About Sammy
Sammy is a 10-month old, 13# Miniature Schnauzer - Cavalier King Charles mix whose history includes a difficult puppyhood. He was born and initially raised in a puppy mill. Puppy mills have a reputation for keeping animals in neglectful conditions with little human interaction or chance for exercise. Animals are often kept in small crates day and night, and the animals are forced to live in their own excrement. Sammy was rescued from these conditions. Because of the lack of socialization in his early years, his biggest problem is that he is very timid around people (to some extent even those he trusts). After working intensively with him socializing, potty training, and living indoors with a foster family - he is ready to find "his" family.
Currently Sammy is doing very well in his foster environment, but he is going to need special understanding and patience in his new home. He continues to be timid when meeting new people or when placed in new situations. Sammy needs to be with a family with another dog to emulate, play with, and help him learn how to live successfully as a dog. He is very happy when he is around other dogs. Another dog in the home is a requirement for adoption. He usually needs another dog to follow outside to do his business (unless he is really excited or needs to go!). He ignores the cats in the household (thus has no problem getting along with cats), but does sample the kitty litter when given a chance. Sammy might be OK with a respectful teenager, but won't be adopted to a family with a toddler or young child - energetic play of children overwhelms him, and he just doesn't warm up to children (sometimes he even hides from them). A quiet adult home would be ideal.
Sammy probably will need his own space at first to get used to a transition into a new home in order to feel comfortable. As he learns about the household routines and his place in it, he warms up and can be affectionate and playful. He likes to be petted, play, and tolerates being held. He is a very sweet dog with a gentle disposition - even when scared he is not aggressive.
Sammy is generally housebroken but does have accidents in the house. Being a puppy with his history, this is not unusual. He sometimes yips or gets excited to signal a need to go out, but does not seem to always remember to go outside. Recognizing his cues will go a long way, along with positive reinforcement when he does his business outdoors. In a very short time, Sammy has made tremendous improvements in his social skills and decreasing frequency of accidents, and he appears to be on the right track. A fenced-in yard would be an asset as he does not pee or poop on his walks.
Once he bonds and trusts you, Sammy knows the commands sit, stay, and come. He does pull on the leash, but probably will improve with more one-on-one training. Sammy is at a great age for obedience training, and it would help build his self confidence.
Sammy does not bark at other dogs, but gets excited by squirrels and needs to be reminded not to bark when he sees them. Sammy also barks appropriately at sounds outside. His wire-hair coat does shed, so he is not hypoallergenic - he might need grooming a couple times a year. Sam is neutered, and current on vaccinations. His adoption fee is $165. If you have another dog, and previous experience with shy/puppy mill dogs, you would be a good match for this pup. A fenced yard would be ideal. Call 651-771-5662 if you are interested in him.
Second Chance Animal Rescue
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
651-771-5662
Petfinder Id: 14795266