This is long!!!

Kiddo came to Claude and I from another breeder at 10 weeks of age. He is a lovely boy, and at home is a happy, enthusiastic guy. He is friendly to those he knows, and to anyone who will play fetch with him in his yard for 10 minutes. He LOVES fetch. He also enjoys herding. His enthusiasm is a bit much for my skill level, but he has done very well with more experienced trainers. He has been exposed to some children, and has never shown aggression. He knows basic obedience, is fully housetrained, and loves his female Briard housemates. He walks well on a leash, until he has to pass a person. He is neutered, and currently shaved down. Those housemates destroyed his coat hanging on to him while he chased balls. He never even noticed, the ball is all he sees during fetch. He has happily spent time at both Claude and my houses. He has decided he doesn't like other male Briards, which is pretty common.

Now for the issues:

Kiddo came to us very worried about life. Both Claude and I heavily socialized him, public walks, home depot etc walks, months of rally classes, time at the herding facility, exposing him to many different situations, etc. His attitude showed very little improvement. Again, at home, he is a pleasure. Happy, eager, wanting attention. He has learned to enjoy getting in the car, and I no longer have to pull him out when we get to a destination. But, once out of the car, he is very fearful. He will literally shake. He will only let a couple people pet him. After many months, he will usually take a treat from me in public, but not always. Loud noises like generators or kids electric cars are upsetting to him. Oddly enough, my very noisy air compressor in my house doesn't bother him at all.

We are not a good match, because I get frustrated. I want my dogs to be comfortable in public, and I have not been able to make that breakthrough with Kiddo. I have never been a really good trainer, but I have never had issues like this that I can't overcome. We tried many herbal remedies, and even tried Prozac for a while on my vet's recommendation (I've never used that before). Nothing made a solid difference. Frustration plus fear is a very poor foundation for training.

What Kiddo needs in a new home:

Kiddo would do fantastic in a home with 1 or 2 bitch playmates, and someone who likes to play fetch and work with him in a calm environment. Someone with patience and acceptance. He'd be happy to never leave the house. My multi dog household means he has to share my time and attention more than I like.

BUT< BUT<BUT: Anyone adopting Kiddo should not do so with the idea that they can "fix"him. Don't get me wrong, I would be absolutely THRILLED to have someone succeed where I have failed. But, I don't want him to be in a home where he is considered a failure if his issues can't be corrected.

We are not selling Kiddo. All we want is a great home for him. Help with any transportation costs would be appreciated. It's pretty much impossible now days to ship an adult Briard. But I'm willing to drive up to 8 hours from Arizona to meet a new home. We both love this boy, but are not the best situation for him.

Maybe you are?