My basic info
Breed
Italian Greyhound/Chihuahua
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Oliver has alot of energy, which is something that his current owners were not aware of when they got him. With their schedules changing, this mismatch in activity levels between themselves and Oliver is going to be exacerbated. Oliver is currently being provided with a minimum of thirty minutes of brisk walking or jogging, and an hour of dedicated play per day. With this activity, he remains playful, but manageable. Regarding housetraining, Oliver will "go" outside or on doggy training pads. When given the opportunity to "go" regularly, he is accident free, but, especially in a new home, attention and surveillance is recommended.
Oliver has shown some aggressive behavior, mostly growling, in four circumstances: (1) If he is moved when resting or when near food, (2) If he is having a potty accident, and is lifted, and (3) If he has "stolen" food, and it is taken from him, and (4) If he is lifted into his crate. This is what has been effective for him: (1) If he is resting and needs to be moved, motivate him with a treat (he is very treat-motivated), (2) If he is having a potty accident, use his leash to bring him to where you want him to potty, (3) If he has taken food that he should not have, have him trade the item for a treat, or stay very calm and remove it from him with no "aggressive" body language, and (4) Have him enter his crate on his own through the use of a treat.
When Oliver needs to be left alone, he does best if left in a room with his crate open - he does not damage anything and generally relaxes in his crate. If left alone in his crate with the crate door latched, he will chew the blankets or whatever is in the crate. He does stay contentendly in his crate, with the door latched, at night.
Oliver is very affectionate and enjoys cuddling on the couch. He does tend to be calmer when only one person is present; when there are two people, he will often run back-and-forth and become more active. It is best not to let him become too excited, because it can escalate to Oliver growling and nipping - his adopter will need to work on this.
Oliver is a fifteen pound, young adult who is quite extroverted with people he meets; is good with other dogs and enjoys playing chase with them; barks at cats; has gotten along fine with visiting children; although he should not be placed in a home with children due to his current behavior; and is very good in the car. When not expending his energy, Oliver loves to snuggle and is an affectionate lap dog. If you are interested in an energetic, cuddly, canine companion and are prepared to provide Oliver with physical and mental stimulation, while working with him on his behavior, please contact contact Italian Greyhound Place.
