Bath time

Buster had  a bath today. He was very good, tried a few times to get out but eventually sat down and enjoyed the rub down. He enjoyed the towel drying and a good brushing afterwards. Had a good run around the yard to warm himself up. He did not roll around the grass like my other dogs so he will smell good for a while LOL.

testing

Left Buster alone today in the laundry room, with no doggy companions. He did great! not a bark or a whimper. I left the house for 5 minutes then returned made some noises then left again. He did a whimper then nothing. Yeah! he can be left alone..We stayed away for a few hours listened for any barking, all was quiet.
He did make a fuss when I opened the door jumping around, he is now starting to do a funny talking growl. We are still working on his jumping up to say hello.
Later in the day when Buster spotted my hubby pulling into the drive way he went ballistic, jumping on furniture and whimpering and he even let out a few barks ( along with the rest of the crew :( )..Hubby just ignored them all and went about his business. Buster went up to him after a few minutes with a toy dropped it so Dad would play, how cute is that ! A much nice way to welcome some one home.

doggy park

We took Buster to a nearby doggy park, 20 minute car ride and did not get sick :)
He was so excited when he got out of the car,  it was the first time he has pulled on the leash! He ran around the park sniffing had a great time.
Felt it was a good time to do some recall work. He did great, of course I had treats for him :) Still nice to know.
A large husky came for a run. He and Buster had a blast, so nice to see such energy. We certainly will be returning with Buster.

biking

We have been taking Buster out on bike rides. he gets very excited when he sees the leash, and is learning to sit for us to put it on. Will  run but prefers a prancing pace, he is not bothered by barking dogs, passing cars, bikes or people, just happy to be out biking.
We meet up with a few dogs and stopped and had a visit. Buster is great at meeting other dogs and people.
A few nights ago a large dog came running out at us and attacked Buster ! My husband dropped the bike over them, a lot of growling and rolling went on in that 2 minutes. The dogs owner came over and grabbed her dog away. Buster got up looked around and wanted to go up and sniff the aggressive dog. Not a mark on either one. What we can not get over is how calm Buster was afterwards, we were shook up! It was the day we had a severe thunder storm. Her dog did not handle it well and tore apart their bathroom, along with being in a new house it was just too much for the poor guy. I think they are fencing the yard soon.
Thank fully Buster was fine.

answers to some question I received

- Would you happen to know why his previous owner(s) surrendered such a cute dog? 

  Buster was returned because their 3 year old daughter was bitten..Sounded like he was surprised from a sound sleep and nipped at her, another time she squeezed his cheeks too hard to give him a kiss..Buster needs to have respectful pet owners.

- Is he suitable for a family pet? (We have 2 daughters aged 11 and 14)

The age of your children is most likely right. Buster needs to know he is not the boss, they would have to practice being top dog each day ( as with all dogs) We have him sit before he is allowed up on couch for a cuddle, or before coming into the house we always go first Buster has to sit and wait to be invited in.

- Does he have separation anxiety? (Can he be left alone for 6-7 hours a day?)

he was never left alone in his previous home. had free reign of the home and no boundaries.

We have been keeping him separated from us at different times of the day. At first he whimpered, and scratched hat the door. He is starting to realize now that we return. Not anxiety just spoiled :)

We are leaving him in the laundry room for the night, his previous owners let him sleep in their bed. He protest for less time each night with a few barks and a bit of whimpers.

- Is he crate-trained? If not, can he be crate-trained?

We are working on crate training. He has his meals there and we are leaving him in for short periods of time. 

- How much exercise does he need? (how many hours of walking per day?)

We feel he is a med energy dog. A half hour walk twice a day with play time would be good, a great walker no pulling on the leash. We have been biking him him daily he loves it and is well behaved

 We are trying to teach him to play fetch, have not figured out what play he is used to. He will do a bit of rough housing, very gentle mouth :) and he tugged a bit with a ball tonight.

- Does he get carsick?

Yes I'm afraid he does, he was sick in the crate getting here, it was a two hour drive. Not sure if it is for long car rides or short, we have not taken him in ours yet.

- Does he shed a lot?

med shedding... will be good with brushing a few times a week

- Does he have any health problems/allergies

nothing :)

- Does it take a while for him to get used to new people/surroundings?

He is a friendly dog.  Greets new people with a bit of barking but stops when told to. He is jumping up on people so we are working on that..We have meet up with dogs and dog walkers and he does great. Stopped in to visit people and he is very comfortable.

- Does he bark a lot?

He does bark, but he will stop when you tug at his leash and tell him to stop. As with most dogs you need to physicality work on commands.

- Have there been any applications sent in to adopt Buster yet?

Buster only arrived Last week, you are the first inquiry. 

We are just getting to know him and find he is a very gentle dog that loves to be cuddles and wants to be with people. He will be a great family dog. But the family will need to do some training with him and continue to take a leader role.