Leo - 2 years, 57lbs, Husky/Lab Mix, Neutered 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 Their Foster Parent Says: "Leo has been doing so well now that we are in a routine. He is so cuddly and sweet and will play with a toy to entertain himself or have a nice long nap as long as he gets a long walk (30-45 min) in the AM, a quick mid-day walk, and night time walk. He really enjoys playing with his humans but also loves playing with other dogs (chase and some wrestling). While he is not 100% comfortable going potty on the leash he will go multiple times a day in a closed in yard and he has started to pee on a leash now that snow is melting. Once he has a spot, he will always go on that same spot. Leo loves to cuddle with his humans and is a quiet house guest--not barking at the door ringing or people in the hall. He is respectful of human stuff and really only goes for toys unless he wants attention or has lots of energy to burn. He sleeps through the night and settles well by himself after you leave. Leo is a charismatic goofball who will quickly win you over with his stunning eyes and silly personality and cartoon-like ears . As an adolescent dog, he will require structure and someone who can provide firm guidance when he tests boundaries. Given his age and breed, he needs a balance of physical and mental exercise; while he catches on quickly, consistent training will be important. Leo loves to play and is famous for his high-speed "zoomies". He loves playing fetch, is learning tug-of-war, and is an ideal candidate for a running buddy." Level of dog ownership experience needed: INTERMEDIATE: 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.) Energy level MEDIUM: Needs a daily 60-90 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.) Cuddle Bug Level High -- Wants to be in your lap pretty much all the time--Leo thinks he is a lap dog and melts into you when it's cuddle time. Potty Trained Yes -- Few or no accidents--We are successfully going to the bathroom outside!!! He will sometimes do an excited pee when you let him out of his crate in the AM or after leaving him for a while but I think that is likely a phase and will stop once he is settled into a routine. Comfy with strangers? Yep -- Wants to be friends with everyone who walks by, super social butterfly, loves anyone who will stop to say hello. Comfortable with Children? (ALWAYS requires supervision) Yes for 12 and up -- may be a little energetic or a little skittish, best with older children that can be extra gentle or that are big enough not to get accidentally knocked down--Leo is a bit mouthy when playing and we are working on redirecting that towards a toy. He also loves to demand bark and play chicken by running towards you at full speed when playing so kids 12 and up would be better. He is super gentle otherwise and I could see him doing great with a young family as long as he still got appropriate exercise and truly be best buddies with the kid. Social with Other Dogs? Mostly -- Generally good with other dogs but may be picky (scared of big dogs or plays too rough for small dogs, for example)--He is still working on manners with other dogs. He will paw at them when playing and bark to try to engage with them. He is interested in other dogs but when passing them on the street his hackles go up from neck to tail (it looks like a mohawk). I get the sense it is more excitement but I think it could also be some anxiety. Respectful of Other Animals? (cats, small pets, etc.) Yes -- Seems to get along with other animals, either tries to play with them or is mostly uninterested--He will push them to play when he is excited (demand bark at them) but I think he could be okay with a cat and good training. He is interested in birds but doesn't lunge at them. Mouthy Behavior? High – Is either still in the puppy stage or was never trained to not be mouthy. Wants to put everything in their mouth. Tries to chew on your hands when playing or needs attention, grabs the leash with its mouth, loves to gnaw on your personal belongings.--Respectful of human belongings but tries to chew hands when playing or needs attention. Leash Manners? Getting the Hang of it – Probably hasn't been on a leash much in its life but he/she is figuring it out. Might be a mild puller but responds to correction. Okay in the city? Sort of -- Spooked easily by loud noises and bustling areas but walks pretty well and probably just needs more time to adjust (may be a puppy or a brand new rescue)--Not spooked by the city at all. Seems to just take it all in but really could use a yard. He loves to zoom in circles and sprint as hard as possible. I think he could live in the city if he had another home in the country or was frequently taken out. He is also good in the apartment with neighbors and doesn't bark at sounds he hears outside. Jumping on People to Say Hi? Medium – Jumps up only on people the dog knows when really excited. Stops with correction. Separation Anxiety? (Please be sure to leave your foster dog home alone every single day for at least 20 minutes.) Medium – Might cry for a few minutes when you first leave the house but settles pretty quickly and has no problem being left alone.--Getting better with each departure. Crate training? Yep/mostly – Seems comfortable in the crate, may whine a little at first but settles pretty quickly. We use the crate when we leave the pup alone and/or at night.--After a while he will get upset being in the crate (will wake up early) but will go in there on his own as well. I think the crate may be a little small because he likes to sleep very stretched out. However he is fine after he settles. Medical status Healthy as far as we know. Up to date on their DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines; heartworm tested if coming from the South or Puerto Rico ; spayed/neutered; microchipped; treated with dewormer upon intake How this dog ended up with Social Tees: Most of our dogs come via partner groups who help us save them from shelters where they are at risk of euthanasia in Tennessee, Los Angeles and Puerto Rico. There are very few spay/neuter resources there and many more animals in those areas than there are people to adopt them. Rescue groups like ours bring them to the northeast where the desire for pets like these allows us to save their lives. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee any breed mix, exact age, or full grown size (if the dog is under a year old). We do our best with very educated guesses though! This animal is not at the Social Tees office, all are in foster homes. LEARN MORE ABOUT US: socialteesnyc.org and Instagram @socialteesnyc