Sterling

**IN GERMANTOWN MD AT TRAINING. CHRISTINE IS CONTACT. Applicants must meet the following requirements: Setting: Rural, suburban Dwelling: Single family Fence: Physical Fence required Energy level: High Jan 29, 2026: Sterling went away to training at the beginning of December and came back 3 weeks later with manners and cuddles galore. His adopters will need to keep up with his training and enforce the expectations but he has a foundation now and it has proven to be quite solid. With the right tools and commands Sterling is a rock star on leash. He’s been able to walk calmly past other dogs and people and listen to commands. Sterling still struggles a bit with greeting people calmly, but he’s better than before, and working to improve with each new interaction. Sterling loves to play, but now he’s much better about giving you the toy to continue playtime. Sterling still loves to play with other dogs, and he’s done better there as well. He still needs to be watched around older dogs as he still plays a little rough. Another thing that is still a work in progress is the shark attack for treats. After coming back from training Sterling is the most cuddly dog in the house. He’ll follow us around, become a kitchen speed bump, a couch foot warmer, and even pre warms the bed at night. Sterling loved the snow this past weekend, and he’s the only one at the house not phased by the ice. Anytime he goes out he’ll do a couple of zooming laps around the back yard only to screech to a halt and start eating snow. He’s still a great “alarm” dog making sure everyone knows when someone comes up the driveway. He also still stays in the crate when no one is home, but he has free roam of the house otherwise. Sterling can be a bit stubborn, but repetition is the key to success, and now that we have the tools and he knows the expectations we can continue to succeed. Oct 23, 2025: Sterling gets so excited that sometimes he’ll spin around in circles! Or start zooming around the back yard for seemingly no reason. Sterling likes to play with the other dogs and sometimes plays with a lot of enthusiasm. He recently went to the vet and did so well walking and seeing other dogs. He doesn’t pull when wearing a gentle lead head harness as compared to a gentle lead chest harness. Sterling loves to chew on things and his fosters have found that having a chew bone for him helps give him something to do and a place for some of his excess energy. Sterling still hasn’t figured out fetch or retrieving but likes watching the other dogs, and stealing the ball.  While Sterling enjoys playing with other dogs, he still has moments that show he can be particular with his doggy friends. Sterling will need someone willing to be patient yet firm with him, and aware of his quirks. Aug 24, 2025 – Sterling has been learning how to walk on leash and is improving with the help of a strong handler and consistent practice. Some guests recently visited and he did great with them. He loves to play chase or keep away with his humans or race around the tree in the backyard. When Sterling is excited, he spins in circles to demonstrate his happiness and excitement. He also loves to nap under the dining room table by belly-crawling under the chairs then laying down. Aug 3, 2025: New Sterling videos: Sterling zoomies part 1: https://youtu.be/eS2Jis7Hm7U Sterling zoomies part 2: https://youtu.be/RAOX6MsxfHI Jul 16, 2025: Sterling is a puppy in a 6 year old body. He is a high energy boy who is always running and playing. Sterling will stop for a power nap then get right back to it. Sterling needs training and a person dedicated to setting and enforcing boundaries. He will take possession of any unattended item and it can be a challenge to get it back. Sterling needs to be crated overnight and when left alone. He has had some stomach trouble the past month, and during that time he has needed to go out every few hours. He is getting better, but it’s a process. Sterling loves to play with other dogs, but it took a month in the house before he was able to play with the resident dog. Patience is key. Sterling is a sweet boy, but he’s very high energy so his future family will need to be ready to put in the time for training, and the patience for all his quirks. Jun 8, 2025: Sterling is a big goofball! He likes to steal the garden pots and play with them like toys. He knows when he's not supposed to have something and plays keep away with his fosters. Sterling lives with two other dogs in his foster home but he's still working on reading the room; he sometimes takes it as a challenge when his invitations to play are rebuffed. He likes other dogs but will need some practice on his doggie socialization skills. Sterling attended a busy adoption event and was nervous about strange dogs approaching him at first, but once he settled in, he got better and better at meeting other dogs. He was happy and sweet with the humans who came to meet him. He sometimes forgets his manners and jumps up to greet, but his fosters are working with him on keeping four paws on the floor. Sterling has been great with the tweens who visit his foster family. He loves to play chase with them and cuddle once playtime is over. He's an absolute dream in the car, happy to lay down for a nice nap or just chill on the ride. Sterling has taken several outings to Tractor Supply and Lowes and was a good listener when Foster Mom pulled him to heel. However, he'll need a little more work on his vet visits, as he was such a wiggle worm that it was difficult to give him boosters or check his temperature. Squeeze cheese to the rescue! Sterling is very food motivated and responsive to treat training. He can be strong on leash, so he'll need a capable handler and additional training to improve his leash skills. This silly boy has been known to wake himself from a nap with his own bark, and alerts his foster family when someone comes to the house. His fosters say he's a typical lab who sleeps all night, naps during the day, eats anything that smells like food and plays as hard as he sleeps. Watch Sterling play fetch: https://youtu.be/6SvBqDOrRqY Watch Sterling enjoy a stick in the backyard: https://youtu.be/BjOr1g_lvlY Watch Sterling play with a rubber bone: https://youtu.be/USikb1AelBQ Apr 24, 2025: Sweet Sterling found himself in a sticky situation when his owner had to go away. He is an energetic pup that likes to be on the go and loves to play with balls. Sterling was a favorite at the shelter and this what they had to say about him - Sterling is a very happy, energetic 6 year old boy. He is a confident dog and wants nothing more than to play and be loved! Sterling would make an awesome addition to an active household with someone willing to provide daily mental and physical outlets for his energy. He is both toy and food motivated and does well on a long line. He is a bit strong on a leash, and would benefit from an easy walk harness. Sterling loves to play with a ball and would make an excellent walking/ hiking buddy. All who have met him say he is absolutely gorgeous! After a good play session, he loves to lounge and cuddle and get belly rubs. He would love a yard to stretch his legs and enjoy the sunshine. He appears to be house trained as he keeps his run clean. He’s such a friendly guy. He has been good with other dogs he met at the shelter. See Sterling runing around with his favorite toy https://youtube.com/shorts/PZkOmFr08ec Approved for kids 10 and up as we have no history of him ever living with young children. He is unknown with cats and good with other dogs. Sterling - 6 yr old, neutered, chocolate male. He weighs 77 lbs. Up to date on vaccines. 4DX negative READ MEDICAL TAB Sterling needs another Heartworm test in six months (Oct 10, 2025) as we don't have proof he/she has been on heartworm preventatives prior to coming to Lab Rescue Owner surrender to the the shelter - owner went away