Ocean

Ocean - 6 months & 20lbs (as of 10/5), Chi/Terrier Mix, Spayed Expected to be about 30lbs full grown This puppy 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 Their Foster Parent Says: "Ocean is a shy little wallflower who needs time to feel comfortable with her surroundings. BUT Once she is comfortable, she is the biggest cuddle bug ever who needs to be right next to you giving you kisses at all times. Ocean is a sweetheart with SO much love to give. She loves belly rubs, her lamb toy, fetch, butt pats, ice cubes, frozen carrots, and lounging on the couch with her people. She loves chasing her own tail, wants to join in if you kiss your significant other, and will squeeze herself between two people sitting together so she can get maximum pets. She does the cutest wiggle dance when you come home, and her worried-looking puppy eyebrows make her stare especially adorable. She has also quickly become a favorite in our building. I believe she will do best in a suburban area with another dog in the home. She seems to gain lots of confidence being around my pup. She sleeps great through the night in her crate, she does seem to be a bit hesitant with putting on her leash so we are working on making it a positive experience with lots of treats and she is getting better. She will walk about 10 minutes currently. She WILL try to stop and go back/get jump scared but I’ve noticed she does a lot better if we don’t acknowledge it and continue walking. She plays very well with her foster sibling who is about her same size. Overall she is a very goofy and sweet girl once she feels comfortable (which took literally 12 hours for us) and would make a great pup to any household with lots of patience." Level of dog ownership experience required: INTERMEDIATE – As an adult, this dog will need significant structure and plenty of daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation – 90 consecutive minutes of movement in the morning plus potty break walks and brain games throughout the day. The adopter must have relevant primary care experience with a similar breed, temperament, and/or energy level. (Primary care experience includes ownership, fostering, or dog sitting as an adult, not a dog you grew up with.) Relevant puppy care experience is a huge plus, but bare minimum the adopter must have TONS of time and patience. Raising a puppy can be a lot of fun, but it’s also tremendous work. Puppies’ personalities and exercise/stimulation requirements change dramatically between now and when they’re a year old as their bodies and brains develop, so an active lifestyle and the ability to adapt to a pup’s evolving needs are a must. We strongly urge professional dog training with a rewards based trainer from the get go. Adults only or kids ages 8 and up – all puppies go through a mouthy, rambunctious phase and often accidentally hurt children when playing. PLEASE DO YOUR OWN BREED RESEARCH to make sure you have a better understanding of the kind of temperament and exercise requirements this dog may have as an adult. Energy level: MEDIUM – Needs a daily 60-90 minute morning walk or window of quick paced exercise in addition to potty break strolls (10-30 min each). Also needs significant opportunities to socialize 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.) TOLERANCE TO CITY Country mouse – Needs a home outside of the city, suburbs or beyond. Terrified of walks, barely wants to move and shakes a lot, eager to get back home (may be a puppy or a brand new rescue). POTTY TRAINING Yes – Few or no accidents COMFORT LEVEL WITH STRANGERS Wallflower – Very shy