Oreo, a small sheltie- miniature poodle mix, came into the program as a neglected and unwanted pup from a litter that was abandon. He was born on March 5 of this year, which makes him 9 months old now. Oreo is a bit behind in his socialization skills and housebreaking, but slowly catching up in his current foster home. Being a typical puppy, Oreo likes playing with toys and with other dogs. He is very submissive, so sometimes the other more dominant dogs pick on him . Oreo definitely needs another small, playful, easy going dog in his adoptive home to be his playmate and mentor. And they absolutely need a secure fenced yard to play in because he loves to play outside, but if he got loose, he doesn’t always come when called. Oreo's energy level and frequent need to go out for his potty training would be best suited to a townhouse or single family home - he would not do well in an apartment. Sometimes chasing a squirrel is more important than responding to his person’s calls. He is very sweet and affectionate, and loves to cuddle, but is easily frightened by loud noises and unfamiliar people, and will bark at people he doesn’t know. For this reason, we think that any kids in his adoptive home should be respectful 12 yr and older. Oreo has learned to sit on command, and he walks fairly well on leash (he is walked next to another dog) until a squirrel comes along, and then he will pull. He would benefit from some basic obedience classes. At this age he is in that “chewing stage” of puppyhood, so needs plenty of approved chews, and is crated when the foster is gone. He accepts being crated, and doesn’t bark. Oreo rides OK in the car – either in a crate, or laying on a blanket, tethered with a leash so he won’t jump out when the car door is opened. He likes to dig in the dirt, and has his own approved dirt pile that he is learning to use. He is a smart dog, but nobody had worked with him before and there is a lot to learn. That brings us to the potty training. He’s made good progress, but isn’t reliably housebroken yet. Doesn’t signal a need to go outside, so you need to establish a schedule that works for him – right now, that’s going out about every 4 hrs. Go out with him, to be sure he completes his business – he will pee first, but then might get distracted and not poop. Then, when he gets back in the house, he relaxes and it will come out. This doesn’t happen every time he goes out; the accidents he has have not been pee accidents. He sleeps in bed with his person at night. Oreo will need grooming 4-5 times/yr. – make sure this is affordable for you, as he will be with you for another 12 to 15 years. Oreo weighs 15.5#, and is just about full grown. Oreo is neutered, and current on distemper and rabies vaccinations, and a microchip has been inserted. If you are home most of the time to finish the housebreaking, have another easy going, playful dog and a secure fenced yard, have previous dog experience, and are interested in meeting Oreo, call 651-771-5662. His adoption fee is $500. The last picture of two dogs is Oreo with his sister Gracie, who is also available for adoption. Both dogs are in the same foster home.