Chip Mixed Breed Ridgway, CO

Information from Chip's former foster family:

Chip is about a 2 year old mix. We have been fostering him since November 1st, 2023 in a home with two six year old border collie/heeler mixes and one 12 year old cat.

He is a very sensitive boy who is just learning how to be someone’s dog. Because he has anxiety and PTSD from his past, he prefers a quiet environment with the ability to take his time on getting to know his space, to find out what comforts him, and to understand the love and affection he could receive from a human. Chip’s new owner must be patient with him, and also willing to support his growth as a pet with healthy challenge and training opportunities.

As of right now, Chip is very wary (but not aggressive) of human touch. Often when we approach, he will move away or get up. We have petted him a little bit, but he still needs time to feel pets are good and a sign of affection. When he does allow us to pet him, he looks very calmed by it. But his threshold is short and will move away when he’s over it.

He is definitely a couch boy and loves being comfortable and cozy! He prefers to cuddle up with the dogs, but will cuddle up next to us as well.

Chip is crate and house trained. He has had no accidents indoors. He sleeps in his crate overnight, and if he is left alone over about 10 minutes indoors, it is recommended he is crated. It is very essential though that when he is left alone (beyond overnight sleeping), he is in his crate without anything of value in it. When he is left alone for long enough, out of anxiety he will most likely chew up whatever is inside the crate. This goes for anything inside the house as well. We’re sure this will change over time and it has been helpful for him to be left with other dogs, despite that he is in his crate.

He is fine being left out in a yard, but if bored he will dig or find something to chew on! He is not digging to escape, but out of boredom.

He has not displayed any signs of food aggression with us or our dogs, whether being fed next to our dogs or in his crate. As of right now, he prefers being fed in his crate because he likes to take his time.

Chip absolutely loves playing and cuddling with other dogs. While he has mainly been around very relaxed and well trained male dogs, he has interacted with a couple of female dogs. We believe he would be fine with all dogs as long as they were also relatively relaxed and well trained. He doesn’t seem to have any interest in cats, and coexists fine with ours.

Our perceived best environment/home for him:
-Quieter home with one or two adults, older children
-Owners that are willing to watch him evolve and will provide him with consistency and patience as that happens
-Space for a crate indoors
-Fenced in yard with dog door access
-Yard that could take a little digging once in a while
-Home where people are there most of the time
-Home with other relatively calm but playful dogs of medium size, possibly preferably boys (Chip doesn't like to be the center of attention)
-Fine with cats
-Home where he can be on the couch or have space for a cozy bed

What he has learned:
-Coming in from the yard or to his crate when whistled to or called by his name
-Potty trained
-Crate trained
-Eating alongside of other non food aggressive dogs
-Command NO
-Dog door - will let himself out to pee/poo

What he needs to learn:
-Having a collar put on
-Being ok with the leash in general
-Walking with the leash
-Being comfortable with intentional touch and pets from humans
-The difference between chew toy and valuable
-Commands: Come (from a comfortable place), sit, lay down, stay, and other desired commands

Overall, Chip is a sweet, quiet, and playful boy who is ready for his forever home. We provided this in-depth description to set both him and you up for success upon adoption.

All dogs must go home with a leash and properly fitted collar. SCHS has these available for purchase if needed.