A slightly shy and mischievous youngster with a wonderful personality.

Gizmo came as a puppy to a woman who knows dogs but didn't realize how much time she'd need to care for and train a puppy.  As Gizmo grew older and his jumping up on people didn't stop I think his Mom realized that he really needed a buddy and someone to take the time to train him to be a model Sheltie house-mate.  In the time that Gizmo has been with us and even with lots of other dogs around I've found Gizmo a very easy-to-train boy.  I use treats and he's very motivated to work for treats and even love. It looks like Gizmo grew up with some bad habits like getting to share his Mom's meals.  He will dive his muzzle right into your plate if you don't watch him and let him know gently that his muzzle is NOT welcome in your dinner plate! Gizmo has responded well to our verbal cues to LEAVE IT but he still needs help learning what that means.

Gizmo is also not jumping up on me like he was when he first arrived but this will need to continue to be worked on because it's a habit that was reinforced in the past.  If you hug him when he jumps up or scratch his head, he's being reinforced for that behavior.

Gizmo is VERY well housetrained and has a wonderful personality. He will be fun to train and he's quite a handsome Sheltie-boy. He's gentle and loving.  He's not a dominant male and doesn't compete with other dogs here except possibly for my attention. That's very understandable in this environment - all the dogs want more of our attention.  He will sniff our cat but doesn't chase her.  Over time they'd probably become pals. 

Gizmo will be shy initially with new people but it doesn't take much (treats) to break the ice.  He sometimes curls up on top of me while I watch TV.  He sleeps near me when I work on my laptop.  He would love to sleep in bed with me but there are one or two other young Shelties- they'd be playing instead of letting me sleep!  He is crate trained and well behaved in his crate when I'm gone.  He's young enough that I'm not yet comfortable giving him the run of the house while I'm gone.

If you're interested in more information about Gizmo or are thinking about adopting him please go to our website http://www.SheltieRescueUT.org and register and fill out the 3 part Application for Adoption.  You can also call Barbara at 801-942-4762.  The adoption fee for this jewel in the rough, Gizmo, is $350.00.

 

Good with Dogs, Good with Cats, Is Not Good with Kids