Max Dakota continues to amaze me. He thinks he's a lap dog. I am sure glad I took a chance on him and took him out of boarding he is one sweet dog. He has warmed up to me so much in just a weeks time. He is a cuddle bug. Does very well walking and keeps right on going doesn't pay any attention to the other dogs. I feel he has come a long way in a short period of time. I hope soon he feels more confident in himself and can learn to play with many other dogs in his life time.
I have a family that expressed interest in Max Dakota. They came and met him today and fell for him just like we did. They called me tonight and wanted to adopt Max Dakota .
So this is my last update for Max Dakota he will go to his forever home on Tuesday. The "M" family needs a few days to go out and buy him a new bed and other fun things. So Max Dakota we will miss you. You will hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to take chances on many more dogs. I have taken 2 new pictures of Max Dakota for his last update.
We will miss you Max Dakota. Enjoy your forever home. Enjoy the golden life you deserve.
Love foster mom & dad 
Max Dakota 07-512
Profile
Meet Max Dakota! Max came to RAGOM after a divorce in his former family. He is a dark red male Golden Retriever, neutered and up to date on his vaccinations and heart worm preventative. He has some seasonal allergies but it is easily controlled with over the counter medications. Max reportedly has a little storm anxiety--just wants to hide under the bed. His former family says that he got along with their other dog and liked to play with older children (8.5+ yo). In his first foster home he was growly and aggressive with the fosters resident dogs. So Max is in boarding while RAGOM searches for just the right foster family. I took Max out of boarding this last weekend to Petsmart to be evaluated for his growliness by a dog trainer. Here is what she said: "Max did not appear to be overtly reactive to any dog that passed by - he tends to ignore all dogs instead of showing interest. He did have a few snarky incidents in the store but that was a direct result of me encouraging him to approach and greet the other dog. Some dogs he was fine with, others he would tense up and snap. The trigger seemed to be the activity level of the novel dog and how much the dog encroached into his space." She thinks he will make a wonderful family pet for the right family.
With me, Max was friendly with all of the humans that greeted him and was seeking pets and love from me. Max has been to obedience in his former home and he knows the basic commands--is treat oriented. He walked well on the Gentle Leader-no pulling. Max needs a home without other dogs and perhaps with no children or perhaps older children. And with a family that will work with him on respectful dog-dog behavior. This is a beautiful boy who could easily be the only dog and would return all of the love he is given.
Max is unavailable at this time since he is in boarding. But check back as we get to know him better.
At a Glance #07-512
| Golden Retriever | Born: August 2003 |
| Male | Weight not specified |
Status: Deceased
Profile
Meet Max Dakota! Max came to RAGOM after a divorce in his former family. He is a dark red male Golden Retriever, neutered and up to date on his vaccinations and heart worm preventative. He has some seasonal allergies but it is easily controlled with over the counter medications. Max reportedly has a little storm anxiety--just wants to hide under the bed. His former family says that he got along with their other dog and liked to play with older children (8.5+ yo). In his first foster home he was growly and aggressive with the fosters resident dogs. So Max is in boarding while RAGOM searches for just the right foster family. I took Max out of boarding this last weekend to Petsmart to be evaluated for his growliness by a dog trainer. Here is what she said: "Max did not appear to be overtly reactive to any dog that passed by - he tends to ignore all dogs instead of showing interest. He did have a few snarky incidents in the store but that was a direct result of me encouraging him to approach and greet the other dog. Some dogs he was fine with, others he would tense up and snap. The trigger seemed to be the activity level of the novel dog and how much the dog encroached into his space." She thinks he will make a wonderful family pet for the right family.
With me, Max was friendly with all of the humans that greeted him and was seeking pets and love from me. Max has been to obedience in his former home and he knows the basic commands--is treat oriented. He walked well on the Gentle Leader-no pulling. Max needs a home without other dogs and perhaps with no children or perhaps older children. And with a family that will work with him on respectful dog-dog behavior. This is a beautiful boy who could easily be the only dog and would return all of the love he is given.
Max is unavailable at this time since he is in boarding. But check back as we get to know him better.
Updates
Monday, November 26, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Max is doing amazing!! He has improved so much in a week! He now goes out with a female Lab named Sasha all the time. For some reason or another, he loves her! He has gotten so much better with the big dogs. He now tries to play, he's fun to watch. I don't think he quite knows how to play so he watches the others play and then tries to join in. Today I had him out with Sasha and my dog, Leo. He gets along really well with Leo too and they even played tug-of-war (see attached picture!)! All three chased each other too (picture). Max played close attention to Sasha and Leo, he seems to take his ques from other dogs once he becomes used to that dog. I think the problem with him and other dogs has a lot to do with the introduction. He seems to do fine once he gets to know the dog. We have kept his play groups small as he does become overwhelmed when there are too many . We have also noticed that Max pays a little too much attention to the little dogs so we keep him separated from them. He is doing so well and I think he would do fine in a home with another dog once he becomes aquainted and placed in the pack. All this boy needs is a chance to prove himself!!
Though Max has yet to get into a foster home, please let placement know if you might be interested in meeting him. He is a wonderful boy who just needs time to get to know other dogs before he enjoys their company.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Poor Max is still waiting for a fosterhome... He is loving doggy daycare in the mean time though and the exposure to other dogs is doing him a TON of good. He loves to be outside and is now used to the routine, but when he first came, he didn't want to come back in! He likes to play ball, but doesn't really know how to bring it back, he likes to play keep away! We have been slowly putting him out with other dogs and sometimes he does great and others, not as well. He has been let out with big and little dogs. I think that he feels more unsure around the bigger dogs as they're more "threatening." The doggy daycare staff feel that he is insecure with himself and doesn't quite know how to act around other dogs. He seems so starved for attention that he gets protective of "his" humans. The staff do believe he could learn to be around other dogs, he just needs time. He is a big sweetheart and LOVES people! He is also a beautiful boy looking for a home to call his own - Can you help this boy?
Monday, October 22, 2007
I visited Max Dakota in boarding over the weekend. Thanks to the other RAGOM volunteers who did as well! He sure loves to run! He walked beautifully on the trails with his Gentle Leader-no pulling for this boy. Once we got into the fenced area, he had quite a bit of energy to release. He chased balls and ran the fence with a big white dog in the run next to us. At one point, he did get too excited and the intensity increased so that he was growling at the other dog. So we put an end to the fence running. He seems interested in the other dogs walking the trails but doesn't approach them or lunge at all. No growling, no tail flying, just looks and then walks on by.
This boy really needs to get in a foster home where he can have regular release of his energy of someone to work on his dog-dog manners. With humans, he's sweet and snuggly. Nothing but tail wags. He will make a great dog for the right family.
