IZIUM

Since early in the war with Ukraine, DRT has been using Ukrainian city names to support the war effort and the fight for freedom.)

This handsome, extra-large, rambunctious fellow came to us from a home where caring parents had taken him several years ago when their daughter and boyfriend split up and the dog needed a home.Ever since then, these gracious folks have tried to manage this massive bundle of Marmaduke-goofy, happy, excitable enthusiasm.

They’re unable to walk him because they have bad shoulders, and he is too strong.  They’ve tired every way they know how to get him to tone it down to their speed, including some obedience training, but the fact is, he’s just too much for them to handle.  I’m amazed they held out this long in trying to do right by him, and I salute their efforts on his behalf.

To be clear, this is a great dog.  He’s just never had the kind of home that knows how to properly curb his enthusiasm and finish him into the mature adult he ought long before now to have become.  Basically, he’s a puppy in an oversized body!

In his time with us so far, we conclude that while he is very strong, he’s manageable all the same.  Carol says “He is a BIG boy, but he is sweet. He probably needs some work on a leash, but at seven years old he is active and energized."  I’ll add that he’s eager to please, but getting his attention can be a bit of a challenge.  While there’s no determination to create mayhem, he’s just used to being goofy and doesn’t understand the rewards of being well trained and properly responsive.  

His former owner shares this information regarding him:  COMMANDS: sit, down, stay, heel, come, fetch, load up (to get into the car).  TRICKS: shake, down.  And then there’s this jewel!  “Greets people enthusiastically, usually poking them in the crotch. We have tried to no avail to correct this behavior.”  Um, yuh.  It’s what they do - SO very familiar with this in the Dober who lacks or fails to respond to guidance on this behavior - rascals all!  

She goes on to say that he chases squirrels and rabbits, and hunts moles.  His favorite game is fetch, and his favorite toys are Kongs and large rubber balls with handles.  And as for his Jolly Ball,he loves to play with it in his run.  If he leaves it outside for any reason, he will bark until he’s let outside to get it and bring it back in - really cute!

Finally, she adds that “We adopted Ike from our daughter who does not have adequate space for him. Although we have tried for years, he is just too large, strong willed, and a very high energy dog for us.”

Clearly, this dear family has met and exceeded their match with Izium, and he’s long overdue for a home and family that knows enough of proper, loving dog management to show him a better way and see that he achieves it.

Volunteer comments:
        “Izium is one big boy!   We were introduced, and it was as though we had been friends for life.  When I went back to the playground, he was so excited to see me, he ran up and immediately started to play bow, then ran off with the total expectation that we were going to play chase together.  I can‘t really put into words how cute this was.  He just puts a smile on your face.  He was doing the same to the other Dobers on the other side of the fence.  The big guy just wants to make friends.  I mentioned he is big, but for me, very easy to walk on the leash.  Someone has trained him not to pull as I always had a little slack during our walk.  Overall, he seems very manageable and will make a great companion!”

        “Izzy is a dog who will sound the alarm when strangers approach but then will end up playing with them as soon as he sees they are okay!  He’s a big boy whose large size matches his big bark, and he’s going to be right next to you most of the time too.”