Tommy (now Tipper - Adopted 7/7/03

Tommy is a 2 year old recently neutered male smooth Collie.  Tommy was an owner surrender to the Humane Society of Golden Valley in the Twin Cities.  His notes say that he was purchased from a breeder at 1 year old and is said to be "aloof with children".  He has a gorgeous gait.  He is very very sweet.  Perfectly tipped ears.

Personality-wise.  He is very much attuned to what I'm doing and places himself in between me and whatever I'm doing... at the sink, in the garden... he's extremely affectionate. He will come and put his big head in my lap when he wants to be petted.  Loves getting hugs.   Hasn't barked once, but he whined when the rest of us went downstairs.  We're still working mastering the stairs.   Tommy looks to the other dogs and me for guidance to see how he should react in any situation.  He is apprehensive of new situations, but not total panicked.  He is scared of fireworks and will need to be inside during any noises which sound like firecrackers or fireworks.  Also fearful of thunder, but just needs reassurance.  He walks fairly well on a short leash, but better if he has a pal with him.  He's got a pretty good recall in the fenced dog park situation.  He has his playful moods and loves to be chased and run around like a crazy man, but is ordinarily VERY mellow and laid back.  No accidents in the house.

Still working on getting him to jump up into the car.  He has now learned that getting in the car is a good thing.   Tommy likes his crate, but is not afraid to come out of it.  I suspect that he has a strong flight instinct when he is scared of something so he would do best in a fenced yard.  He seems to find security in being within a fenced area.   He would do best in a situation with consistency in his life and also with either another male dog or dominant female to show him how to be more of a dog.   He likes to follow the others around.  Good at the park with other dogs, isn't that interested in the people.  Interested in sniffing up the cats, but doesn't chase or bother them.  Very very docile guy.   He learned "sit" over the weekend.

If things are too chaotic or loud in his environment Tommy becomes very afraid of them.  When he is frightened he likes to have a leash on him... seems to give him comfort and to be close to his human and foster siblings.  Most of the time he's very happy to visit the dog park, but if there are too many people and dogs there, he's scared.  He is much more interested in the dogs than the people, but not scared of the people.   Most likely, this is all due to the fact that he wasn't well socialized to humans and to the world as a puppy.  Poor guy.

At his vet check up I learned some things about Tommy.  His teeth are not the best for a young Collie due to the fact that he inhales his food rather than chewing it.  The vet says this comes from "competive eating" where there are too many dogs/puppies competing for food.  The pups never learn to chew because if they don't get it fast, they don't get it at all.  Other than that, he is a very healthy boy a bit on the lean side, but he's eating very well.

Tommy will need to go to a home with another dog; preferably a playful male or dominant female.  He needs to be in a fenced yard to feel secure and he needs to be with someone who will be patient with his fear issues and help him experience more of the world without re-enforcing the fears.  I would recommend doing obedience with him which will help build his his confidence.  Also, a quiet home with no children would be best for him.

Tommy is a very good boy and terrifically sweet and with the right owner and situation will make someone a very nice companion.

Tommy is being fostered in Minneapolis, MN.