life: Barney seems to be able to manage an active household but does prefer a quiet environment. Being an older hound he prefers a quiet atmosphere with minimal changes in his daily schedule.
List anything the dog is afraid of: Barney seems to not be fond of a lot of extra activity. The doorbell ringing at Halloween, for example, increases his anxiety and energy level. He is comfortable around the vacuum but will get up and move when it is near him.
Tell us about your foster basset: Barney is looking for a secure and quiet home where he can get a lot of attention from his family. Being a Basset/Beagle mix he does have the “Beagle Bark.” He only barks when he is playing or sees something outside he feels he needs to warn his humans about. When commanded to “no bark” he will stop. He loves to cuddle and will ask to come on the couch or bed for loving. In our home we do not put him on the furniture but instead will sit on the floor with him. He can become overly stimulated at play time and may bark and act as if he is going to bite. Barney has a bark that sounds aggressive but is not. His adoptive family needs to understand his means of communication . It is his “Beagle bark.” He needs humans with a strong desire to be the dominant part of the relationship. It would also be best if the doggie companion in the home also be dominant. Barney is a very loving dog who wants nothing more than to please his humans. Please consider opening your heart and your home to this wonderful senior hound!
