joey

Joey is a 7yr old, 10# male Maltese/Yorkie mix that came from a breeding operation, and he hasn't had the same socialization as a house pet would have had growing up. He is very shy with people, and although he's made some progress with his foster mom, it's been a slow process. Joey follows her around (especially if she's in the kitchen), but doesn’t really like to be picked up. He doesn’t like any pressure against his body but tolerates it - does best lifted up from under his belly area. He is a happy little dog that loves to run and play with the other canines in the foster home – he's cautious with people. Joey has learned to jump up on furniture, and at night he will jump up on the foster's bed (which is low to the ground) and sleeps with her and the other dogs. So he's making progress, and has the potential to continue trusting and interacting with his person, but it's going to take time and patience. His placement MUST be in an adult-only home, with someone that has experience with shy-fearful dogs/puppymill dogs . His home MUST also have another small, friendly dog for companionship. Joey knows he's supposed to potty outside. He goes to the door and looks at you during the day when he needs to go out - but if you're not there to see him, he might have an accident - your best bet is to take him out regularly every 4 hrs. At night, he wakes you up when he needs to go out, and the foster does take him out once during the night. If left for more than 4 hrs., he’ll use the pee pad. Joey MUST have a secure, fenced in area to do his business because he doesn’t do his business on a leash. Joey does come when foster calls him, but if he got out, he would be so frightened he would run off and not come to strangers. He rides in the front passenger seat of the car.
Joey has spurts of energy when he will run and play with other small dogs – he really enjoys his relationships with the other dogs in the home, and MUST have another small dog companion. No experience with cats. Not a match for children.
He is food motivated, which will be a help in training, but needs to watch his weight. Doesn't seem to shed, but his coat will mat. Unfortunately, he doesn’t tolerate brushing, so Joey needs grooming about every 6-8 weeks, and will need to b pre-medicated and muzzled, so will need an experienced groomer.
He is neutered, and had a dental cleaning done in September of this year – the 13 teeth remaining in his mouth were cleaned and polished. He eats dry kibble that has been soaked and softened, and his tongue does NOT hang out of his mouth. Current on distemper and rabies vaccinations. His microchip is registered to Second Chance.
Transitioning into a new home might be just like starting over again for Joey. This is a journey his new adopter can take him on. He needs a person that is familiar with dogs that want to trust people, but aren't quite able to do that without guidance, and a person that can keep him safe as he learns to navigate life. You need to accept him as he is, because change is slow. Joey’s adoption fee is $200. If you have questions, or would like to meet Joey, please call 651-771-5662.