Name(s): Fergus
Age: 8 or 9 years old
Size (weight): 15 lbs
Coat & colour: Short-hair, red
Temperament: Timid and placid, but sweet. Needs to build his confidence. Has started barking with the others at outdoor activity. Bonds well to his human.
Good with Dogs: Is tolerant of the 3 dogs in this house, however, does not show interest in interacting with them.
Good with Cats: Unknown
Good with Kids: Unknown
Housetraining: House trained. Prefers not to soil or mess on my patio. I take him out of the domestic area. He will come to you for attention when he needs to go out. We are working on matching the word “Potty” with going outside. I haven’t stumbled on a word he seems to already know.
Suitable for an Apartment: Yes. Being mindful that he has started barking along with current dog family.
Origin: Owner surrender, adopted, and resurrendered as current owner entering care facility that doesn’t allow pets.
Adoption Fee: $300
And now a few words from me:
I’m Fergus. My Foster Mum says that I’m a lovely little fellow. I’m overweight and much prefer junk food to good food. However, after a week of trying, Foster Mum found a good quality food that reminds me of my previous diet but is much better for me. I also enjoy a wee, tasty liver treat after our walk. Speaking of walks, I enjoy going for walks, and I stay right beside my Foster Mum. Lately I’ve started sniffing at things a bit and Foster Mum seems pleased. She says I’m starting to think with my nose like a typical dachshund. I sleep well all night. Foster Mum found some toys that I like, and I have fun jumping and chasing after them. We have a great time together, and I sure hope there’s a special someone out there looking for a new companion just like me!
And now a few words from my foster family:
From day one, Fergus has been a very easy-going, timid but mildly reactive fellow. He has not shown any signs of aggression, although he is reactive to my grown son. He barks and continues to bark as my son approaches. My son is taking the “no touch, no talk, no eye contact” approach and Fergus has stretched his neck sniffing toward him when not confronted by his approach. I have a smaller patio and Fergus does not appear to be comfortable doing potty there so we slip out on a larger green space and he is quick to do his piddles. A short walk will encourage a bowel movement. He was bathed and tolerated that calmly and cooperatively. He is much more people-oriented than doggie-oriented. He has not made any fuss so far about encountering dogs on walks, but he is not interested in meeting and greeting other dogs. When he first arrived I kept his collar dosed with essential lavender oil to help keep him steady while he became oriented to his new environment. I have also used bio-calm with him for comfort and support. Previously he was left alone for periods up to 12 hours while his former owner was at work. This was very detrimental for him and I believe this reinforced his timidity and lack of confidence. He is a sweet, sweet boy and will be a great companion for an owner that is only absent for short periods of time, and can continue to help him develop his confidence.
