fred-courtesy lising

Fred is approximately 3–4 years old, weighs about 50lbs. He's a Tricolor Border Collie mix, neutered and fully house trained. His energy level is moderate — playful outside, calm indoors. Fred is a sensitive, sweet, emotionally intuitive herding-breed mix who forms deep, meaningful bonds with the people he trusts. Once he feels safe, he becomes affectionate, playful, gentle, quirky, connected, and eager to be near his person.

He settles well in the home, often resting at your feet or choosing a comfortable nearby spot. He likes being close but is not clingy; he simply enjoys companionship from a place of safety. Fred thrives with calm, predictable handling, gentle voices, and slow movements that give him space to build trust at his own pace.

Fred is highly sensitive and easily overwhelmed by unfamiliar people, sudden movement into his space, loud or chaotic environments, and unpredictability.
He needs slow introductions, time to observe, soft tones, gentle body language, consistent routines, and a peaceful, stable environment. With these supports, he warms up beautifully and becomes affectionate, expressive, and securely attached.

Fred has fear-based reactivity, not true aggression. When overwhelmed, he may growl, snap, air-bite, or lunge if he feels cornered or pressured.
With proper introductions and calm interactions, these behaviors reduce significantly or disappear.

Fred has significant separation and isolation anxiety. When left alone, he may pace, bark, whine, pant excessively, drool excessively, become restless, or struggle to settle.
Despite this distress, he has never been destructive and does not soil indoors.
He needs gradual alone-time training, consistency, predictability, a low-stress environment, and possibly a calm dog companion.

Fred plays well with other dogs, adjusts his energy appropriately, relaxes around calm dogs, gains confidence from a steady canine companion, and checks in frequently with his person. On leash, he may show mild reactivity at close ranges but redirects well. Off leash he is appropriate, social, and not aggressive.

Fred is an excellent walking companion with good leash manners and strong impulse control. He calmly observes deer and responds immediately to cues. Indoors, Fred is calm, quiet, and relaxed. He settles easily and is not clingy or demanding. He is an
easy, gentle house companion.
His strengths are: affectionate once bonded, gentle with treats, excellent with calm dogs, responsive to cues, calm in the car, playful outdoors, mellow indoors,
emotionally attuned, intelligent and sensitive, checks in often, settles beautifully after exercise

Fred has some challenges which includes fear-based reactivity, significant separation anxiety, environmental sensitivity, and need for slow introductions.
Fred thrives with someone experienced, patient, and consistent, who can support gradual alone-time training and provide a stable environment.

Fred is loving, sensitive, intelligent, and deeply loyal when he feels safe. As with herding breeds we suggest a home with no toddlers! He shows immense heart and tries hard to do well. He's looking for a family that will work with him,, he will show you he is worth it! If you would like more information about Fred or are interested in adopting you can email bolten.diane@gmail.com or fill out a application below.