Rescue story
WEACT headed to a rural village in Mungyeong after receiving a report about dogs being neglected in a shed. Their former owner had been ignorant of the importance of spay/neuter and of how dogs should be cared for in general, leading to the dogs suffering neglect that bordered on abuse. It took three separate trips to rescue the 50 dogs, who had been living in a filthy environment for a long time. #weact_max was one of the precious souls who managed to survive in this harsh environment, and he has finally started to get to know the big, beautiful world outside the shed.


Personality
"With my friends by my side, there's nothing to fear!”
When Max is with his dog friends, his confidence shines through. He roams around the field, gripping onto friends' leashes with his mouth, and even playing at being a guide. But when people come around, he gets so nervous and scared that he loses control of his bowels before running away. But when in a safe space, he gradually allows himself to be leashed or petted without actively resisting. It looks like Max's general fear of people comes out as a habit of avoiding them. Creating positive experiences with his guardian should help improve this behavior over time. When with friends, Max readily accepts treats from both his guardian and strangers, and he even playfully rests his front paws on them. He’s full of mischief when at ease - he waits until his water bowl is filled to the brim and then splashes around in it.


With humans
Max is learning to become more at ease with people. He still isn't entirely comfortable with one-on-one interactions, often tending to flee if approached. While he's gradually building trust with the familiar caretakers at The Home, he can still be startled by sudden movements or loud noises. Max usually maintains a distance when meeting someone for the first time and believes that he is superior in relationships, which can make him somewhat arrogant. He tends to lower his guard when his dog friends are around, becoming more receptive to treats and even enjoying chin scratches. While Max can become more spirited when with friends, he conceals his fear of people when alone and puts on a brave facade. Therefore, it's important not to presume, even if Max appears to enjoy being with people. He becomes more open to physical contact when he feels secure in confined spaces, although he remains cautious about human touch in general. When Max is feeling self-assured, he might nip at a person’s heel, possibly misunderstanding human movements as potentially harmful gestures. It’s important to help him understand that humans can be gentle and caring.


With dogs
Max truly loves his dog friends and radiates joy and confidence in their company. He readily shares his water bowl, toys, and treats with them. Max's friendly disposition extends to all dogs, regardless of their gender or size. It's evident that they bring out the best in his confidence.


With cats
Max has never met or lived with cats.


Energy level
Max is very energetic and playful, so he should go for a walk twice a day, both in the morning and evening. He loves running around and playing with other dogs in the field. He also takes pleasure in chewing and sampling everything he can reach with his mouth.


Shedding/Barking
Max tends to bark at strangers and sheds quite a bit. He also barks whenever he gets excited by dogs across the fence at The Home or when a nearby friend barks. Most of the barking is in response to the environment.


Needs help with
Max comfortably relieves himself both indoors and outdoors. He's been improving his use of potty pads, achieving an accuracy rate of around 70%. When prompted with the command 'house,' he willingly enters his kennel and settles in comfortably. However, when other dogs pass by, he gets excited, barks, and tries to move closer to them. Although Max might get anxious when putting on a leash, he's cooperative if the process is gradual. He follows well during walks, but there may be occasional moments when he resists. Unfamiliar paths or confined spaces make him even more nervous, and he may seek refuge in corners. Continuously working on leash walking in safe areas will be beneficial. Max tends to be sensitive to sudden movements and loud noises, so helping him become desensitized to various stimuli is important. He's not accustomed to human touch and needs consistent socialization starting with gentle touches.


Health specifics
Max is healthy.


Ideal family
Max, who has persevered through challenging environments, lives each day with heightened senses. It's no surprise that even the smallest changes can feel like significant threats to him. What he truly needs is a family that can provide a calming haven, offering him the time to adjust and find his own balance. Please prioritize understanding and closely observing Max's true feelings, as he is better at concealing his emotions than expressing them. Max's efforts to adapt to a new environment, despite any setbacks, are genuine acts of bravery. The ideal family would recognize his sensitivity to sudden noises and movements, placing his needs at the forefront. If there are other dogs in the household, that would be great since Max enjoys their company. However, introducing them will require careful steps due to his fear of change.


More photos and videos
https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/위액트맥스