Dax

Update: February 20th, 2009

Today was a very special day here at Twin Cedar K-9. Our very special boy Dax moved to his forever home.

When Dax came to us 2 1/2 months ago there was little hope that we were going to be able to help this frightened dog. We have never seen the extreme behavior that he was showing that first day, make such an incredible turn around. He was absolutely terrified of all people, dogs, cats, horses, sounds and just life in general.

Dax is still a little shy when he first meets new people, but it does not take him long to trust and bond with people. As you can see from his go home pictures, Dax had become one of the Twin Cedar Pack. The only problem was, his ears were entirely to small.

Dax was one of those truly special dogs that worked his way into everyone's hearts and he will be greatly missed by all who worked with him. Dax will be living above Buckhorn in the winter and then the lucky dog will spend his summers at Plasse's Resort. He has promised to come back to visit and maybe even get to go on some pack walks with his old German Shepherd gang.

December 2nd, 2008

Dax comes to Twin Cedar Ranch

Unlike most of our Second Chance Dog's, we do know Dax's story.

Dax was bred by a breeder in the San Diego area and was born on 12/5/2007.  The breeder breeds Belgian Malinois for law enforcement, search and rescue and other working jobs.

Dax did not have what it took to be a working dog but the breeder
tried anyway to bring up working ability so he could sell the dog. 
At 7 months of age when it was very clear that he would never make it as a working dog, Dax was given away to a family with young children to become a family pet.

Unfortunately Dax had been taught how to use his mouth inappropriately by the breeder and he played extremely rough with the children.  He was never trained or properly socialized with people or other dogs.  Because of his bad behavior, the new owner surrendered Dax to the Amador County Animal Shelter to be euthanized.  

Fortunately for Dax, one of my clients is a volunteer at the shelter and she immediately called me to let me know about Dax and his very bleak future.  After speaking with the Director of the shelter, Dax was given a reprieve and sent out to Twin Cedar for an evaluation to see if he could be rehabilitated and become an adoptable dog.

Dax is still not available for adoption but his future is looking much brighter.  When he came to us, he was terrified of everyone and everything.  He had no manners!!  He would play bite at our arms and legs and would grab our cloths in he teeth and try to drag us around by them.  He had no idea how to socialize with any of the dogs and would lip curl and snarl at any dog the got within ten feet of him.  After the first week of training and socialization, Dax started to settle in, relax and actually started to enjoy life here at the ranch.  He learned how to heel, sit, down, stay and come in that first week. At the beginning of the second week we started taking Dax with us on our evening walks with the Twin Cedar Pack which absolutely terrified him.  The pack consists of:  Aspen the Enforcer, Duke the Obnoxious one, Vito the Jr Enforcer, Bugs the Bugler, Luka the Top Dog, and Sophie - I get along with everyone!!  Needless to say, for the first five walks, Dax never left my side.  Since then, he has made changes by leaps and bounds.  He is now running with the pack and actually playing with Bugs and Sophie.       Dax has come along nicely with all of his training and even went on a field trip to Jackson, Martell and stopped by the shelter to show off how much he has changed.  Needless to say, the folks at the shelter were rather impressed with the new and improved Mr. Dax. It won't be long before Dax with be available to start looking for his forever home.  Dax needs a home that will be able to deal with his high drive personality.  He is a very sweet dog and once he gets to know you, he is a real cuddle bug.  He loves to play fetch with balls and tug-a-war with his tuggie.  As with all of our Second Chance Dogs, he will be neutered, current on all of his vaccines and on heartworm prevention.  He will have all of his basic and some of his advanced obedience training as well.