Malibu

Malibu - 1 year, 10lbs, Chi Mix, Spayed This dog is eligible to join our foster-to-adopt program. Please email fostertoadopt@socialteesnyc.org with the animal’s name in the subject line if you are interested! Want to straight up adopt? Submit an adoption application at socialteesnyc.org Our Team Says: "Malibu is a gem of a tiny dog. This tinly little thing has the confidence of a large dog and loves people as much as a golden retreiver. She hasn't met a human she doesn't love. She does need a home in a calmer area - she's not an East Village girlie. She likes to do her business in a calm neighborhood. Has zero people fear but needs a calm area to pee and poo." Her Foster Family Says: "If you’ve ever wanted a Chihuahua without the Napoleon complex, Malibu is your girl. She is incredibly sweet, affectionate, and just an all-around fun little dog. Malibu absolutely loves people and would happily spend her day curled up in your lap or snuggled against you. She’s also wonderfully social with other dogs. She’s very sweet and submissive when she plays, and she genuinely seems to get along with everyone and everything she meets. And she LOVES toys. She’ll play with them by herself, with her people, or with other dogs. Watching her entertain herself with a toy is one of the cutest things ever. She has a fun amount of energy without being overwhelming, and she’s just an easy, happy little companion. She’s also a really nice leash walker but city life has been a little overwhelming for Malibu, and she hasn’t quite gotten comfortable enough to consistently potty outside. We take her out 5+ times a day and she will hold her pee, but thankfully we’ve found a spot in the apartment where she reliably uses a pee pad. It likely means she knows she's not supposed to go to the bathroom wherever and whenever she wants, she just is too uncomfortable in our very busy neighborhood to go. We think she would likely thrive much more in a quieter neighborhood or calmer environment where she can relax and build confidence. One thing her future family will want to continue working on is boundaries. Malibu LOVES being on you and would prefer to be permanently attached to your chest. We’ve been working on teaching her that she can settle beside you or lower on your lap, and that when she’s invited up, she gets all the cuddles she wants. She’s been doing really well with this and is very receptive to gentle structure. She also has some separation anxiety but it's only her crying for 10-20 minutes before she settles so continuing to leave her alone every day is crucial. Malibu is just a really, really fun Chihuahua. She’s affectionate, playful, social, cuddly, and full of personality. If you’re looking for a little dog who wants to be your best friend and make you laugh every day, Malibu might be your girl." Level of dog ownership experience required: BEGINNER – “Beginner” doesn’t necessarily mean easy as all dogs will require time, work, and patience, but we predict this dog will be low on the challenge scale because of their breed/age combo. Potentially a good fit for someone who has relevant dog care experience (fostering, dog sitting) and is looking to adopt their first pup. Energy level: MEDIUM – Needs a daily 60 minute walk or window of quick paced exercise (minimum) in addition to potty break strolls (10-30 min each). Also needs significant socializing opportunities outside the home and mental stimulation at home like tricks training practice, chew items, and puzzle toys. (This is regardless of dog size – many small breeds were designed for lots of activity and will exhibit unwanted behavior when they’re understimulated.) She's little but can keep up with getting her steps in! Medical status: Healthy as far as we know. Up to date on their DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines; heartworm tested if coming from Tennessee or Puerto Rico; spayed/neutered; microchipped; treated with dewormer upon intake TOLERANCE TO CITY Adjusting to the city – Spoo