Ticonderoga
The VIP (Very Important Placements) program at BARCS identifies dogs with medical challenges, behavioral challenges or those not handling the shelter environment well, who urgently need homes to prevent their decline. With our shelter at or near capacity nearly every day this year, and new dogs arriving daily, it's critical to find these dogs placements quickly. By doing so, we aim to save them from the risk of euthanasia due to lack of space. Adoption fees are waived for all VIP dogs.
Shelter ID: A0056588439
Location: 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD 21225
Sex: Male
Age: 1.5 Years Old
Current Weight: 58 lbs
About Me
Ticonderoga is a happy lovebug whose “resting sad face” and initial shyness mask his true, affectionate nature. He has a special way of stealing hearts—he loves to rest his head in your lap, gazing up at you with his adorable puppy dog eyes that are simply irresistible. When it comes to treats, he’s all ears and is quick to show off his skills, like sitting on command for a well-deserved head pet or cookie. His charming speckled nose adds to his undeniable cuteness, and he’s already showing signs of being housebroken here at the shelter.
Recently, Ticonderoga enjoyed a wonderful Dog’s Day Out! He’s getting the hang of car rides and settles in nicely. At Howl, he delighted in picking out treats and a new cow toy, proudly showing it off to everyone. He even savored a delicious pup cup before a lovely stroll at Lake Roland. This little gentleman has great manners for such a young pup, and volunteers have noted that he’d make an excellent companion at a restaurant or brewery, always well-behaved and friendly.
On the leash, Ticonderoga walks like a pro—calm and collected, he’s non-reactive to both people and other dogs. He’s an inquisitive soul, always checking in on his friends to ensure everyone is close by. His loyalty shines through as he uses those masterful puppy dog eyes to win you over, eager to please and quick to learn with positive reinforcement. And if you’re in the mood for some cuddles, he’s your guy—leaning against you or resting his head on your lap, he just loves to soak up the affection.
Ticonderoga has met other dogs at the shelter, and he is a social playful boy. If you’re looking for a loyal companion to share your adventures with, Ticonderoga is ready to fill your life with love and warmth!
Why is My Status Urgent?
A dog’s behavior in a shelter can be very different from how they act in a home once they have time to relax. In the shelter, dogs spend a lot of time isolated in their kennels, meet new people constantly and are surrounded by other loud barking dogs, new smells, new sounds and new routines. This environment can keep their stress levels elevated for days or even weeks, which can cause them to act out in ways they wouldn’t in a home. Because of this, what we see in the shelter are just observations and not promises of how the dog will behave later. A dog’s true personality often shows up once they’ve had time to settle into their new home–that’s why fostering and adopting is so important!
The following are the observations of my behavioral challenges in a shelter environment:
Dog Selectiveness: Dog selectiveness is when a dog may get along well with some dogs but might have a poor reaction or be avoidant with others. Selective dogs may need carefully managed interactions, intentionally selected playmates to ensure compatibility, supervised play with other dogs, and avoidance of situations where they feel threatened or overwhelmed.
Defensive Kennel Behavior: This behavior occurs when a dog presents defensive reactions while in kennel like barking, growling or lunging when approached. If this behavior continues at home, the dog may need a safe space (potentially larger than a crate or kennel), and you may need to build trust with positive reinforcement and slow, calm interactions.
Prey Drive: Prey drive refers to a dog's instinct to chase and capture moving objects, such as small animals or toys. If the dog exhibits a strong prey drive in an adoptive home, they may need complete separation or controlled, supervised play with appropriate toys and training to manage their impulses and ensure safety around smaller animals.
Fearful/Nervous: Fearful or nervous dogs may react poorly or give other warning signs when they feel threatened or scared, often to get a person or object to back away. If the dog continues to display fearful behavior, after the proper acclimation/decompression period in their new home, they may need a continued calm, supportive environment, with gradual exposure to their triggers and positive reinforcement to build trust and reduce anxiety.
