In addition to the following profile for this dog, please first read the Adoption Information at http://www.shihtzurescuemn.org/adopt.html to understand the process, requirements and timeline for adoption. An adoption application can also be found in the Adoption Info section. If, after reading that information, you have any questions, please submit your question via e-mail and it will be answered. Please do not request a phone call. A personal phone call will only be made when an adoption application has been submitted and the foster parent wishes to consider the application. Thank you! Reggie is an 11 pound, male neutered Shih Tzu mix who was found as a stray in northern MN. Although we don't know where Reggie is truly from, we do know that he has been a joyful addition to our rescue already.
Reggie is VERY playful and loves to be entertained. If you are looking for a couch potato, who just content to be with you all day while you watch TV, Reggie is NOT for you! He spends the majority of his time right near you or trying to play with you. He is a non-stop ball of energy. You might think he would play hard, sleep hard, but noooo..... he plays hard, naps a little, and then goes right back to playing. He will definitely need an equally playful sibling/doggy companion in his new home so that he can burn some of that energy! He would prefer to be alpha, but he also is great at listening to queues from other pets when he's being too much. He also has HOPS - he will climb on or jump on just about anything. During his “down time”, he enjoys watching what is happening outside, and his favorite place is the back of the couch looking out the window. But he has also found his way onto the dining table via the chairs when his foster parents weren’t looking. He needs to learn good indoor manners, so his new family must be patient and willing to train him in appropriate behavior.
He loves to be outside with you and meet other dogs. He will bark at other dogs on walks, but as soon as he meets the dog, he will want to play. His foster mom has been working on re-focusing him during walks so that he checks in with her instead of focusing on the dog coming by. He also enjoys meeting other people; he’s just a really friendly little guy. He has almost mastered potty training, but still needs to be let out regularly every 4-5 hours. His new family must continue to work with Reggie, and be able to provide a frequent, regular potty schedule. Reggie is a young and very active little man and loves his foster parents’ fenced yard because it gives him room to run and play, but he does need you with him and you will should encourage him to go potty!
Reggie has not had much training and would greatly benefit from puppy training classes. He does understand the word “no”, but not much else! He’s a smart little guy and loves to please, and will be happiest when he knows what is expected of him. He must have positive discipline and training so that he can be a secure, enjoyable member of his new household. His new family must make the commitment to actively participate and be consistent with his training.
These are the requirements for Reggie’s new home:
1. Reggie is still a very young dog. Because Shih Tzus often live 16+ years, applications will only be considered from age appropriate individuals who will be able to provide the care and activity necessary for the rest of his life.
2. Reggie must go to a family that already has an equally active, playful, friendly small dog who would welcome a constant playmate. This is essential for his happiness, as well as his family’s, as being part of his new household.
3. A family who can be home with Reggie for much of the day for companionship and also enable him to go outside every 4-5 hours during the day.
4. An active family who can provide, and enjoys, the high energy of a puppy/young dog. This includes long, daily walks and providing training, activity and the stimulation needed for a dog of his age.
5. Either have had substantial experience in training a dog, or commit to participating with Reggie in formal training classes. This is a must for his Reggie, and his family’s, enjoyment in his new home.
6. A secure fenced yard would be great, but is not a deal breaker as long as Reggie can have other means of outdoor activity.
7. An active adults only home, or a home with children over the age of 10 will be considered, based upon their previous experience with small dogs.
8. Live within 40 miles of Coon Rapids, MN.
9. Agree to attend the annual Shih Tzu Rescue Reunion held in September each year.
Reggie is neutered, current on vaccinations, microchipped, and on heartworm/flea/tick preventative. His adoption fee is $420.00 plus $35.81, for a total of $455.81. To meet Reggie, please complete an adoption application at the website listed in the first paragraph. Or you can also see him and the other dogs available for adoption from Shih Tzu Rescue of Minnesota by visiting with us from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon the first Saturday of every month at the Southtown PetCo in Bloomington, MN.
