Ollie

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Video: Ollie wrestling with a dog.

Video: Ollie wrestling with another dog

Video: Ollie running in the surf.









Ollie      3-year-old male black Lab mix      60 lbs       Neutered

Background: Ollie was found as a stray in Oakland before being adopted by his current family at just 3 months old.  He was later involved in a dog attack, an experience that left him sensitive and fear-reactive, especially around new people and unfamiliar dogs.  Recently he bit a dog sitter who approached too quickly without a proper introduction.  A month ago, he nipped another person who was reaching out to grab something on the ground near Ollie.  Despite this rocky start, Ollie has made huge progress with patient, consistent care, and his family now needs to find him a new home that can continue giving him the structure and understanding he needs to thrive.

What Ollie's Foster Says: Ollie is a sweet, playful, and loyal companion at home. He's mellow and easygoing, sleeps through the night, loves his toys, and is happiest hanging out nearby his people. He can be protective of the house and will bark when someone comes to the door. Once he trusts you, he's incredibly loving and fun to be around. He enjoys a good bone, a daily walk, swimming and relaxing at home with his family.  He is fully house trained and knows several commands, including sit, stay, touch, come, down, place and wait. One of his favorite games is waiting patiently to be released before chasing his beloved tennis ball or receiving a treat. Ollie is well-mannered around doors and is not a bolter. He patiently waits until he's invited outside. He is food motivated and loves treats when training and walking.  Ollie is a fear-reactive dog, particularly around new people, unfamiliar dogs, and unexpected approaches. He does best when people ignore him and he can greet them on his terms. While he now walks confidently and has made real progress, he needs slow, structured introductions to feel safe in a new environment. He is protective around our home and will bark/alert when new people come to the door. 

What Ollie's Rescue Rep Says:Looking for a savvy adopter who is informed by Ollie's past. Continued positive training -- especially with leash manners -- will help him continue to succeed. He will thrive with an adopter who has experience with fearful or reactive dogs, is patient, and is comfortable moving at his pace. Treats are an excellent training tool and can easily redirect his attention when he becomes excited and anxious.

Ollie would do best in a home with:

A suburban or rural setting with plenty of space to run, where he can fully enjoy outdoor adventures
No young children
No cats or small animals
An active family committed to daily exercise
Someone willing to continue his rehabilitation and who is experienced with fearful or reactive dogs

If you're looking for a loyal companion who loves to be outdoors and spending time with his family, Ollie may be the perfect match.

Medical: Healthy, no known medical issues.  He is neutered, current on all vaccinations, on regular flea and tick prevention, and in excellent physical condition.  He currently takes Zoloft to help with his anxiety.

Located In: Oakland.

If you are interested in adopting Ollie, please contact Rescue Rep Dave at david.c.ely@sbcglobal.net.

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Our volunteers donate their personal time phones so please only call during reasonable hours (8am - 8pm). The Rescue Rep identified in the dog posting is the only person with information about the dog - please only contact the designated volunteer. We do call everyone back within 2-3 days so please be patient. We work very hard to make the right matches for the dogs and for the new owners. We get 3-5 dogs per week; we do not have a facility where the dogs are housed, they are in foster homes throughout the Bay Area.