Gage is an absolute sweetheart who is ready to be your most loyal companion. He's the perfect mix of relaxed and playful-while he enjoys short bursts of excitement, especially when a ball is involved, his favorite activity is snuggling up next to his humans. If you're looking for a dog who will happily curl up in your lap and drift off into a peaceful nap (complete with adorable snores), Gage is your guy!
Gage is currently thriving in a foster home, where his affectionate and goofy personality has continued to shine. He's a mellow, snuggly pup who thrives on companionship and loves being close to his people-he'll often quietly follow you from room to room like a sweet little shadow. He's incredibly loving and would happily spend all day with his head on your shoulder or in your lap. Gage is crate-trained and housebroken. He has adjusted to his foster home quickly and now settles into his crate quietly, knowing his people will come back. He's eager to please and responds well to a gentle tone and positive reinforcement-especially if treats are involved.
Inside the home, Gage is calm and content, but he's also got a playful, energetic side that comes out in bursts-particularly when his favorite toys are around. He loves running around the yard, going for walks, and entertaining himself with stuffed animals and his ball. While he can get a little excited with toys, he listens well to cues like "easy" and "gentle".
Gage has been on amazing outdoor adventures with volunteers and is truly in his element on the trail. He's great in the car and rides calmly, ready for the fun ahead. On hikes, he's enthusiastic but easy-going, loves to explore new scents, and greets people with friendly but respectful energy. His good manners even earned him a special trip to Petco for a special toy! Gage has also done well with kids during backyard playdates and has been a perfect gentleman on outings to lunch, coffee shops, and breweries-he's the ideal dining companion and a total crowd-pleaser.
He has enjoyed "dogs day out" adventures where he charms everyone he meets. He is respectful around food, loves laying in the grass and people-watching, and has been described by volunteers as "a weighted blanket with cute snores." Gage has met teens and done great, proving again how adaptable and sweet-natured he is. He settles beautifully in high-traffic areas, adjusting calmly to whatever environment he's in, and he'll match your energy-whether that means going for a walk, playing in the yard, or just curling up for a cozy nap. Gage's ideal home could include gentle dog pals or a family where he can soak up all the attention himself.
Above all, Gage is looking for a home where he can snuggle, play, and be loved. If you're looking for a laid-back, affectionate companion who's always up for adventure but happiest by your side, Gage is ready to meet you! Gage is in the comfort of a foster home. To be connected with his foster family, please email dogfosters@barcs.org.
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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:
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.
Dog Selectiveness: Selective dogs may need carefully managed interactions, intentionally selected playmates to ensure compatibility, supervised play with other dogs, and avoidance of situations where they feel threatened or overwhelmed. Gage, in particular, has a rough and rowdy playstyle with other dogs that includes wrestling and playful mouthing; some dogs may not appreciate or tolerate this style of play.
Lack of formal training: Gage is working on and has been consistently receptive to training exercises for loose leash walking, paying for engagement, and leash manners. He is specifically focused on addressing leash biting when overstimulated. A lack of formal training means that dogs like Gage may not know basic commands or proper manners, which can sometimes lead to unruly behavior. With positive reinforcement, patience, and continued training, Gage is learning new skills and improving his manners every day.
