40 pounds
1-2 years of age
Neutered Male
$100
Pippin came to us from Detroit and made the journey to Midland in hopes of finding a fresh start and a loving home. When he first arrived, Pippin was understandably very nervous. New environments, unfamiliar people, and sudden changes were a lot for him to process, and it took him a couple of days to begin feeling comfortable around anyone.
Pippin was later adopted into a home with other dogs, as well as both women and men. While things initially seemed to be going well, after about two weeks he began showing signs of stress-related aggression, particularly toward the men in the household. This included snapping behaviors, which led to his return so we could reassess his needs and ensure his long-term success.
Why this may have happened:
It’s not uncommon for dogs with a history of instability or stress to take time to fully decompress in a new home. Many dogs go through a “honeymoon period,” where they appear quiet or reserved at first. As they begin to feel safer and more settled, their true emotions, boundaries, and coping mechanisms emerge. In Pippin’s case, this settling-in period may have surfaced fear-based responses, especially toward men, which can be linked to past experiences, lack of positive exposure, or generalized anxiety. These behaviors are often rooted in fear rather than dominance or intent to harm.
What Pippin needs:
Pippin will do best in a calm, patient home that understands he needs time, consistency, and guidance. His future family should be prepared to move at his pace, respect his boundaries, and commit to professional training. Structured, positive-reinforcement training with a qualified trainer can be incredibly beneficial in helping Pippin build confidence, learn expectations, and form healthy relationships with the people around him.
As Pippin settles in, his personality will gradually begin to show. This is a critical phase where clear routines, gentle leadership, and patience help him understand what is expected and allow him to thrive. We have professional trainers available for adopters to contact, and we strongly encourage continued support to set Pippin up for success.
Pippin is not a “bad dog.” He is a sensitive dog who needs the right environment, understanding humans, and the chance to feel safe. With the right home and proper support, Pippin has the potential to build trust and become a loyal, loving companion.
HANNAH AND BUDDY COURTESY LISTED
Retriever
🇺🇸
Midland, Michigan
female, medium, young, mixed
Retriever
Midland, Michigan
