DESCRIPTION
Some dogs are naturally timid or shy, while others may not have learned to trust people while they were young. These dogs need to feel safe before they will interact with people; the work to build a relationship of trust could be a long and hard one but the experience can be one of the most rewarding of dog ownership. Chicken Little Dogs: are fearful of new people and places, take time to trust, shut down here at the shelter, and will bite if people push or try to interact too quickly. However, once they trust a person, they often become very bonded. OTHER PETS: Joe returned sniffs from another little dog, who was calm and gentle in approach, but declined to join in while playing around the room. He did spend more time around the dog than around the evaluators, by his choice, and would likely enjoy the company of a dog with a calm temperment. Joe should meet any dogs he would be living with prior to adoption. [Case-By-Case (Must Meet First)] OWNER EXPERIENCE: Joe's best fit would be with humans who were patient and let HIM set the pace of their interactions, bulding trust and a positive rapport in small steps. [First Dog] KIDS: Joe is still actively running away from humans and hiding under his bed. Remember, Chicken Little Dogs: are fearful of new people and places, take time to trust, shut down here at the shelter, and will bite if people push or try to interact too quickly. In order to set him up for success, Joe will not be adopted to a home with minors. [Adults Only] ACTIVITY LEVEL: Joe enjoys running around in our outdoor runs and exploring with his nose; while he is still hiding and avoidant inside the shelter building, he is more relaxed outside. Joe will likely exhibit a higher energy level once he is feeling safe and secure in his new situation, as he routinely exhibits higher energy when feeling relaxed outside. Until Joe feels safe enough to walk on leash with his new humans, giving him the opportunity to move and explore in a safe area (his own room, a fenced yard with a drag leash, etc) will be his best option. [Good Walking Buddy] VETERINARY CARE: [Routine] LEVEL OF TRAINING NEEDED: Positive reinforcement training will help Joe bond with his new owner, build confidence and learn his behavorial expectations. The initial part of training with Joe will be building the foundational trust that will allow you to interact with him long enough to engage in training exercises. [Moderate] GROOMING: Regular brushing will help keep Joe's coat clean and matt-free between grooms; he should be professionally groomed every 6 - 8 weeks. [Professional Grooming]
ABOUT: MALTESE DOG BREED
The Maltese is a small toy breed known for its glamorous white coat, which is long, silky, and virtually hypoallergenic. They are gentle, affectionate companion dogs that thrive on human companionship and make wonderful family pets. Maltese dogs are playful, intelligent, and alert, with a confident demeanor despite their small size. They require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat and are suitable for apartment living due to their size and adaptability.
