Seven is a charming, handsome pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart. Curious and engaged, Seven loves discovering the world around him and finds joy in every interaction-especially when it involves zooming across the yard with a "new" favorite toy like an old steering wheel cover! He's always up for playtime, training, or simply hanging out with his people. Food-motivated and eager to please, Seven is a smart learner who knows commands like "sit," "paw," and now "go," "stop," and "go to your cage." He's housebroken and can settle comfortably in a crate when needed.
Social and friendly, Seven enjoys the company of both people and other dogs. He has previously lived with another dog and done well with children as young as 2 years old. While he can sometimes be reactive on leash when encountering other animals, he redirects easily and thrives on structured pack walks. At the park, Seven loves hopping up on benches, posing for selfies, and soaking up all the pets and praise he can get. He enjoys chewing on tough rubber toys, playing fetch, and indulging in his favorite Beggin' Strips. More than anything, Seven craves affection and shines in a calm, consistent environment where he can continue to build confidence.
Seven enjoyed a sleepover with a volunteer, where he quickly settled into home life. After long walks and a well-earned pup cup, he spent his evening playing with squeaky toys and cuddling in close. He even greeted a new human friend with friendliness and ease, showing off his affectionate and social side. He's the kind of dog who wants to be near you, often following you around or curling up at your feet.
This adventurous pup has participated in several "Dogs Day Out" excursions, exploring parks like Patapsco State Park, Fort McHenry, Herring Run Park, and North Point State Park. On one outing, Seven was such a polite guest that he was even invited back to a new friend's home to hang out. He's a great passenger in the car, loves hiking, finding giant sticks, splashing in water, and-of course-discovering new treats like pup cups. Volunteers describe Seven as funny, curious, sweet, happy, attentive, and eager to learn, making him a fantastic companion for an active adopter.
Seven enjoys backyard playtime, belly rubs, and plenty of treats. He's especially fond of ice cubes-a simple joy that brings him so much delight. And while he's still a young pup with plenty of excitement (he sometimes pees when he's overly thrilled), his affectionate nature and eagerness to connect make him incredibly endearing.
Seven has also met other dogs at the shelter and enjoys rowdy play with his canine friends. He may benefit from meeting any potential doggie roommates in advance to ensure a good match. If you're looking for a fun-loving, toy-chasing, snuggly adventure buddy, Seven could be your perfect fit! Seven is currently in a foster home; to meet him, please complete an application and email dogfosters@barcs.org to be connected with his foster family.
*****************************************************************************
**I'm on BARCS' VIP Urgent List. Why is My Status Urgent?**
A dog's behavior in a shelter can be very different from how they act in a home once they have time to relax. In the shelter, dogs spend a lot of time isolated in their kennels, meet new people constantly and are surrounded by other loud barking dogs, new smells, new sounds and new routines. This environment can keep their stress levels elevated for days or even weeks, which can cause them to act out in ways they wouldn't in a home. Because of this, what we see in the shelter are just observations and not promises of how the dog will behave later. A dog's true personality often shows up once they've had time to settle into their new home-that's why fostering and adopting is so important!
The following are the observations of my challenges in a shelter environment:
Leash Reactivity: Leash reactivity happens when a dog becomes overly excited, anxious or reactive on a leash, often responding to other dogs, people or moving objects. To manage leash reactivity, the dog may need to be kept at a safe distance from triggers, with positive reinforcement for calm behavior, and possibly work with a trainer if the behavior persists.
Barrier Reactivity: Barrier reactivity occurs when a dog may bark, growl or lunge when behind a barrier, such as a fence, gate or window, often due to frustration or excitement. If barrier reactivity continues outside of the shelter, the dog may need desensitization by gradually exposing them to the trigger from a safe distance, rewarding calm behavior, and managing the environment to reduce opportunities for reactivity.
Fearful/Nervous: Fearful or nervous dogs may react poorly or give other warning signs when they feel threatened or scared, often to get a person or object to back away. If the dog continues to display fearful behavior, after the proper acclimation/decompression period in their new home, they may need a continued calm, supportive environment, with gradual exposure to their triggers and positive reinforcement to build trust and reduce anxiety.
High Energy: High-energy dogs are very active and often need plenty of daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. These dogs will more than likely benefit from structured routines and handling. If the dog remains high-energy at home, they may need regular exercise and playtime, along with puzzle toys or training exercises to keep their mind engaged.
Lack of Formal Training: A lack of formal training means the dog may not know basic commands or proper manners, leading to unruly behavior. If the dog lacks training, they may need basic obedience lessons, positive reinforcement, and patience as they learn new skills.
Prey Drive: Prey drive refers to a dog's instinct to chase and capture moving objects, such as small animals or toys. If the dog exhibits a strong prey drive in an adoptive home, they may need complete separation or controlled, supervised play with appropriate toys and training to manage their impulses and ensure safety around smaller animals.
Separation-Related Behaviors: Dogs with separation-related behaviors may become distressed when left alone, leading to barking, whining, destructive chewing or house soiling. This behavior stems from their fear of being apart from their family. To help, gradual routines, positive reinforcement and crate training can provide security. In more severe cases, professional training or behavior-modification medication may be needed to support the dog's adjustment or as a life-long solution.
