Otto is a 50 pound 12 month old, white shepherd husky mix. Otto, originally named Lobo, was relinquished to the Harrisonburg SPCA by an owner who kept him on a chain and apparently did not allow much interaction with anyone in the household. Otto was not house-broken when he came in. He did not know how to play with a ball. He did not know any commands. In the shelter kennel, Otto began snarling and snapping at anyone who came near, but this appears to have been "cage brave," uncertainty about being held in the small space. But because of this behavior, the shelter was scheduled to put him down when a VGSR volunteer saw Otto's potential and asked that they hold off for another day or two. The short story is that Otto was given a temperament test after some "coaching" by the shelter's dog manager. The test was given by the VGSR volunteer and the dog manager. He did well enough on that, with no aggression whatsoever, simply showingignorance, as described above, like peeing on the dog manager's shoe, perhaps a sign that he had already bonded with her! He was then bathed, neutered, given pain medicine and slept most of the way from Harrisonburg to Fredericksburg to an Animal Behaviorist. Otto was re-evaluated and it was discovered that Otto was hit by his human care givers. Otto has started his rehabilitation, and is turning into a wonderful dog. When he first meets humans, he becomes very mouthy and playful. This is a side affect from being chained and interacting with people from the end of a chain. He is slowly learning that this is inappropriate behavior, but it will take some time. Otto is house broken, crate trained, rides well in the car, is learning basic obedience commands, and adjusting to living in a house very nicely. Otto is slow to warm up to strangers (another side affect from being chained), so needs to go to a home that understands this behavior. This will go away in time, if his new forever home is willing to work with him. All of the information and training will be provided to his new owners. Otto is the type of dog that will NOT allow a stranger to come into the house if none of his family is home. Otto needs a strong and patient leader, that knows how to establish boundaries in a fair manner. His new family should have GSD experience. Otto has a very solid temperament, but is best suited for an all adult household at this point. Otto LOVES other dogs and would make a great second dog. Some of Otto's favorite past times, chasing squirrels, balls, and his tail! he is a funny little guy that likes to have fun! Otto would love a home with a fenced yard, and a buddy to play with.