Name, age, breed: Ruby, 1year, mixed breed
Likes: treats, attention, walks and being outside
Dislikes: nervous of quick movements and new people. Would benefit from some more socialization. Also seems to not like having her back legs and lower back touched by new people - basically anywhere she can't directly see.
What would be the ideal home? Since Ruby is very excitable, a quite home that can let her settle would be ideal (loud environments can cause her to be anxious/nervous, especially at night). Additionally, a home with a backyard for Ruby to run around in would be ideal - she loves to chase squirrels! Ruby is also very high energy so she will require lots of exercise. She would also benefit from continuing obedience training to manage her excitement.
Good with other cats? No - high prey drive
Good with dogs? Potentially with the right dog. Ruby is indifferent to dogs that are either polite or indifferent to her. Can become guarded when a dog that approaches her is pushy/barking. Likely no small dogs either (like chihuahua size) as she can get them confused with smaller animals
Good with children? Potentially with dog savvy children. Ruby is very good with quiet, polite children; however, she can become nervous around loud/busy children. Older children are probably best.
Temperament: Ruby can be very nervous/guarded when meeting new people. She is also very excitable and even a little mouthy, but will settle with a firm "no" or "sit." She would do best with introductions outside first before having someone into the home. Once she warms up to you, she is very sweet and will not leave your side. She can be a bit pushy for getting pets, however if you leave her be she is more than ok to either look out the window or lay on her bed.
Motivators? Treats, verbal praise, affection - she would sit in your lap and have you pet her all day if it were possible!
Any commands? Sit, working on lie down
House trained? Work in progress, she has had one accident in her foster home and has been caught squatting a few times - usually when she has to go pee, she will get up and walk around, typically by the door.
Crate trained? Also work in progress, she is very hesitant to go in at first, but once coaxed in with high value treats, she will settle and have a nap/go to bed. Will not bark in her crate and has had no accidents in the crate either.
How long will it take to settle into a new environment? 3-3-3 rule: First 3 days - Your dog may be overwhelmed and may hide, have a lack of appetite, or test boundaries. Give them space and time to adjust in a quiet room with their bed, food, water, and toys. 3 weeks - Your dog may start to settle in and their personality will emerge. You can expect behavior issues to arise, so set boundaries and expectations with positive reinforcement training. 3 months - Your dog should be comfortable and acclimated to your home. They should know their routine and expect meals and enrichment at specific times.
Any special needs or traits an adopter should know? As mentioned above, Ruby can be quite nervous of meeting new people - particularly at night. She can also be a bit weary of men, again, especially on walks at night and she may bark. However, this can quickly be redirected with a "come on, Ruby" or "this way, Ruby." In order for Ruby to adjust to new people, it is important that introductions are slow and outside - she is less reactive this way.
If you think Ruby is the one for you - fill out an application today!
