Augie is going to evolve into a genuinely spectacular dog for the right adopter. His previous owner told a rescuer “come get this dog, or I’m going to shoot him.” Needless to say, SWESR stepped up for Augie quickly.
We estimate him to be 5-years-old, and Augie is a big boy at 70lbs. He was an outdoor dog and neglected, so it says a lot of good things about Augie that he is doing as well as he is, learning to live indoors with rules he has to follow. He is sweet, affectionate, and very eager to please. For a dog that spent the last 5 years without any rules, he is learning commands quickly, but this will continue to be a work in progress after adoption. Augie needs his new parents to understand he needs time, patience, and consistency to grow into his full potential. He is food motivated and appreciates a treat when doing well in training sessions. He has already learned “walk easy” on leash and doesn’t charge or pull during his walks, which is astonishing for any Setter, let alone one of his size. He is getting better with “Sit”. Learning to stay off the kitchen counters remains a work in progress.
At his foster home in Central Texas Augie enjoys a large, Setter interesting yard in which he self-entertains. He loves to hunt lizards, bugs, and butterflies. He notices birds and deer but doesn’t try to go after them. He has never shown an inclination to go over or dig underneath the 5-foot fence.
Augie would be fine as an only dog in the household. He is good with female dogs but needs time to settle in with male dogs, who do need to be calm and non-threatening. He also doesn’t know how to play with other dogs. Augie is far more interested in engaging with people. He does love his bones and toys, especially his Nylabone. Another favorite game is playing tug with someone.
Augie is an enthusiastic, friendly dog who knows not to jump up on people, but given his large size he could inadvertently knock someone about, so he is not a candidate to go to families with children under 12 or with a person that is not 100% steady on their feet. He also is not appropriate for a home with cats.
Let’s reiterate these important points: this handsome boy is affectionate and wants to please and cuddle with his people. He is eager to learn and will need parents who will be consistent and loving when training him. He doesn’t pull on leash. He is happy entertaining himself in a yard with a 5-foot fence whose boundaries he respects. Additionally, Augie will happily sleep in a crate or on a dog bed. He doesn’t mind having his toenails trimmed. He doesn’t resource guard food.
People who know English Setters know this is an extraordinary combination of characteristics for a dog who came into rescue just a few months ago. Augie truly will be a great dog for the right person: someone who is kind and patient, who understands that he will continue to need guidance and consistency with training after he is adopted. Could that be you?
SWESR rescues dogs in the Southwestern U.S.. We adopt dogs to homes throughout the U.S.. We have volunteer transport along major driving routes in the Southwest. Outside of the Southwest, adopters usually fly or drive to the foster home and then drive home.
As always with a From Foster to Furever post, we are asking our readers to share this post on their social media. Let’s spread the word about this good boy! The more people who read about this deserving dog, the better his chances are of finding his permanent home. Thank you for helping SWESR ensure Augie’s happily ever after!
