About Me:  I am Tosa, part of a pack of 20 found after Hurricane Debby. Our owner fell gravely ill and needed to be taken to a medical center for treatment leaving us with no care. Thankfully rescue efforts stepped in and we are all now getting a second chance. I am incredibly sweet and very shy. Leash work is absolutely not my strong suit, but I am willing to learn. I would do best, at least initially, in a more quiet home to adjust into. I love other dogs and am most comfortable around them. Digging and burying toys is my favorite activity and Ice cubes! I can’t get enough of them—you’ll love watching me grab one, set it down, then grab another! A crate to simulate a den with a yummy pre-stuffed marrow bone, will help me watch the world and feel safer, patience and a steady routine, another dog or dogs is a big help, as that is all I have ever known and really helps me to open up. Young children could be too scary so just consider the activity level of your home before choosing me. I am also going to be a fence requirements so that I am not a flight risk during my leash walking skills training. Remember also H.A.L.O. offers free training sessions for adoptees, so if you need help, they will be there for us!
Requirements: Martingale Collar; Fence; Children 5+; Quiet Family with slow introductions to new people

Notes from his Slumber Party… Having Tosa as a guest is really something special. I had the crate setup but nope, he loved my couch and that was his spot!

Trust Building
I would sit with him on the couch but he did not want to be petted. When I was working in my office, he would come in and check on me, but did not want to be petted. So, I put a camera on him and he just chilled on the couch with the tv, went to the back door to look outside, roamed a bit then back to the couch. By the afternoon, he came in the office and wanted to be petted. It was amazing. And by night, he was crashed out on the couch, in my spot.

When I tried to give him his first treat, he backed away. So, I sat on the floor and gave tried an open hand, it worked. He was intimated by someone towering over him. Remembering this, later that morning, I sat on the floor of my office and got him to play with me. At a distance but it was really fun. He acted like i was another dog and was just jumping around. So freakin cute! The next morning, after his short bathroom walk outside, he was ready to play with me standing up. That made me so happy.

He was not one to be always by your side, he is in love with my couch. He likes his safe space.

Walking
We went for short walks and one big long walk at the end of my work day. He’s getting better on the leash. He saw many of our wildlife and handled it well. Big dogs barking made him stop, or turn and walk away, but he stayed calm.

House Trained
Yes. He did great!

His “Not Me’s”
Cuddling. Nope.
Fur bombing you. Nope.
Staring into your eyes. Maybe, sometimes.
Sleeping in bed. Nope. He actually stayed on the couch all night.