Available - Axel

My story

Socialization/training:  Axel is a very happy and fun loving puppy.  He spends his days playing with his pack mates outside, playing with a toy inside, or cuddling up to his people.  He is very treat-motivated and was the first of his siblings to learn routines like when its time to go to his crate. His recall is good unless he is distracted by something like the neighbors chickens along the fence.  He has not had any accidents inside the house in months. He respects the baby gates we use to control movements of the dogs but we suspect he would likely be a counter surfer if he got in the kitchen.  There are no cats or children in Axel’s foster home. He is very affectionate but sometimes is not very respectful of personal space when he wants to cuddle so he would need to be watched closely with toddlers or very small children for fear that he might knock them over. He has been known to climb over and sit on other dogs if he wants to be in your lap.  We don’t have any cats in the house but he has demonstrated a strong prey drive with the squirrels and chicken outside the yard. He would likely view a cat either as prey or something he can play with, although he is young enough that I am sure he could learn to coexist with a cat given appropriate training and time.  Axel has been living with a large pack of 12 other dogs. He has never demonstrated any aggression or dominant behavior. He likes to play with his siblings and with a couple of the other dogs in the pack but also seems comfortable doing his own thing. He quickly learned the pack dynamics and which dogs he could play with and which dogs wanted their space.  He would do best with a family with another dog to keep him company but could probably adapt to being a single dog as long as he got enough stimulation. Crate trained: Yes, Axel is crate trained and sleeps peacefully in one during the night. He knows he needs to go to his crate for meals and/or treats and then waits patiently to be let back out. He sometimes barks if he wants out of his kennel, particularly if he feels you forgot he was in his crate when there is lots of activity going on in the house. Leash trained: He is pretty good on the leash.  We have taken him for walks in the park and while he keeps tension on the leash he does not jerk or try to pull your arm off. He is still learning to walk on one side and does a bit of back and forth or spin around.  He likes the opportunity to stop and smell making for pleasant walking. Activity Level:  Medium high. Axel is an energetic puppy and loves to play with toys, sticks, and other dogs. He will happily play and romp with reciprocating playmates. He has a large yard to run around in and he takes full advantage of it.  He runs so much we have had to increase his food intake to keep up with his calorie burn.  He has been very good at checking back in with me when in the yard but loves to run the fence line and bark at the neighboring squirrels and chicken. He is normally the first in his pack to want to come back inside, and once inside, his preference is for lap time on the couch or a good chew toy. He nibbled on the furniture at first but we have been successful in redirecting him to his toys.  He is a bit aggressive with his toys and has shredded a couple of rope bones.  He needs sturdy toys to keep him occupied. Fence:  A fence is always preferred. He has a good jump/hop but has not cleared the six foot fence.  We are confident that he would come back to us if he got out of the yard and we could get his attention. Behavior: Axel is a sensitive lover. He loves to cuddle and get affection. He was terrified at first of the TV when he first arrived and would bury his head in your chest in an attempt to hide. However, he has learned to live with the TV especially when he has a person to give him cuddles while they watch it. He has a sensitive nature so positive and constructive training would be essential. He doesn’t always respect the personal space of the other dogs and sometimes crawls over them to get into your lap. He loves toys but is particularly destructive with them. He likes to tear them to bits so some durable toys should keep him occupied for hours.  Axel is a very positive and happy puppy who loves life.  His energetic playful youthfulness is well balanced with his easy going and affectionate heart.  Medical History:  Axel is neutered, microchipped, up to date on vaccinations, and on monthly heartworm prevention. Axel is due for his next Leishmaniasis test in December 2025. This dog originates from Greece where Leishmaniasis is endemic. They tested negative before coming to the USA, but the parasite can remain dormant in the system for many years, so potential adopters must be willing to commit to annual testing for the next 7 years. Typically, the test needs to be sent to a special lab, but any regular vet can draw the blood and send it to the lab. The cost of the test seems to vary widely by area, but is approximately $150-$250. or if your vet is willing to send the test to a veterinary college lab, cost can be as low as $80. Foster Comments: Axel is a sweet, affectionate and slightly shy boy. He was very timid and tentative when he first arrived but is now very confident in his domain.  He is hugely affectionate and loves attention. Axel’s mom is a pure setter, but dad was a mix of setter, German shepherd, Brittany, and few other breeds, so he has a unique look. One of his nicknames is “Long nose”, since his snout is longer than his brother.  Axel is looking for an active family that has time to spend with him and continue to build his confidence.  More importantly he wants family that will reciprocate all the love and cuddles he has to give. Foster Location: Temperance, MI Volunteer transport can be arranged in the Continental US within a 1,000-mile distance between adopters & foster home. If interstate transport is provided for your adopted dog, there will be an additional charge of $75.00 for the required Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).  Typically, we are able to transport your adopted dog to within 2 hours of your home. *Dogs can be adopted outside the 1000-mile transport distance; however, adopters must be willing to either fly their adopted dog, drive to a location within the 1000-mile transport range, or make independent transport arrangements for their adopted dog. Transports to far Western states, from Eastern states, may have additional restrictions. ##2262143##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Available - Axel, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.