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Sterling is super sweet with all humans he has come across-man and woman alike. He loves to play ball and chase his dog friends. He is very snuggly with his humans and wants to be velcroed to your side.  He has typical shepherd play style: loves to play bitey face and grapple with other dogs. He doesn't understand boundaries with other dogs and loves to push buttons to see what he can get away with though so he would do best in a home with a confident dog that will appropriately tell him off when needed. He likely is not a good dog park dog due to this. 

He is very smart and learns quickly but also get frustrated quickly if he doesn't understand the exercise so positive and short training sessions are best for him until he gains confidence. He does have leash reactivity with dogs but this is easily managed/trained. He is very easy to redirect with correct handling. He takes corrections very well but is a softer dog so a little goes a long way. Keep things positive and fun and he'll be putty in your hands! 

He is crate trained but has some mild separation anxiety that shows itself as clawing at the crate door and whining/barking. We're working on building up positive associations and he goes in his crate fine he just wants to be whenever you are at all times. With training and confidence building this should be easy to rectify. 

He has chased my cats when they run but mostly leaves them alone when we're relaxing so a home with a dog savvy cat that never gets left alone with him or a cat free home would be in the best interest for all animal's safety. 

He does great for baths! He does hate his feet being touched though. I am working on counter conditioning nail trims to make this easier. He is also afraid of brushes (I am more than happy to keep in contact with adopter to show them how to build positive associations to grooming)

He is fully potty trained. Had only one accident in the house when he first got here and none since then. As with any new dog though take him out often until he learns the routine. 

Last thing of note: He gets weird about certain things. He likely wasn't properly socialized so normal everyday things like loading the dishwasher or vacuuming ect. scare him. He's very quick to recover with lots of treats and praise though! 

He's a great dog overall! With a little work he'd be the absolutely perfect active family pet, hiking buddy and/or or low impact sports partner!

Sterling has not been tested around kiddos so we aren’t sure how he will be with littles in the home. 

He was recently neutered, microchipped and is up to date on his vaccinations. Sterling will be available for adoption to the perfect home! Also, while he was at the vet, it was determined he is much older than originally thought. Dr M feels he is more around the age of 3 years old, not the 8 months we were told.