“Corvus”

Training engagement (low/medium/high):

Corvus has consistently had an extremely high drive to train. He LOVES food and is more than happy to work for it. He is also happy being rewarded with tugging, fetch, and pets. He easily was able to complete a puppy class, advanced puppy class, competitive obedience, and rally class all before turning a year.

Engagement outside of home has faded slightly due to typical adolescence, but the drive to train is still extremely evident.

Energy level (low/medium/high):

Energy level is on the high side. He does have an appropriate off switch and is not over-energetic. He is happy to hike for miles, play for hours, or train for extended periods of time. He will take quick power naps and be ready to work again. He tends to have an always ready to go type persona.

Biddability (low/medium/high):

Biddability is high most of the time. Of course being a spitz, they have their own naughty ideas and antics they have to attend to. Overall though, he tends to be super biddable. He loves to work and train with me, but he does appreciate not being super repetitive and taking short breaks in sessions. He is not one to typically blow off or ignore a command.

Vocality (low/medium/high):

Low-medium. A lot of the reason for this has come from training/teaching when is and isn’t appropriate to bark. He will have feelings and bark a few times at things, but is typically able to be reeled back in quickly. Vocality has increased with age, but is still very manageable.

Prey drive (low/medium/high):

Prey drive would probably be medium. There is a high drive to chase but he is almost always easily redirected by recall to stop. He is calm with my chickens but has been taught since a puppy to not chase them. Squirrels on the other hand must always be chased.

Human social (reactive, aloof, neutral, social):

He is extremely people savvy and has never met a stranger. He would happily introduce himself to every human if allowed. He does not express frustration when he can’t meet people and is able to work and focus with strangers around him.

Dog social: (reactive, aloof, neutral, social):

I would say he leans more towards social, but is a mix between social and neutral. He would be more than happy to meet other dogs, but also has the attitude that he doesn’t need to meet every dog he passes. He expresses no frustration passing other dogs or being directed away from other dogs.

He has not interacted with many dogs outside of the home, but the ones he has, he has always been polite and neutral with. He is able to take corrections and walk away without issue. He enjoys to play, but is also able to relax around dogs and do his own thing.

Environmental sensitivity - (scale of 1-10, 10 being very reactive/unable to redirect and 1 being sleeping and/or completely engaged and able to ignore the world):

I would say he ranks lower at around a 3. He is acutely aware of his surroundings and wants to observe what is going on, but is good at checking back in and not completely losing himself. He is great at engaging and disengaging, but does sometimes have to be reminded “Hey your handler is here”. He is able to settle with a little bit of time and engagement games, but cannot settle right off the rip.

Confidence level (scale of 1-10, 1 being afraid of the smallest change/shadow and 10 being completely unafraid in any scenario):

Without a doubt a 10. There has hardly been a time this dog has ever backed away from anything. When he has been spooked, he has recovered within seconds and been able to go back to what he was doing beforehand. I cannot recall any situation he has demonstrated having low confidence. He has a “own it” attitude.

Velcro (scale 1-10, 1 being very independent and aloof and 10 being living in your skin at all times):

10 - Would gladly live attached to me if he could. He has independence and will venture off and do his own thing, but never very far away. He almost always wants to be right next to me. He will camp out while I shower and camp out in front of the baby gate to my bedroom if I’m in there. He just simply chooses that he wants to be with me.

While being so Velcro, he exhibits 0 signs of separation stress or anxiety. He is able to settle peacefully. For example, at rally class when crated, he wants to join me while I am walking the course, but exhibits no signs of stress or upset. He is alert and watching me from the crate, but comfortable enough to sit quietly and wait.

Affectionate (scale 1-10, 1 being not ever seeking or giving affection/attention, 10 being the most affectionate dog ever):

Probably would say a 9. He actively will seek out attention and loves to both receive it and return the favor. He has no sense of personal space and loves to sit against or on me. I only say 9 because he is not overbearing or demanding about needing affection like I would rank a 10

Problem solving skills/independent thinking: (scale 1-10, 1 being needs help with everything/can’t generalize, 10 being puzzle master):

I would have to say a 9 for problem solving. There are times where he has become frustrated and doesn’t take a minute to try and use his head and will just yell, but it is more of a rare occurrence. He enjoys puzzle toys a lot and is learning more and more how to work them. With life instances he is more than willing to think independently and piece things together. He has 0 issue figuring out situations he puts himself in.

Off switch?

Typically he has a fantastic off switch. He is great at self occupying by finding chews/toys to entertain himself. He is a busy body, so many times his “off” is finding a chew on his own and bringing it somewhere to lie down. He is still able to settle and relax if needed.

Favorite activities:

Corvus’ favorite activities are training, playing fetch+tug, hiking+walks, and fastCAT. Just about anything that involves me is his favorite activity at the end of the day.

Personality quirks?

Having to chew bones on or into my arm/leg.

Being very adamant he is in charge of what time the chickens get locked up for bed.

Thinking he needs to be a part of shower time by half walking in and starring at me

Pros?

He is so happy and loving. He is a literal ray of sunshine as promised. He knows no bad days, only happiness. He is totally goofy and such a character. He puts his heart and soul into everything he does. He is very easy to live with and has been a spectacular puppy to raise thus far. He came with incredible foundation work that has helped me continue to making him shine. He is very drive-y and fun to work with, all while having a fantastic off switch.

Cons?

Are there any true cons? He’s an adolescent right now? That’s about it. There are some desensitation things to work on and growing up things to work on, but he is fantastic all around.

The main con right now is he loves to jump up on people and try to kiss them. (we are working on it)

Any additional comments?

He is just perfect so far at nearly a year old. I expect he will continue to mature into a super fun dog. Kayla and Adam prepared these puppies to take on the world, and that’s exactly what he is doing. He owns it. He draws so much positive attention at our training club and is making a wonderful example and ambassador of his breed.

He could not have been more perfectly matched to me. I adore him and cannot wait to see what’s to come in his future.