About Pepper

Pepper is an incredibly cute ball of cottony fur that climbs into your heart (and lap) with a wag and a kiss. What isn't clear in this shelter photo is how truly beautiful this dog is with his shining black coat and dark eyes with wisdom beyond his years. At just about 4 years old (such a perfect age..old enough to be past babyish behaviors and young enough to have many, many healthy and active years remaining) and 20 lbs, Pepper is a perfect size to accompany his family just about anywhere a very sweet, smaller dog is welcome. He's also large enough to be an active best friend enjoying the sunshine and hiking the gorgeous trails of Colorado with his family. At this early point in Pepper's development, he loves almost everyone..be it human or canine. We want to nurture this positive vision of the world by matching Pepper to a family who expresses their devotion for him in many different ways. We'd like Pepper to attend positive reinforcement/force free group obedience classes to be the very best dog he's capable of being. These classes are very effective for bonding as well as learning skills that support excellent behavior out in the world. Right now, Pepper is a blank slate who will soak up positive feedback with every effort to be the best behaved and most cuddly guy around. Pepper is so loyal that he can easily be a constant companion - he would love nothing more than being outdoors..long hikes on Colorado trails, trips to the store (he enjoys car rides)) and lap/couch-sitting are perfect for Pepper's personality. Pepper is flexible enough that he can be introduced to virtually any situation...and if there is love and gentle guidance, he can succeed. We've received the following information from Pepper's current foster family: Pepper is adorable! He has the most endearing looks on his face and the cutest impish personality. He is very healthy, and always has a spring in his step. He is very easy to love! Pepper is also incredibly affectionate-probably the most affectionate dog we have ever fostered. He loves to cuddle & happily spends hours curled up on our laps or closeby on the couch. He takes well to others, and will curl up on the laps of our friends when they visit. Pepper absolutely loves going for long walks/hikes, and is very good on a leash. He doesn't bark at other dogs and is generally very agreeable. He has a bounce in his step and is a very happy, sweet guy. Pepper is very smart (true to his breeds) and very eager to please! He wants to learn the ropes and enjoys learning new tricks..he's quite the entertaining dog. Pepper quickly learned how to use the doggy door. He can sit, lie down and stay on command.. and is learning to catch a treat in mid-air. He generally will come when called, but may need a treat to perfect the skill. Pepper tries very hard to obey the rules - he is not allowed in our bedroom, but will sit in the doorway with his little paws just inside the room. Pepper bonded with us very quickly (he desperately wanted a family and love after his sad experiences in life). I believe he will fall in love very quickly with a family who is willing to love him and give him lots of time, friendship and attention. Pepper has a few challenges to work on as well. His initial family chose not to consult a trainer regarding these behaviors. We believe they can be effectively addressed and overcome with the help of one of our approved positive reinforcement/force- free trainers. Pepper has shown 'resource guarding' instincts. This is very common for dogs that have been starved or forced to fight for food. This is effectively overcome in a number of ways...first and always most important is to consult an approved trainer. Farfel's is happy to provide a list of positive reinforcement/force-free trainers in your area. They can teach a family the skills to readily work with dogs that display this instinct. One way is to simply not grab items out of a dog's mouth, but rather to let them drop it. Another is to separate multiple dogs during meal time..this is easily executed and works very well. Pepper's only other challenge is that he startles easily. Again, this can be addressed with a trainer..behavior modification can be taught and implemented to overcome this response. Pepper has the stunning non-shedding coat and cottony-soft hair that speaks of his breed mix. He will require periodic grooming and excellent nutrition to keep his gorgeous hair matt-free and shining with good health. Pepper is currently in a foster home in the Denver area. Applications are being accepted and can be found at https://farfels.com/farfels-rescue/adoption-form/. If you're interested in this cuddly best friend, please fill out completely and submit.

Boulder County
Boulder, Colorado 80302