Update on Duke:
Duke is not a dog for a new owner, he’s a complicated young man. Duke is fine left on his own as sadly that’s what he is used to. The first part of his life he was locked away, first with other dogs then on his own. He hasn’t had the opportunity to be socialized but is naturally very curious to the point of nosiness. He is very insecure and scared in new situations but learns to relax quickly. When left alone he plays with his toys, looks out the window and entertains himself. But he loves nothing more than being with his human.
If you feed him and/or give him toys you will be his new best friend. He likes squeaky toys and keeps the squeaker alive with gentle play. He LOVES to play fetch and will go until you force him to stop. He loves his ball more than any treat.
His recall and walking on leash is good if you can even convince him to leave your side, other than playing fetch of course. When walking or playing he does love to take your arm or hand gently in his mouth so he can hold it.
Duke wants nothing more than to have his very own person. He’s very rambunctious and we are trying to teach him to be gentle but he loves so hard and gets so excited he tends to use his paws harder than intended. He wouldn’t be suitable for a home with children. He is learning and I believe with time that he will learn appropriate play.
Duke likes other dogs but will not back down from a fight. If another dog bites him he will put them on their back and hold them until they stop trying to bite him. He doesn’t attack to hurt them but rather to stop them from attacking him. He’s unfortunately had 2 incidents that have taught us this. It hasn’t stopped him from liking other dogs. He’s good at ignoring the little dogs that are trying to instigate a fight and only reacts if a bigger dog attacks him. He thinks cats are scary because they beat him up and he runs away.
Duke would do best as an only dog because he really craves attention and affection. He wants love more than anything.
Duke is one of the sweetest, most loveable doggos that I’ve ever met and he’ll make someone a perfect best friend. He’s open to loving anyone and doesn’t have gender preferences. My Grandparents adore him as does anyone he meets.
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Duke is looking for his forever people. He is a very handsome Pitbull mix that is about a year old and was neutered in preparation for his new life. Duke’s life was difficult before going to his current foster home so he has some challenges to overcome. He is very fearful due to physical abuse and still has some resource guarding behaviors. He used to gobble up as much food as he could as fast as he could as he previously had to fight for food. He’s getting better with that and is definitely food driven. He gets along with most dogs but is very insecure so can be targeted by some. He is getting better on leash but hasn’t had a lot of experience in busy areas. He is a total velcro dog and wants to be with you and as close to you as he can. Loves fetch and is gentle with his toys. Doesn’t break squeakers. Quiet when left alone but begs for attention when you’re home.
Duke, whom I nicknamed Ghost, is sweet and snuggly with his trusted human. He loves to hold his human’s hand in his mouth gently to show affection. He’s learning to play and loves to explore. His foster has worked hard to improve his confidence and teach him that food will always be provided and he will no longer be hurt. He’s made great strides with that and learns well. He will require basic training and support in his continuing potty training. He was locked away for long periods of time and toileted in the trailer he lived in. He has a lot of trauma to heal from but will make an amazing companion for someone dedicated to his journey. Duke is not able to remain with his foster much longer and needs a home to call his own or another dedicated foster as soon as possible.
