Louie Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler & Border Collie Mix Pittsfield, MA

This handsome lad is Louie, sometimes referred to as "Lou Magoo." Louie is listed as a cattle dog mix but he doesn't have the stocky build that is typical of cattle dogs. His foster mom suspects some border collie, but only a DNA test will know for sure. Whatever his mix, Louie is beautiful, smart, funny, athletic, and loyal. At 9 months old, he weighs about 30 pounds and may still have some growing to do.

Louie developed some fears and reactivity in his former home. His owners felt that their environment was too busy, too noisy (too many passing cars, barking dogs, kids laughing and shouting in the yard, and rabbits hopping by) for Louie to focus or listen. Too many things set off barking sprees in Louie. He also has a high prey drive and wants to chase anything that moves; when he can't, he gets frustrated. His foster home, on a quiet dead-end street with a fully fenced yard and trained dogs who act as role models for him, provides an "easier" setting for Louie to learn and flourish.

Louie attaches quickly and strongly to his caregivers but can be suspicious of people outside his circle. He may bark until he feels safe. His foster mom is using counterconditioning to help Louie feel braver when he hears or sees something "scary." This will need to be continued in his new home. When he feels comfortable, Louie is bold and fearless: he sometimes runs up and over a low agility A-frame and dogwalk as he explores the yard. After dark, Louis likes to chase, and tries to catch, flying insects; what a hoot! He's very playful: Louie loves to tug and is learning the rules of fetch. Chasing and grabbing are fun, and when there's a treat to trade for, he'll bring the toy back and even "drop" it on cue. Despite the challenges, his former family described him as "a playful dreamboat."

Louie is housetrained and understands "sit," "down," "wait," "drop," and "in-your-crate." He's learning "come" and "leave-it" and likes playing impulse control games. In quiet, relaxed settings, he walks nicely in his harness and leash. Once he's feeling more settled and confident (less anxious and reactive), Louie would benefit from a Manners Class. He'd be a fun dog to teach agility or tricks, and he loves waterplay at a nearby lake. Louie also enjoys playing with other well-behaved dogs one-on-one or in a small group of dogs that he knows. He gets along with all 4 dogs in his foster home from a curmudgeonly 12-year-old (who he respects and doesn't bother) to a playful rough-and-tumble two-year-old BC mix.

Louie is crate-trained and settles without fuss. He has several naps in his crate during the day, following playtime and training sessions, which help keep his arousal low. Louie is not a jumper but his previous family reported that when he gets hyped-up (especially during the morning rush to get ready for school and work), he would get mouthy and try to grab clothing and arms. This also happened when they were running with him outside. These behaviors have not been seen in foster care. Louie's foster mom prioritizes calmness in dogs. Louie takes direction well, can be called away from the noises that worry him, and is always eager for a training session with treats! Balancing active fun with quiet times will be important in Louie's new home.

Louie's best home would include one or more adults who can be consistent with ongoing training, counterconditioning, and socialization (which may not be what you think it is!). He would also love it if there were one or two children (over age 8) to play with (he was sleeping on the 10-year-old's bed in his previous home) and another friendly dog would be nice. He would also enjoy being doted on as an "only" dog. While Louie would love a fenced yard to play in, that's not required. He would thrive in a rural home or a quiet suburban setting but no big city living for this sensitive soul!

Louie is neutered, microchipped, up-to-date on vaccines, and takes monthly heartworm preventative. His new family will receive a one-hour, free training session either in-person or via zoom from Fun With Fido (where Louis is being fostered): www.funwithfido.com. All training is science-based and force-free.

Louie is being fostered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and can be visited with an approved application. You can apply to adopt Louie at www.acdra.org or contact his foster mom at teampizazz@gmail.com with any questions.

Complete an Application:
https://www.acdra.org/adoption-application