
Orion
Belgian Shepherd Malinois · Adult · Male · Large
Oakland, ca
- Good with dogs
- Good with kids
- Special needs
Special needs: [YELLOW]Background: Stray found tied up 5/6/26. ACO reported dog was fearful and trembling, tried to retreat on leash, then returned and allowed pets with a slow approach. Allowed intake, but was very scared and bowed itbx00#25;s head with quick movements from hander. Blue dot assigned at intake. First time meeting both handers for handling evaluation on 5/11/26.O: Dog was standing at the front of the kennel. Easy to leash. Pushed snout at the kennel door to exit. Followed handler out into the ward. Tucked tail and hugged the wall in response to barking neighbors. Moderate to strong pulling down the hallway. Closed mouth, ears back, some whale eye and lip licking as dog glanced back at handler several times while walking down the hallway. Tail lowered but not tucked. In the yard, dog eliminated x1, marked several times, walked and sniffed with some exit searching. Returned to handler when spoken to. Soft face, pulled back ears, lowered/submissive head and body language with soft wagging tail while approaching handler. Placed head in handlerbx00#25;s hands for pets all over head. Stepped closer for more pets after a consent check. Approached handler several times for similar interactions. Did not appear to know any commands. Flinched and blinked eyes when handler held hand above his head to ask for a sit. Took treats with a soft mouth. Soft, relaxed body and wagging tail with handling around head. Allowed all over handling of head, neck, chest, legs, belly with closed mouth and some lip licks at first then appeared to relax and lean into handling with time and multiple consent checks. Approximately 4 y/o by teeth. No interest in toys. Moderate pulling through the parking lot with some zig-zag walking and circling of handler. Intermittent moderate to heaving pulling inside the building. No issues rekenneling. B A: Timid and anxious, but affiliative. Medium energy. Does not appear to know any commands. Needs work on loose-leash walking. Sensitive to sudden movements from handler but recovers quickly and seems to take comfort in pets. Yellow for in-shelter handling d/t timid nature and sensitivity to quick movements. P: Make available for adoption. Recommend patient rewards-based approach to basic training (leash walking, basic commands) with structured and slow introduction to new environments/people. May do best in an adult only home or with older dog-savvy older kids over 15 years old d/t timid nature and sensitivity to quick movements.B B [2026-05-12 02:42:00.000]
Hi, new friend! Orion here.
I've got a feeling you and I could be pretty great together.
I'm on the bigger side — but honestly, that's just more of me to hug.
I do come with a few special needs, but please don't let that worry you — I just need a patient friend, and I pay it back tenfold.
I'd love to meet you. But if I'm not quite the one, maybe you could do me one tiny favor — print my bio and pop it up somewhere a future best friend might spot it. Who knows, I might see you at the park someday! Either way, thank you for stopping by and giving me a moment. It really did mean a lot. — Orion 🐾
The rescue’s notes on Orion
Orion – Gentle, Mellow, and Full of Heart Orion is a handsome 4-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois mix weighing 83 pounds with a calm, sweet personality and a soft, affectionate nature. Easy walking partner: Orion walks closely beside his person with minimal pulling, calmly ignoring distractions like birds and squirrels. Calm and content: He enjoys relaxing in the grass, sunbathing near his person. His chill demeanor makes him a soothing companion. Affectionate sweetheart: While Orion may be a little nervous with new people at first, he warms up beautifully. He loves leaning in for snuggles and enjoys resting his head in your lap for face rubs and ear scratches. Gentle social style: Orion's sometimes still shy and appreciates slow, gentle interactions. He plays gently with other dogs in doggie playgroup and stays polite when passing dogs on walks. Orion would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with dog friends outside the home. Click here to learn how to adopt and submit your adoption questionnaire. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @indies_foster_friends
Orion is listed by Oakland Animal Services in Oakland, ca. Adoptions are handled directly by the rescue.
Adopt Orion →(510) 535-5602
Listing provided via RescueGroups.org. Details are maintained by the listing rescue and may change.




