Freddie-adopted!

Hi, my name is Freddie. I'm a Wire Haired Fox Terrier, probably a pure bred. I'm roughly 5-7 years old. I was originally found being kicked around in a bar in Florida by some really mean people. Somebody felt really bad for me and picked me up and brought me to Maine, where they then put me in a shelter. I'm a quiet guy, and my idea of a perfect day is when the sun is out, my people are home and I can sleep at their feet. They say that dogs like me like to bark, but I really don't feel the need unless I think there is an invading animal in the yard. OR if my Foster Dad is outside and I really want to go for a walk with him. That is one of my favorite times of the day. I love to go for my walk! My foster Mom gave me my own kennel to sleep in, and I don't complain about it. I like food, but I don't get all that excited about it, toys either. I'm pretty mellow most of the time. What I do get excited about is cats!! They are slinky, fun little creatures to chase!!! My foster Mom says..'its in his genes'...whatever that means. I really would love a kind, gentle and loving home of my own where people understand me. I'm really a nice, sweet guy!! Oh..and I don't shed..much.

My foster Mom wants to say a few words.

Freddie is a great little dog. He's about 25lbs, good with other dogs, big and very small (5lbs)....for the most part!! The only time he gets testy with them is when he is getting attention, he LOOOOVES attention! He is learning he has to share it though, but will occasionally snarl if another dog interrupts while he is being pet. He gets along with them fine and even plays with the little dog in the last picture, it is quite funny to watch. He loves running around the yard, and likes the game 'chase', but is mostly ambivalent to them when in the house. He isn't hyper in the house at all, and mostly will just find a comfy place to nap. Occasionally in your lap, but he is a little big to be a constant lapdog. The terrier in him has a high prey drive for little creatures like cats or rabbits, so he can't be placed with them. He can't help it and it would do no good to try to train it out of him. It is what he was bred for.

Freddie is housetrained, but he is a boy and in a new environment may try to 'mark' once or twice, so you have to keep an eye on him. After the first day or so though, he has been perfectly trustworthy in the house, even when no one is home.

He is a Fox Terrier through and through..the only part of his temperament that isn't true to breed is the barking. They are supposed to bark alot, but he doesn't really unless his interest is seriously peaked, and he doesn't alarm bark. Maybe he gives a bark or two, but nowhere near the level of the rest of the 'greeting committee' that we are used to.

He doesn't tend to be food aggressive unless there is another dog IN his bowl or if he is getting something he thinks he is 'stealing' (like the cat food), he loves strangers, and welcomes them with open paws and lots of licks.

HOWEVER!! Because he has been physically abused, he has very special needs that his new family will need to be able to meet (see below). Read here about Fox Terriers in general: http://www.yourpurebredpuppy.com/reviews/foxterriers.html

Freddie is very body sensitive/defensive. It is apparent that he was handled incorrectly and abused and therefore is defensive and afraid of being hurt, and because he is a terrier, that means he may snap when he feels threatened. He needs a family that will be sensitive to his past and will handle him gently and with kid gloves. According to him, his people will need to earn his trust. He needs positive reinforcement methods ONLY. Redirection and lots of patience. He is learning to overcome some of his sensitivities, but he will never be a dog that will tolerate being grabbed suddenly or roughed up. Therefore..no kids!! He needs an adult only, dog savvy home. One that doesn't subscribe to Cesar Milan methods of domination and force. With him, it is exactly the WRONG approach.

He will get nippy if overly aggravated, especially around his hind end and back feet. He doesn't like being handled rough, or dominated in any way. Because grooming can push a dog like this to its limits, he really doesn't tolerate it without a soft muzzle.

Freddie does have a bite history, and while it wasn't bad, it could have been avoided. The person grabbed his face on either side and put his face in Freddies face. It was NOT a smart thing to do, not only was he being handled rough, but he felt trapped and threatened. Eye to eye contact like that means aggression to a dog. He snapped at the face in front of him, and did make contact. It wasn't severe, but it is something to be aware of. He will take love, patience and vigilance in all his interactions. He needs to be handled correctly and lovingly at all times, and contact with kids should not be allowed.

If you have any questions, please let me know: [email protected]