Herbie is a hoot!  He is all puppy, and is now confident and comfortable in his foster home.  Herbie does like to chew, so he hasn't gotten the run of the house yet, but he is comfortable in his crate (although, unlike before, he sometimes will not eagerly go into his crate if he thinks that there are more interesting things going on around him that he wants to be a part of.)

Since Herbie has been living with his foster family he has also become more and more confident in his yard.  He is the "sentry," alerting everyone to everything that's going on in the neighborhood.  Herbie's foster home is working on "hush," but other dogs and lawnmowers have proven difficult distractions for him to overcome.

Herbie has been going on walks daily with his foster sisters, and knows the walking route well now.  Being a little less confident outside of the yard, he will sometimes sit down when an unfamiliar noise or movement startles him, and needs some gentle coaxing to keep going.  Herbie's new home should have another doggie to go on walks with, since he is less confident when walking alone. 

Obedience training in a very positive, understanding obedience class is a must for Herbie.  His foster family is working on the basics and he is slowly learning commands.  He has learned "sit" for the most part and responds well to his name now.  However, if there is something more important to be concerned about in the neighborhood, he is not as good at remembering his name. 

Herbie has not had an accident in the house, and is very well mannered, except for a few chewing incidents.  He may take a bit longer to get used to a new house, but when he is, he is a very sweet and nice collie puppy.  Herbie does "nip" when being playful and is somewhat mouthy when excited.  His foster family is working on appropriate behavior, but he would best be placed in a home that does not have young children.

Herbie is growing up so fast and is a wonderful dog.  He's a real sweetheart, and a very loving dog.  It is very rewarding to his foster family that he has come to trust them and is showing normal playful and confident collie behavior even with his neglectful beginnings.  They are looking for a very special home for him with a fenced in yard and another doggie playmate, and people who have the patience to help him adjust and then keep developing into the goofy, playful, wonderful dog that he has shown his foster family to be.

New to Rescue!

Meet Herbie - the LOVE BUG!  At only nine months old, he is the cutest, most playful, collie boy you will ever meet.  Herbie has already been neutered and is up to date on all of his vaccinations.

Herbie came to MWCR along with another collie named Mia.  Both dogs spent their lives tied outside without attention or regular, human contact.  It was particularly hard on Herbie who didn't get the socialization that every puppy needs.  Because of this, Herbie - though full of puppy energy and playfulness - doesn't have the brash, fearlessness of most young dogs his age.  Everything is new to him and some things are pretty scary.  He is shy with new people, though once he gets to know you, he is very sweet and affectionate. 

In the first week at his foster home, Herbie made great strides.  Though described by his former owner as "not housebroken," Herbie has had no accidents and can be left alone, uncrated, for short periods of time without any destructive behavior.  Herbie loves his crate and regards it as something of a security blanket.  Whenever anything frightens him or when he feels the stress of too many new experiences, he goes into his crate to feel safe.  His foster mom says that in just one week, Herbie's visits to the crate have become shorter and less frequent as he adjusts to his new surroundings.

Herbie had not been taught any commands prior to coming to MWCR, but he is learning to sit and to come when called.  He is a smart and energetic boy, and just needs someone to teach him the basics.  He rides well in the car, but won't jump in of his own accord.  He is learning to walk on a leash and does much better if one of his collie foster sisters is along to help bolster his confidence.  Herbie gets along very well with other dogs and loves to play with the other collies at his foster home.  He is neither aggressive nor dominant, and if one of the other dogs growls, Herbie will withdraw to his crate until peace has been restored.  His foster family doesn't have any children, but his foster mom thinks that young children might frighten Herbie.  He would do best in a home without children or with older children who understand the needs of a shy dog.  Herbie hasn't exhibited much prey drive and would probably be OK with cats.  The cat at his foster home is canine antisocial, so Herbie hasn't seen much of him.

Herbie spent much of his puppy hood wearing a "bark collar" that gave him an electric shock when he barked.  For this reason, he seems to bark less than most collies his age.  Outdoors he will bark at other dogs and the neighbor's lawn mower.  Inside, he is pretty quiet, unless he hears a threatening noise outside (the neighbor's weed eater for example), and then he will bark to notify his family that the evil weed eater is on the prowl and that he, Herbie, is ready for it!

Herbie is an adorable puppy who is looking for a forever family who will help him learn about this big, new world.  Ideally, he would like a fenced yard and another dog to teach him the ropes.  With a little patience and lots of love, the right family will soon help Herbie to become the brave, confident dog that he wants to be.

Herbie is being fostered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.