About Phoenix

This is Phoenix, a female red merle, 4 year old, 28 lb, mini Australian Shepherd. She needs a family without young children and small dogs (probably cats, too). She needs lots of room to run as she has a strong herding instinct. Although she does get along well with my small dog in most situations, when Phoenix gets excited and my small dog is around, she herds her non stop and gently nips. It is an instinctual game perhaps for her but my little dog is not amused. She gets along extremely well with our 5 year old female mini and they love to play and wrestle. Our home is WAY too small for their shenanigans, so a potential adopter, especially with another dog, would need to have room for indoor play. She loves to play and run outside, and loves even more to go on walks. She is a barker and while on a walk can be reactive and possibly lunge at other dogs. I spent 2 months training her on our morning walks with firm, consistent commands and treats. I saw a vast improvement, but she needs continued training in that type of situation. When we're walking with just the dogs without other distractions, she is a delight! Phoenix LOVES TO EAT and is very food motivated. She likes her dog food and will eat almost any fruit or vegetable you offer her. She doesn't mind her crate and will only bark for a minute or so, but then she will settle down and go to sleep. She doesn't like to willfully go in the crate, but treats usually help. She will need a latch because she can open the crate (and doors if left long enough to figure it out.) Phoenix likes water although she doesn't willingly jump in the pool. She will wade in the water at the beach. She uses her doggy door willingly and does not mess in the house. She likes car rides, but you must tether her or she can be bouncy, boisterous, barky -- bad~! Phoenix is sweet, funny, SMART, and energetic, but she will need a home who is patient with her and can offer her an active lifestyle. She is loyal and loving, but she will need to take her time getting to know you and learning to trust. Once she has, she is INCREDIBLE. She is looking for a special furever family without kids and small dogs. She does do well with other dogs, but we think she would also do well as an only dog with an attentive, active owner(s).She is spayed, up to date on her vetting, heartworm negative, and on heartworm and flea/tick prevention. She is being fostered in Tampa, Fla. If you think that Phoenix is the perfect fit for your family, please fill out our application: https://www.australianshepherdsfurever.org/adoption-application All adoption fees are used for future rescue efforts.

Hillsborough County
Tampa, Florida 33952