Good with dogs: Selective, has a positive interest in other dogs and playing but may be better as an only dog with controlled playdates
Good with kids: Untested, teenage and older kids recommended
Good with cats/small animals: No
Carl here! What can we say about Carl? He's a hilarious fella. Playful, independent, aloof.
Carl unfortunately comes from a pretty rough past where he was bounced around and not treated the best, now he is ready for a safe consistent home with a strong, confident human to show him how great life can be!.
Carl is a lab/american bulldog mix so someone who understands the energy, wits and anxieties of a lab but the stubbornness of an American Bulldog is really key. He’s looking for someone who understands his quirks, thinks they're just as funny as we do, and knows how to work with them to mold Carl into the best boy he can be.
Carl is typically a calm tempered, chill guy but has a tendency to get over stimulated in certain situations and can get quite worked up. This usually comes out in the form of whining/barking and pulling on leash. He is also a very playful guy when he wants to be. He can get a little wild outside with the zoomies! And he absolutely loves to play tug, whether that be with his favorite toy, the leash or sometimes your sleeve. This is something we're working on and he has come such a long way with respecting boundaries. He responds to verbal cues when he's a little over excited and will happily replace the leash with a tug toy.
Training is a work in progress with Carl, he is very smart, knows all the basic commands, house trained, walks well with a harness, but has a small case of selective hearing. If you're familiar with American Bulldogs you know what we're talking about. Since he can get distracted/overstimulated at times his food motivation can be a hit or miss. This is why Carl is looking for a home that will continue to work and bond with him. He really needs a consistent person that he can learn to look to, rather than do his own thing. A human that understands how to be a confident leader and to use their body language to capture Carl's attention would be ideal. Really it all comes down to if you have earned Carl's trust and respect, and once you have he listens very well and you'll see a totally different side to him.
Other than his mouthy-ness, when playing Carl is actually quite a sweet boy. Out in the yard he will always come over for a snuggle and some love and generally likes to be around people. From being with us he has learned that affection is a good thing. We suspect he will be a snuggle bug once in the right home! He has been good with all people he has met (outside of his kennel) and will happily go for a walk with anyone. But sometimes his excited/mouthy-ness can be intimidating and challenging for new people. Observing him and correcting the behaviour before he gets over aroused makes all the difference, and then he goes right back to the lovable guy he usually is.
It's hard to describe his personality, we think he's hilarious and endearing but he does come off as stoic and a bit intimidating at times. We think that's just because he is a very reserved guy until you get him out and about and playing. That's just part of his charm though! He fakes you out looking all serious but is actually the goofiest, most playful guy.
Carl would do best in a home with someone who has some experience with training and can provide a confident, yet calm and patient energy for Carl, with a little bit rough housing and silly-ness in-between. Carl really just needs a best friend to bond with and show him that he can trust again. The dog team here loves him and thinks he would make a great addition to someone's life if given the opportunity.
If you think you can be that second chance Carl is looking for please call to discuss his needs further.