About Dexter

Dexter is a timid but sweet boy who's made incredible strides with the support of dedicated staff, training, and behavior medication. Living with generalized anxiety and agoraphobia, Dexter is learning to navigate the world one gentle pawstep at a time. Initially unsure in new situations, he now greets familiar faces with cautious optimism and is beginning to build trust through patience and consistency.

This special boy thrives on positive reinforcement and is very food motivated, which makes training a fun and rewarding process for both dog and handler. He knows sit and lie down, and is working on fun tricks like shake and spin! While toys aren't his thing (yet), he loves a good sniffari and time in the yard where he's been known to enthusiastically scent mark.

Dexter can become frustrated when seeing dogs at a distance, but he has enjoyed some successful play with a well-matched young male companion. He may benefit from a calm, confident dog friend who can help model relaxed behavior, though slow introductions will be important. He's shown some herding tendencies during play, so a dog-savvy home would be ideal.

Due to his anxiety, Dexter is currently on a behavior medication plan (fluoxetine, trazodone, pregabalin) that helps him cope with stress and supports his ongoing training. He is improving with handling, no longer height-seeks, and is starting to enjoy gentle contact when given the space to choose.

Dexter may have had a rough start, but with the right person, he's ready to write a new chapter filled with trust, quiet adventures, and the comfort of a home that truly sees him.