louie

**Meet Louie!**Louie is a 1½-year-old Staffordshire Terrier/Australian Shepherd mix with a heart that`s every bit as big as his smile. While he may take a little time to warm up to new people, those who earn his trust quickly discover what makes him so special. Louie isn`t the type of dog who gives his heart away to everyone—but once you`re in, you`re in for life.In his previous home, Louie lived with children and was deeply devoted to his family. He did wonderfully with his own human siblings, but as he matured, his Australian Shepherd instincts began to shine through during high-energy play with younger children who came over for playdates. The excitement of kids running, chasing, and playing would occasionally trigger his natural herding behaviors. Wanting to do what was best for both Louie and their family, his owners made the incredibly difficult and selfless decision to help him find a home that better fits his needs. Because of this, we think Louie would be happiest in a home with older children who are past the constant running and chasing stage of life.Once he settles in and feels safe, Louie`s playful personality absolutely comes to life. He loves romping around with his dog friends, chasing his favorite Kong Frisbee, and showing off his delightfully bouncy side. He`s also a champion lounger who is perfectly happy to curl up and relax after a day of fun.One of our favorite things about Louie is how much he loves to learn. He already knows commands like sit, shake, and down, and he`s incredibly treat motivated. Training isn`t just something Louie enjoys—it`s something that helps him feel confident. When he`s unsure about a new situation, asking him to perform a familiar cue helps him understand what`s expected of him and allows his confidence to blossom. Watching him realize, `Oh! I know how to do this!` is one of the sweetest things you`ll ever see.Louie is house trained, crate trained, and has done well both crated and free-roaming when left alone for shorter periods. On walks, he appreciates a patient handler who understands that unfamiliar situations can make him a little nervous. Once he`s comfortable with both his person and his routine, he becomes a wonderful walking companion. Because he can occasionally try to back out of unfamiliar situations, we`re currently walking him in a harness and sometimes using a second leash for added safety while he builds confidence.Louie absolutely adores other