Kip

About Kip (Black Mouth Cur) in Ocala, FL 34480

Kip is waiting for you at Marion County Animal Services in Ocala, FL 34480. Kip came to the shelter as a stray on 4/23 after being found running in traffic by a concerned citizen. He was initially anxious in the shelter environment but has since begun to show his affectionate, social nature when given the chance to decompress.Kip is highly food motivated and knows basic cues including sit, paw, and down. Volunteers describe him as easy to leash, gentle when taking treats, and very people-oriented. In foster and outing settings, he has done well—riding nicely in the car, greeting people politely, and remaining calm around other dogs in public spaces. At an adoption event, despite initial discomfort with crating, he settled in well, accepted handling from adults and children, and spent time relaxing and napping at the event.In the shelter playgroup, Kip has shown a range of social skills—he can offer appropriate greetings and tolerate some play, but can also become overstimulated and overly assertive. He was recently involved in an altercation with another dog after tipping on them, resulting in injuries requiring veterinary care. This indicates he will need careful supervision and structured introductions with other dogs moving forward.While Kip has many wonderful qualities, he does best in calm, structured environments and is struggling to fully thrive in the shelter.