The status of CHRIS was

last posted on 04/09/25 by

Marion County Animal Services

Male Dog, American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier / Mixed (Medium Coat)

Description:

Meet Chris: A Laid-Back, Affectionate Companion Seeking His Forever HomeAge: 4 years oldSize: 64 poundsBreed: Unknown (Big, lovable, and ready to be your best friend!)Chris is a sweet, low-energy dog with a big heart who enjoys lounging around and soaking up the sun. He’s happiest when he’s close to his people, whether it’s lounging next to you on the couch or snuggling in bed. If you’re looking for a dog that loves to be near you, Chris might be the perfect fit.Personality:Chris is affectionate, goofy, and low-key. He enjoys rolling in the grass and gets the zoomies from time to time, but he’s generally a laid-back guy who loves to relax in the yard. He loves to follow you around and will happily lay near you while you go about your day. He’s a real “mush” and can’t get enough of being petted—just a few strokes, and he’s likely to flop right over in pure contentment.Training & Health:Chris has been making great progress with training, especially with the help of a few private lessons. He’s learned to use stairs and is being helped with his eating habits through a raised slow feeder, as he has a tendency to eat too quickly, leading to digestive issues. He’s currently on a special diet (Sensitive Stomach Science Diet) and needs a consistent routine to avoid upset stomachs. He’s also quite the “treat lover” and gets excited over them, which can be great for reinforcing his training!While Chris isn’t thrilled about car rides, he’s fairly well-behaved once inside, though he’s hesitant to get in and out of the car. He’s also not a fan of getting wet (such as from a garden hose or shower), but with patience, he’s made progress.What Chris Needs in a Home:No Cats: Chris is definitely not cat-friendly.No High-Pressure Environments: He can be a bit nervous and easily startled, so a calm, patient home where he can continue to gain confidence is ideal.Moderate Exercise: Chris enjoys short runs and walks, but he’s mostly a relaxed dog who prefers lounging. A few daily walks and some playtime in the yard would be more than enough to keep him happy.Consistency & Routine: Due to his nervous tendencies, Chris thrives in a stable and predictable environment. His new family should be committed to keeping him on his current diet and providing him with structured training.Patience with Boundary Training: Chris has some boundary reactivity (barking at things outside the house) and may need continued work on this. He may do best with a person who understands how to manage his space and can help him with his protective behaviors.Pros:Low-energy and easygoing—he’s happy to just hang out with you!Affectionate and loves being around people.Enjoys treats and chew toys, which can be great for training.No food guarding—you can touch his food and him while eating.Fully handleable—no issues with touching or handling his body.Cons:Not cat-friendly.Sensitive stomach—requires a strict diet.Startles easily with sudden movements.Boundary reactivity (barks at people/things outside).Tends to chew inappropriate items (toys, household items) if left unattended.Has a habit of eating non-food items (poop and acorns), so close supervision is needed outdoors.Ideal Home:Chris would thrive in a home where someone has experience with dogs that need a bit more time and patience. He’d do best in a calm environment where he can build trust and continue to work on his training. He may be okay with another dog, as long as it’s not dominant or highly passive. He has some trust issues that will need to be worked on, but he’s made amazing progress and is incredibly loyal and loving when given the chance.Chris truly deserves a family that understands him and is willing to put in the time and patience needed to help him flourish. With the right environment, he’ll make a wonderful, loyal companion who will shower you with love and affection. If you’re ready to give Chris the forever home he deserves, he can’t wait to meet you!