Duke

Duke is the definition of a gentle giant! This big, handsome floof is ready to find his forever home!

Duke, like most big dogs, doesn’t know how big he actually is! For this reason we don’t recommend that he live with young children as they could get knocked over during a play session or when he’s having zoomies! Also for this reason, we do recommend that Duke have access to a backyard where he can safely have zoomies without anything in the house being knocked over!

Duke has met many children in his neighbourhood while on walks and does great at matching their energy! If a child approaches him calmly he will also be calm, but if a child approaches him with a higher energy he will try to play! Slow and proper introductions with children are required but he’s done very well with kids and has been very gentle!

Duke loves to explore, sniff, walk, run and go on bike rides! Forested paths are his favourite as they have the best smells! He would also make a great jogging partner although he does get easily distracted by local wildlife! He is good on his leash however he does pull out of excitement for the first few minutes of his walks. Once he gets over his initial excitement he slows down and does very well with reminders not to pull.

At home Duke is a pretty calm and low energy guy! He like to be close to his people and will happily laze in his bed and chill while you work or do things inside the house. Duke is house and crate trained although he does not love his crate as he needs a lot of space! His fosters have had success with a large pen that he can get up and move around in when they are at work. Duke has gone about 6-7 hours in his pen when his foster parents are at work.

Duke is big so he can (and will) reach your kitchen counters if something yummy is left out. His foster parents gate off the kitchen when cooking and this helps! He also sleeps in his bed overnight with no issues. He’s a smart boy who understands sit, come, lay down, shake a paw and sometimes fetch!

Duke is likely part guarding breed so he takes his job as house protector seriously. He will bark at new people (particularly men) but his foster parent’s have made great progress with this. New guests are just asked to ignore him upon entry and he will stop barking and take treats once he’s comfortable. With repeated exposure to new people Duke warms up quickly and gains confidence around them. A home committed to continue this practice and confidence building will be great for him!

While Duke loves new outdoor adventures he can get car sick on longer rides. It is recommended that an anti-nausea medication from your vet be given before longer rides. Also short and frequent car rides can help him build up his tolerance of the car.

Duke does get excited to meet new dogs on walks but as with children, he matches their energy. If a dog is barking or reactive, Duke will respond in kind. He could possibly live with a calm and confident dog with slow and proper introductions. We do believe he would love another calm dog to hang out with and play with!

Duke is just a big, gentle, sweet boy who has the potential to fit in to a variety of homes and families! He is loving and sweet and when he’s in play mode he’s a big goofball who loves to roll around in the yard and have zoomies! Duke is looking for a family with a big enough space for him and an even bigger heart! Could it be you?