More about Phoebe

  Location: Pittsfield, MA   Phoebe is a 9-month old pup ready and waiting for her new best friend. Just 25 pounds, she's unlikely to get much bigger. Phoebe arrived in foster care terrified of all things new. She spent her first weeks choosing to simply hang out in her crate with the door open. She likes to watch what's going on before feeling brave enough to join in. Her new owner will need to understand this and be patient and respectful with her.    Outdoors, Phoebe really comes alive! She loves to run and explore in my fenced yard. Although she came from a southern state, she loves playing in the snow! She is showing some interest in ball play and likes to nab a ball and parade around the yard with it. She has the potential to be a good fetcher! Phoebe also LOVES other dogs, inviting them to play but also willing to take no for an answer from my senior dog. A playmate in her new home would be nice (but not required) while also helping her to feel more confident. Phoebe has not been tested with cats.   Phoebe's forever home should be prepared to let this pup warm up in her own sweet time and not push her. Once she's comfortable, her bravery emerges. and she will seek out attention. At that point, she can be jumpy (we're working on this!) so no small children. Once she comes out of her shell, Phoebe would be a good hiking companion and possibly an agility partner; this girl is FAST and loves to run.    Phoebe's coloring suggests she may be part cattle dog or rat terrier or both; a DNA test would be required to know for sure. Despite her worries, I can tell how smart Phoebe is. She already understands "Get in yer crate," and "Go on" meaning to go off the back deck and do her business. She has a beginning understanding of "sit" and "off" (no jumping) but these will need additional training with her new owners. She will also need lessons in leash walking as she overcomes her anxiety about new environments. Riding in a vehicle is still pretty scary; she'll need lots of treats just sitting in a motionless car and gradually adding movement. A positive reinforcement training class would be a good idea once she's bonded with her new owners in order to help her learn basic manners.   With the exception of her first 24 hours in foster care,Phoebe has kept her crate clean (she sleeps there overnight without a peep) and has had no indoor accidents. I consider her housetrained although she may make a mistake or two as she acclimates to her new home. Due to her young age, Phoebe does like to chew (she destroyed a blanket one night) so she'll need to be gently guided toward appropriate chew toys. Stuffed kongs are among her favorite things!    Phoebe is spayed and up-to-date on all appropriate veterinary care. She is heartworm negative and on monthly preventative.    Once Phoebe builds trust with people, she is loving and sweet but also quite rambunctious. Phoebe's foster mom (a certified dog trainer) will provide one free training lesson for Phoebe in her new home. This can be to address any topic of your choosing. I teach both in-person and via zoom.    Like her famous "Friends" namesake, this Phoebe has her quirks but she's eager to form attachment and learn to be the best she can be. Will you be the friend who comes to adopt this little miss?   Phoebe is being fostered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and can be adopted here or in any neighboring state. The best way to get more information on Phoebe is to fill out an adoption application at www.acdra.org.   Contact  [email protected]