About Mitchell

Meet Mr. Mitchell! Mitchell is a 27 lb., 6 month old black tri colored mini Aussie, who is a goofy, funny boy who loves to play. He is doing well with leash walking with the harness and he's well on his way to being a good 'Velcro' Aussie ;) . He likes to sit with you occasionally, but there's so much for a little guy to DO, so not a lot of snuggle time yet! However, if you have some time first thing in the morning, he is a sappy, snuggly boy when he first wakes up (my husband is the lucky recipient of these sessions). He loves petting and especially scratches around his ears. At the moment, Mitchell is a still a shy boy around new people and new situations, but eventually will 'let' them give him treats and ear scratches. Mitchell will need quantity time to trust fully, but once you're in his trust, he is a wiggly, happy boy every time you come in the room. Or say his name. Or look at him. Or if he wants you to look at him Haha. Potty training is going well, but he still wears a belly band in the house if we are busy, just in case. He is starting to go to the door when he wants out, but whether it's to go potty or sunbathe is a toss up sometimes, haha, but whichever one it is, he typically potties as soon as he's out the door. He is a very smart boy and a quick learner, including via observation of our other dogs. He is learning 'Let's go/come', 'an-ant!' (for no), 'off', and 'sit' and 'wait' for treats and food. He is also learning hand signals for these. His best command is 'crate!', and will run into his and wait for his treat or dinner. Since he is still learning commands (and due to his love of sunbathing!), he will need a home with a fenced in yard for him to get his 'zoomies' out, to be able to chase his tennis balls safely, and to hang out with his people. While he will gruff growl and bark at cats, he is only trying to get them to play and snuffles them all over if they don't run. If they run, he barks and chases and can be a little rough. So we recommend a household with only dog-savvy cats or no cats. We also recommend a home with children over the age of 9 and up since he does jump and pirouette like the excited puppy he is, and has some resource guarding issues that need to continue to be worked through (towards dogs only at our home, not his people and our daughter is a teenager), though these are improving as he is realizing that there is enough food and love to go around. He sleeps well in his crate at night, but occasionally still gripes a bit about it during the day. Yes, he's a talker. Mitchell self- entertains quite well! He loves ripping paper and cardboard (paper towel centers are great! So is Amazon packing paper!). He will also need some 'power chewer' toys available at all times, and loves his 'Snoof' treat toy. He loves his tennis ball too, and will chase and herd it around the house himself, or if you throw it, he will usually bring it back ;) . He LOVES duck treats- they make everything better ;) ! He is food motivated! Mitchell loves to play with our two year old female Aussie, though he wears out before she does (and will come to us to request 'rescue'), and so far he seems to be a medium energy boy. He loves naps. Due to his age and his need to continue working on his resource guarding issues, it's recommend that Mitchell be an only dog or with a confident older dog who can handle a 'rude' teenage puppy. His forever family must be willing to patiently and purposefully continue to work on his training and his socialization. He is at a great age to and place to settle in with a new family and their routines, and it has been a joy to watch him trust, learn and blossom. He would do best with a family or person who is home most of the day and has some dog experience to help him grow up to be the charming, adorable dog he's destined to be. Mr. Mitchell is being fostered in Cleveland, Alabama http://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoption-application

Cleveland, Alabama 35049