My Story
Meet Louie, a lovable 5-year-old who is as sweet as he is spirited! Louie was found as a stray at Frankie & Louie's , and while we don't know how he ended up lost, he's unfortunately become a "forget-me-not" dog, having spent way too much time with us. He has been here since 2021, waiting patiently for a family that matches his needs and his boundless energy.
Louie graduated from the Puppies for Parole Program at the Jeff City Correctional Center, where he spent time working on his manners and obedience skills. His trainers helped him polish his understanding of commands and improve his focus, teaching him cues like "kennel up," waiting at doors until given permission, and even the foundation for "settle" to help him manage his excitement. Louie really shined with a structured routine and daily training, and he would benefit from a home that can continue offering him this consistency. He's made great strides, but it's clear he thrives in an environment where he has clear expectations and boundaries.
Energetic and playful, Louie has a deep love for fetch, making it the perfect way to burn off his excess energy! He's got a lot of drive and enthusiasm, and his favorite pastime is chasing after a ball in the yard. For Louie, regular physical and mental stimulation isn't just fun; it's essential to keeping him happy and well-balanced. A fenced yard would be ideal for him to safely indulge in his fetch sessions. He also has an "OCD-like" ball drive, meaning he can become quite fixated on this game, so it's a great tool for both exercise and enrichment.
Louie does okay with dogs, though he is a bit selective about his canine companions, especially if toys are involved. His playful nature can turn possessive with toys, so a home where he's either the only dog or with another dog who can match his energy and respect his space during playtime would be best. Louie isn't a fan of cats, so he would do best in a feline-free home.
One area Louie is still working on is his leash manners. He tends to pull when he first starts a walk, although he does settle into a looser leash once he gets going. This is likely another outlet for his high energy, and with continued practice, Louie will become an even better walking companion. His time in the training program helped introduce him to impulse control exercises, so he's learning to handle the anticipation and excitement that come with outings and leash time.
With structure and consistency, Louie is a fantastic dog with a lot of potential. He would thrive with an experienced adopter who can provide him with the daily exercise and mental challenges he loves. In return, he promises to bring his joyful, playful personality into every moment and be a loyal, affectionate companion. Louie is waiting to share his heart with a family that can help him channel his energy in positive ways-if you're ready for an adventure-loving buddy who's all heart, come meet Louie! His adoption fee has been sponsored by a generous donor. Primary Color: Black Weight: 87.5lbs Age: 5yrs 4mths 1wks Animal has been Neutered