ocean

Ocean - 6 months & 20lbs (as of 10/5), Chi/Terrier Mix, Spayed Expected to be about 30lbs full grown

This puppy 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: "Ocean is a shy little wallflower who needs time to feel comfortable with her surroundings. BUT Once she is comfortable, she is the biggest cuddle bug ever who needs to be right next to you giving you kisses at all times. Ocean is a sweetheart with SO much love to give. She loves belly rubs, her lamb toy, fetch, butt pats, ice cubes, frozen carrots, and lounging on the couch with her people. She loves chasing her own tail, wants to join in if you kiss your significant other, and will squeeze herself between two people sitting together so she can get maximum pets. She does the cutest wiggle dance when you come home, and her worried-looking puppy eyebrows make her stare especially adorable. She has also quickly become a favorite in our building.

I believe she will do best in a suburban area with another dog in the home. She seems to gain lots of confidence being around my pup. She sleeps great through the night in her crate, she does seem to be a bit hesitant with putting on her leash so we are working on making it a positive experience with lots of treats and she is getting better. She will walk about 10 minutes currently. She WILL try to stop and go back/get jump scared but I’ve noticed she does a lot better if we don’t acknowledge it and continue walking. She plays very well with her foster sibling who is about her same size. Overall she is a very goofy and sweet girl once she feels comfortable (which took literally 12 hours for us) and would make a great pup to any household with lots of patience."

Level of dog ownership experience required:INTERMEDIATE – As an adult, 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.) Relevant puppy care experience is a huge plus, but bare minimum the adopter must have TONS of time and patience. Raising a puppy can be a lot of fun, but it’s also  tremendous work. Puppies’ personalities and exercise/stimulation requirements change dramatically between now and when they’re a year old as their bodies and brains develop, so an active lifestyle and the ability to adapt to a pup’s evolving needs are a must. We strongly urge professional dog training with a rewards based trainer from the get go. Adults only or kids ages 8 and up – all puppies go through a mouthy, rambunctious phase and often accidentally hurt children when playing. PLEASE DO YOUR OWN BREED RESEARCH to make sure you have a better understanding of the kind of temperament and exercise requirements this dog may have as an adult.

Energy level: MEDIUM – Needs a daily 60-90 minute morning walk or window of quick paced exercise in addition to potty break strolls (10-30 min each). Also needs significant opportunities to socialize 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.)

TOLERANCE TO CITYCountry mouse – Needs a home outside of the city, suburbs or beyond. Terrified of walks, barely wants to move and shakes a lot, eager to get back home (may be a puppy or a brand new rescue).

POTTY TRAINING Yes – Few or no accidents

COMFORT LEVEL WITH STRANGERSWallflower – Very shy with new people and takes a while to warm up. Afraid when unfamiliar people try to say hi on the street, hides or shrinks back when new people visit the home.

BEHAVIOR WITH CHILDREN (always requires adult supervision)Maybe for age 12 and up – Is either big and energetic (okay with kids big enough not to get knocked down) or a little skittish (could be comfortable with older children that can be extra gentle) 

SOCIAL BEHAVIOR WITH OTHER DOGSMostly – Generally good with other dogs but may be selective (scared of big dogs or plays too rough for small dogs, for example). Very uninterested/scared of dogs outside, VERY VERY good with my pup.

RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR WITH OTHER ANIMALS (cats, small pets, etc.)Not sure – Wants to chase squirrels and birds so may not be a good match for a home with cats, rabbits, etc. Not comfortable outside enough for me to know - doesn’t seem to even care since she gets so scared.

MOUTHY BEHAVIORWorking on it – Is respectful of hands, feet, etc. but likes to chew on things they’re not supposed to like shoes, furniture, etc. 

SEPARATION ANXIETY (Please leave your foster dog home alone every day for at least 20 minutes.)  Ocean is doing great being left home alone now. Most puppies have some level of separation anxiety as they learn to self soothe. Often they cry the first 10+ minutes at night or when they are left home alone or in a crate. Consistent training and alone time is crucial.

LEASH MANNERSGetting the hang of it – Probably hasn’t been on a leash much in their life but figuring it out. Might be a mild puller but responds to correction. 

CUDDLE BUG LEVELMedium – Likes to snuggle whens he's in the mood but often stays in her own bed or right next to youLOVES to be right in your face giving kisses

JUMPING ON PEOPLE TO SAY HELLOn/a still very scared of people standing in general but getting more confident each day

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.Does not like going in at first but will go in with some encouragement

Medical status:Healthy as far as we know. Up to date on their DHPP and Bordetella vaccines, spayed/neutered; microchipped; treated with dewormer upon intake. (For dogs under 4 months old, adopters will need to finish the DHPP vaccine series and administer the Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age.)

How did this dog end 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. 

This animal is not at the Social Tees office, all are in foster homes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT US: socialteesnyc.org and Instagram @socialteesnyc
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