Troublesome Twosome or Misunderstood Duo?
Last October, Shelter Manager Nikki Baltas was contacted by a distressed dog owner looking to surrender two dogs they had adopted from another shelter three months prior. Unable to handle their destructive behavior, the owner explained that the 11-month-old pair were causing significant damage to their home and yard. Following a discussion to understand Ranger and Blaze’s routines, Nikki gained a deeper understanding of the pups’ unique needs and informed their owners that she would do her best to find a fitting home for the dynamic duo.
During Blaze and Ranger’s short stay at the shelter, staff and volunteers quickly got to know and adore the two loveable oversized puppies. Whenever animals arrive together, our in-shelter team carefully evaluates whether they are a bonded pair. If they are indeed bonded, they are ideally adopted out as a pair to honor their health and well-being. However, it can be challenging to find adopters willing to take two large dogs, potentially leading to longer stays at the shelter. Observing how easily and happily Blaze and Ranger interacted with other dogs at the shelter, including on playdates and on group walks, it was determined that they didn’t need to be adopted together.
One look at their joyful smiles and it’s easy to see how these outgoing pups quickly stole the hearts of potential adopters. Blaze found a home first, and ten days later, Ranger was adopted.
Blaze Of Glory
Blaze’s adoptive home consists of over 20 acres in New Hampshire! The Miley Family – including two human and two cat siblings – share his love for the outdoors. Initially tolerating the cats in exchange for chicken, Blaze has transformed into a loving and gentle guardian of his feline kin.
Committed to positive reinforcement training with Denise Mazzola of Everything Dog, the Miley’s ensure Blaze’s intelligent mind stays engaged with enriching activities. With daily training sessions, they have turned learning into a fun opportunity to bond with Blaze. Maintaining a chew-friendly environment, Blaze’s destructive tendencies are limited to bully sticks and other suitable dog items.
Over the past few months, Blaze has accompanied the Mileys on road trips to various hiking destinations. In North Carolina, he met his furry cousin, a one-year-old German Shepherd, who taught him about southern living. Initially hesitant of the ocean waves, Blaze quickly learned to enjoy the warm water, digging in the sand and watching pelicans.
During the latest family road trip to Colorado, Blaze was thrilled to romp and play in the deep snow! Recognizing Blaze’s fondness for snow, the Mileys decided to train him for canicross, a sport where a dog is tethered to a runner’s waist, and with verbal cues the runner can guide the dog. Hoping Blaze will excel in canicross, his family envisions him joining them on cross-country skiing excursions – and possibly pulling the children on a small dog sled!
Needless to say, Blaze + The Miley Family = a perfect match! The Mileys share the sheer pleasure they get from Blaze being part of their home: “Seeing the joy on Blaze’s face during long walks and hikes, when the breeze hits his face, is the stuff that dreams are made of.”
Ranger Finds His Way Home
Like Blaze, Ranger (now Enzo) lucked out with his amazing adopter, Kyle! Living his best life in a cozy home with a huge backyard in which to romp around, Enzo accompanies Kyle to classes at Gone to the Dogs, Dog Training, where they have learned skills and activities to keep Enzo engaged in appropriate behavior. Kyle and Enzo are two peas in a pod when it comes to exploring the great outdoors, conveniently living close to an expansive state forest and a newly-constructed rail trail!
Kyle reports that instead of destroying household items, Enzo now is only destructive to his own toys. A true outdoorsman, Kyle jokes that “If it were up to him, he would be outside 24/7.” Fiercely dedicated to Enzo’s happiness, Kyle has continued their positive training sessions and proudly describes Enzo as “extremely smart – nothing short of an amazing dog.”
The Baypath team loves vicariously experiencing Blaze and Enzo’s fun-filled adventures – and knew our animal-loving community would as well! We are so thankful for the commitment to reward-based training demonstrated by these special pups’ incredible adopters. Thanks to their efforts, both Blaze and Enzo have happy and healthy lives ahead, full of mental stimulation, creative enrichment and dynamic activity.
Recommended Trainers
Check out our recommended list of science-based, positive reinforcement trainers and behaviorists within your community. Be sure to revisit regularly as we continuously add new information.
