Shadow – Owner Available

Male, 16 Months

If interested in SHADOW please contact Birgit via email at birgieann@gmail.com

Shadow is a sweet 16-month-old border collie mix—likely some McNab. We think he was born in October 2021. We adopted him at estimated age of 4 months, along with a littermate from a rescue. We now know it would have been wiser to get one feral pup instead of two, for training and socializing purposes. Shadow is now healthy, 46 pounds per February check-up, neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all shots plus Heartgard and Nexgard.

Shadow is house trained (rings the bell by back door to go out) and goes in his crate when asked. (Does not really need crate any more.) He is calm and well-mannered in the house. Currently he sleeps on a dog bed in our bedroom at night, shared with his brother. He is an agile, playful boy and a quick learner. He has lots of energy outdoors for running around the field, climbing around our changing log formations, exploring trails (on leash in public areas), chasing and tossing balls, playing with his brother, and digging up gopher holes in a field where we allow it. He likes to go places in the car—does well with both long and short trips. He knows basics like sit, stay/wait, down, go up, this way, and he usually comes if called but is still prone to some distractions when outdoors. Will chase wildlife and probably cats. All commands need to be solidified with added distractions. He would like to learn more cute tricks—like how he bows down on front legs if we ask him to “say please.” He is ok on a leash with a Gentle Leader, especially when walked by himself. He loves belly rubs, getting his ears scratched, and being brushed. He works for treats, getting pets, and praise. He likes to stay near his people, when working outside or hanging out inside. When we visit my elderly mother, he is often found laying at her feet.

Our problem is his fear of strangers which makes him territorial and protective. I am not in a position to manage and work on that behavior very well at this time, and am hoping to find a special person who can. Shadow needs a human partner who understands the breed and his social issue, and can work through this with management, desensitization and training, separate from his brother. (The two pups can feed off each other.) On a leash around town, he is fine as long as unknown people don’t pay much attention to him, so vigilance is required. If strangers reach a hand towards him he may snap towards their hand. He has twice bit a person’s heel/lower calf when they stepped into his perceived territory, without much warning. He has practiced wearing a basket muzzle at suggestion of trainer. Once he has established trust with a person, he is great with that person and seems to remember them between visits. A large, quiet property with secure fencing would be ideal.

If interested in SHADOW please contact Birgit via email at birgieann@gmail.com