Meet Ryder. If you’re looking for a dog who can match your energy outside and settle beautifully inside, Ryder may be your guy.

Ryder is a big, active boy with a playful spirit and an equally impressive ability to switch gears and relax. One minute he’s zooming around the yard with a ball in his mouth, and the next he’s happily headed to his crate to recharge. His owners say one of the things that surprises people most about him is how quickly he can turn his energy off and how gentle he is, especially with older adults.

Ryder thrives with structure and clear expectations. He has been raised with consistent boundaries and routines and is crate trained (in fact, he loves his crate and chooses to spend time there throughout the day). He sleeps there at night, settles easily, and uses it as his own quiet space.

Despite his size and enthusiasm, Ryder is a very manageable walking companion. He walks nicely on leash, does not pull, and prefers to take his time sniffing and exploring rather than reacting to the world around him. Squirrels? Other dogs? People? Ryder is far more interested in his walk than the distractions around him.

At home, Ryder has lived successfully with a tiny 4-pound senior Chihuahua and has shown he can coexist respectfully with smaller dogs. He enjoys having room to stretch his legs and loves spending time outside. He’s food motivated, play motivated, and if Ryder could tell you one thing, it would probably be that there are never enough snacks and never enough hours in the day for walks and playtime.

Ryder is social and comfortable with people. He’s experienced visitors, gatherings, and busy households without issue and doesn’t show concerns around different types of people or handling. He’s cooperative with grooming, allows nail trims, and responds well to guidance and correction.

Like many dogs, Ryder will alert bark when people pass by the house (he takes his neighborhood watch duties seriously), but he settles quickly and responds well to redirection. He’s not a resource guarder and hasn’t shown concerns around food, toys, or personal space.

Because Ryder is a large, energetic dog who loves to move, he would do best with adopters who are physically comfortable handling a strong dog during moments of excitement. He isn’t difficult to manage, but his size and enthusiasm can be a lot for someone who is unsteady on their feet.

Ryder would love a home that appreciates both sides of him: the playful athlete and the calm companion who is just as happy relaxing nearby once the fun is done.

If you are interested in meeting this dog, please fill out our online application first. Contact us via email at info@coastalK9gsr.org. The minimum adoption donation ranges from $300 to $400. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is tax deductible. Prior to placement, all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are usually microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis. Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.