MATRIX'S BIO
- Suitability for which type of housing? (House, Townhome, apartment?) Suitable for house or townhome. Matrix does not enjoy spending time outside by himself and prefers walks. With time and positive reinforcement, Matrix is becoming more comfortable utilizing my backyard for play and sunbathing. Although, he does not regularly complete his “business” in the backyard. I also believe, he would be suitable for a townhome because he is a calm dog that does not bark. He whines occasionally but not for extended periods.
- Is your dog good with other dogs? Prolonged exposure with other dogs is untested. However, Matrix exhibits curiosity while passing by other dogs on walks and regularly greets other dogs with sniffs.
- Is your dog good with cats? Untested. When we walked by two outdoor cats, he exhibited curiosity (stopped and stared).
- Is your dog good with kids? Untested. During our walks, Matrix is hesitant near children. He is fine being around them. However, Matrix flinches when kids attempt to pet him.
- Is your dog house-trained? Yes, Matrix is house-trained. However, he prefers completing his business on walks. I try to let him out in the backyard, but he rarely uses it as a bathroom.
- Is your dog crate trained? Yes. If cued, Matrix will go to his crate and no longer whines while inside. Matrix does not hang out in his crate yet, but with positive reinforcement, he is becoming more comfortable with the space.
- Does your dog have any special needs? Matrix is a little clingy and requires positive reinforcement.
- Does your dog have any or display any aggression? (Toys, food or people?) After some rough play (which he is still learning), Matrix will become a little possessive of a toy and fake bites. He does not show aggression towards people or food. He does fake bite when you try to clean his muddy paws.
- Is your dog playful? Matrix did not know how to play when he first arrived. He is now playing with chew toys and will play in the backyard, but only for small bursts of time. While playing, he jumps high and can accidentally scratch you, but it is not purposeful.
- Does your dog like to snuggle? Matrix is not a lap dog but loves pets and has opened up to belly rubs. He likes sleeping with your hand underneath his head and loves big hugs in the morning.
- Does your dog know basic commands? (Sit, Stay…) Matrix doesn’t always listen immediately. He knows the commands: sit, stay, settle, come and crate. He is food-motivated, which helps persuade him to do things immediately. However, I have been unable to make Matrix sit on command during a walk.
- Does your dog know any special tricks? Not yet. However, he does not go on the couch or upstairs. He also does not give intense licks to the face.
- Does your dog like to go on walks? Matrix loves walks. He needs a walk in the morning, the evening and after being in the crate for a long time.
- Does your dog have any fears? At the moment, Matrix is scared of going inside a car and sudden movements. He is also hesitant about going outside in the backyard alone. He has begun to ask to go outside but only sits at the door and waits for you to join him.
- Does your dog have any unique traits that you have noticed whether it is personality or physical? Matrix is a handsome boy. Everyone thinks so. He has a cute floppy ear, freckles and heterochromia (one blue eye and one brown eye). He is also a very sweet boy and rarely barks. At home, he will whine when left alone but does not whine for extended periods. He also does not go on the couch or upstairs.
- What are the three first words that come to mind when you think of your dog? Sweet, people-friendly, calm
- Matrix is a great dog. Very well-mannered but can be a little stubborn at times. He knows basic commands but has difficulty staying focussed in a new environment. Matrix is becoming more comfortable hanging out in the backyard but still needs to work on feeling comfortable being outside alone. He does not regularly go to the bathroom in the backyard and therefore has to be taken on regular walks. While walking, we use an EZ WALK harness to inhibit pulling. Currently, we are trying to fix his diet to help keep his stools regular. He also enjoys rubbing against bushes and requires tick checks and a Nexguard dose every month (April 26 was the last dose).