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And for coyote lite, I know what you're saying but psychologically, just seeing the word "aggression" jump out on the page is going to make most people click to the next dog, possibly without reading another word. When you say they have to be fed separately because he's not comfortable, people should know what you mean, and certainly you spell out exactly what he does to anyone who inquires about him.
Yep, subject2change, I don't disagree. The psychology is important. And especially the word aggression in the same paragraph with pibble mix, yikes! As the adopter of several dogs with "issues", I just prefer to err on the side of too much info. Then I'm pleasantly surprised when they turn out to be "best dog ever", as each of mine have!
nice job! The only other thing I'd add is saying what requirements you expect...certainly nothing draconian but maybe a brief sentence about "will require vet references and home visit" or something. Oh, and an adoption fee. Even if you don't ultimately charge one for a lovely forever home, mention of that will weed out some of the more casual folks who just want a free dog....
Presumably you are going to include photos, even video links? Craigslist "shoppers" are visual, many will only search for ads with images only. Same goes for petfinder. Come to think of it, have you approached any rescues asking for a courtesy listing on their petfinder page? Quite a few will do it...the organization I was with for years would happily agree as long as we could visit with and assess the dog or cat first to make sure everything was legit and true. I think you get a better "breed" of potential adopters on petfinder compared to craigslist.
PS, cur in that context is fine. Blackmouth curs are a southern breed/type and known by that name.
I will keep working on these, thanks all! I really want their profiles to shine. They will be on petfinders but I have to find the right group for them - still working on it. So details of adoption fee etc I need to work out.
How about "Harry guards food from other dogs and must be fed separately". I just think the a-word is bad news in a profile.
I get that, but I also believe in full disclosure. However, full disclosure is not necessary in an ad and MB has already taken care to state that Harry would do best as a solo dog or with a compatible dog, and requires an experienced owner, and still "needs work" and such.
So maybe it would be best to leave out all mention of food aggression, given the other info she's disclosed, and approach that on a one-to-one basis with potential adopters if it gets to the discussion phase.
Or, use the more accurate term "resource guarding." I've never known a dog to be food aggressive, but also relaxed or neutral about toys, water, sleeping spots, people etc. Also resource guarding is on a continuum. Some dogs (my sweet Fiona LOL) is very guardy and bitchy about resources with other dogs, but I keep everything controlled and I actually don't believe she would harm another dog without extreme provocation. She is just sort of, a lot, noisy and emphatic about making her point. On the other hand, some dogs can be quite dangerous and will guard with intent to retaliate with full, level five bites. At this point I don't think the OP knows where on the continuum Harry falls, based on previous posts.
So yeah. Best to leave that part out and approach it on a one-to-one basis, I think. Harry is young and still in his "honeymoon" period so really it would be hard to determine how he would be on a global basis.
I disagree with taking out the word, "unkind". (Although I would probably use the word, "abusive" or "neglectful" if it was. Unkind is being too PC. If the people treated that dog like crap, SAY IT! I sure as hell would not try to protect their precious little feelings!) One may see that word but most people do read more than one word. If the dog went through a horrible experience, let the people know that.
Same with food aggression...call it what it is. Let's not try to sugar coat something so that an adopteder doesn't understand what to expect. "Guarding" and "aggression" mean different things to many people.
Lay it out there, you want to have the best of homes, no returns.
Harry is actually fine with other resources. But he was a 2 year old 29 lb pit so in very bad shape when he was removed from his owner. Food is a hot trigger for him. Everything else...he's fine. he even ignores when Smokey humps him and doesn't do it in turn (odd that Smokey was neutered as a wee guy and is still a pup while Harry is for the moment an intact male - he's getting fixed this week). I'll be back later with a revision after kids are in bed.
I disagree with taking out the word, "unkind". (Although I would probably use the word, "abusive" or "neglectful" if it was. Unkind is being too PC. If the people treated that dog like crap, SAY IT! I sure as hell would not try to protect their precious little feelings!) One may see that word but most people do read more than one word. If the dog went through a horrible experience, let the people know that.
I'm not saying "unkind" shouldn't be used in the paragraph. I'm saying it shouldn't be used in the "tag line" because it stands out. You're giving people too much credit by thinking most will read more than one word. People scan through things before they decide which to read more in-depth. I know a thing or two about advertising and marketing. Rescue groups could learn a thing or two from the corporate world in that regard. The sob story doesn't sell as much as rescues think. Rescuers spend way so much time in their rescue world that they don't understand their target market. People don't need to be bleeding hearts to be good pet owners.
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The psychology is important. And especially the word aggression in the same paragraph with pibble mix, yikes! As the adopter of several dogs with "issues", I just prefer to err on the side of too much info. Then I'm pleasantly surprised when they turn out to be "best dog ever", as each of mine have! 
