Casper

Casper is a very sweet little guy who, in most respects, is a typical 1-year-old beagle: he likes to wrestle with his younger foster brother and annoy his older one; he loves to play with toys; he chews and especially likes footwear (shoes, socks, slippers - we're working on that); he likes belly rubs and ear scratches; and he REALLY likes treats, so much that he'll even SIT for them. BUT (and isn't there always a "but") he is VERY shy and timid (bordering on fear), and easily intimidated, by pretty much everything and everyone. When I first brought him home, he was freaked out by me, my beagles, coming inside, going outside, people & dogs we encountered on walks, sights & sounds outside - everything. It took a couple of weeks before he would let me touch him. (He would approach me and lick my hand if he thought I wasn't looking but he'd scamper away if I reached out for him.) He warmed up to my beagles more quickly - but it was on his terms. (He watched them & got the lay of the land before approaching them.) He wouldn't walk up or down the stairs unless I put a leash on him (which was a trick, since he wouldn't let me approach him). He didn't want to go outside but once he was outside, it was really hard to get him back in. (The door seemed to scare him.) On walks, he was always on alert and tense, and if something startled him, he would forget what he was doing (so we had some accidents in those first few weeks). He is SO MUCH better now after being with us for about 6 weeks. He lets me pet him & scratch his ears, he'll give me his belly for scratches, and he'll even wag his tail when he sees me; he goes up and down stairs by himself; he likes to go outside and he's relaxed enough out there that I discovered he's actually house-trained!; and he recently has stopped tucking his tail between his legs!! He likes dogs, but he wants to be the one to approach them and he doesn't like it if they're rambunctious. He still doesn't like it if there are people around and tries to run away from them. (He still backs away if I approach him). So...this very sweet little guy would probably be best in a home without children and without a lot of commotion (e.g., people coming and going). He'd do well with another dog as long as its not very aggressive or hyper, and he'd likely adjust to a home more easily if there was another dog around (a companion to show him the ropes and keep him company while he gets used to his new people). With a little patience, and the space for him to figure things out in his own time and in his own way, Casper will make a great companion.

Casper, 1 year neutered male that was given up by his owner because he was a little on the timid side and the owner had a disability that would not allow him to work with him. He warms up once he gets to know you but he does frighten easily. He will need someone to help him can some confidence. He is good with other dogs.