Mandy #1605 – Adopted 6/21/09

Exposure to children?

Yes

What ages were the children?

Roughly 5-16

Describe the dog’s reaction to children

Mandy is nervous around anyone that approaches her with sudden movements or doesn’t get down to her level. However, if she is approached in a slow manner and doesn’t feel dominated she does just fine with anyone she has met so far.

Good with other dogs?

Yes

Behavior with other dogs

We have been very careful with letting dogs near her as she was in heat. She has met several dogs and seems to get along with the ones that don’t bark too loudly and freqently. The neighbors have a black lab/golden retriever mix that she is comfortable around. She is also quite comfortable around our friends miniature huskie, yellow lab, and basset. The dogs she doesn’t seem to like are a couple of large vocal dogs down the road that have mean barks.

Good with cats?

No

Behavior with cats

She has only seen 1 or 2 cats so far but she tries to go after them. She was on her leash so I don’t know if it was to play or chase but I would bet on the latter.

Good with birds, parrots, etc.

Yes

Behavior with birds

She has seen several birds flying around outside and on the ground. She doesn’t seem to be bothered by them. We have not had her around caged birds in a house so I am not sure about that.

Good with other pets

Unknown

Can climb stairs?

Yes

Comments about stairs

She can climb stairs but she doesn’t like to. She prefers if you carry her up them. (I think this is just more of a not wanting than not willing.) She goes down them quite well as long as they aren’t too steep.

Pulls on a leash?

No

Comments about pulling on a leash

This is kind of a yes/no answer. Usually she walks pretty well especially if there is another dog walking with us. The only time she pulls is when she wants to go the other way (being stubborn) or when we get close to home. She knows the last 2 blocks are close to home and she tries racing back.

Food aggressive?

No

Comments about food aggressiveness

It is hard to get her to eat food, there is no aggression. I could put my hand in her food bowl and she would not snip at it. She actually seems a little scared to eat most of the time.

Has allergies?

Unknown

Type of family life?

Quiet

Comments about family life

I think she prefers a more mellow family life. We take her for walks every day but there usually aren’t too many things going on or people around. She just prefers to relax and lounge most of the day.

List anything the dog is afraid of

Fast movements by people. Too many lound sounds. Mean barks from other dogs. Men’s deep voice. She prefers a soothing female voice over the male. She does just fine with some guys though.

Tell us about your foster basset

She is a little sweetheart once she warms up to you. She doesn’t bark or howl, just kind of whimpers when she wants you to pet her. She is ok with going on walks once you get her out of the house but it is sometimes difficult to get her to go outside. She can be quite stubborn on walks (we are working on that) if she doesn’t want to go the direction you are going. She doesn’t really eat or drink much but we haven’t decided if that is just her or if she is still working on the adjustment after 3-4 weeks. Her reactions to my (male) voice and movements compared to a female voice leads me to assume she had some past issues with males. She has warmed up to me but still is scared of fast movements, when someone throws something or loud noises. She is still somewhat scared of the world but that is slowly getting better with time as she is adjusting.