About Gwen

Hello World - my name is Gwen. I am a female border collie, Aussie shepherd mix and am 3 years young. I am spayed, microchipped and in good physical condition. My current dog Mom took me in from a broken home but unfortunately, I don't get along well with her other dog (female border collie mix). I need to be rehomed and I'm looking for my furever home. I am very high energy and smart so will need someone who can let me run and play (or better yet, I will run with you up to 3 miles). I haven't had agility training yet but can run and jump and love a good challenge. I don't have issues being handled and I'm not food obsessed. Just obsessed with fetching my ball! I am OK being around other dogs at the park but will tend to just stick with my owner to play. Sometimes I can be anxious, and that comes from my Aussie Dad. I usually will be calm if I get enough exercise and stimulation during the day and my current Mom gives me CBD oil which I really like. Highlights House trained - never had an accident indoors and can be left uncrated while you are away (no longer than 5-6 hours at a time. I use a dog walker when I'm away longer periods) Trainable - knows not allowed in master bed Not a chewer of furniture or shoes, but does like bones and rawhide Not food obsessed, but does like to protect her food Good protector of the home with a loud bark (Gwen can hear a mouse fart in the back yard!) Breed characteristics: Need minimum 45 mins to 1 hour of physical exercise every day (usually running after ball); OK to break up 30 mins first thing in morning and 30 mins in evening Need mental stimulation and owner playtime (playing rope tug, fetch with soft items in house) Can be anxious if the exercise hasn't been met for the day or if left alone longer than 5-6 hours at a time; this behavior will display as pacing and sometimes squealing around the house Requires a calm home environment and a consistent routine Gwen doesn't love water/swimming but will come when called to shower to get washed. She likes being brushed too (just be gentle and not pull hard on any knots). Gwen hasn't been around young children and so would do best with older kids/adults and no other pets in the home. Areas needing improvement or caution Recall: I let her loose at a park if I have a ball and she generally stays in my vicinity. I would not let her loose on the street, however, as she doesn't retrieve easy since she's not food driven. Positive reinforcement training methods, patience, and consistent bonding with her would be crucial for her training. Initially excitable. She's coming out of adolescence. Be patient as she continues to mellow out! You would need to take time to get used to Gwen and for her to bond with you: e.g., be stricter at the beginning and looser eventually. Like any dog, she will test her limits to ensure you are a competent leader. Training will be predicated on bonding with her. She is not treat, toy or punishment driven. Remember that each dog is unique, and Gwen's specific needs and behavior may require individual attention and consideration. If you have further questions or specific concerns about Gwen's care, feel free to ask.

Travis County
Austin, Texas