Myles

This is Myles, a "Welsh Terrier Mix" in his adolescence (we estimate his age at about 15 months).

To answer the reader's question (see comment 4 to the previous post) . . . There is nothing particularly remarkable about Myles' adoption and return. As in many cases, it just wasn't a good match. We still think Myles will make a great pet for someone, which is why he is back up for adoption.

A Terrier in his adolescence has a lot of energy and could easily develop some bad habits if under-exercised and left to his own devices. Wait. What am I saying? Most dogs will make pretty unacceptable choices if we let them do the deciding. After all, these are dogs we're talking about. At the same time, most dogs can learn the rules that make for a happy co-existence with humans, if we take the time and make the effort to teach them.

Anybody interested in adopting a Terrier or Terrier-mix would be wise to do some reading about the breed, if they've never lived with one.

A "perfect" adopter for Myles will be looking for a fun, energetic, effectionate canine companion. Myles will need daily exercise -- probably two long walks and some playtime every day. I would recommend crate-training Myles right away, for two reasons. First, his house-training is probably not rock-solid, and crate training is an excellent tool for house training. (For great tips on house training, you can't beat Patricia McConnell's book, "Way To Go!" It's an easy-to-read, one-issue book and only costs about $6.00. Availabe at CCHS or the CARE Center.) Second, having a dog who is happy to "go settle" in his crate can save your sanity - and your furniture.

Myles' adopters should also understand that he can't be given "run of the house" when they're not at home; at least, not at first. I made this mistake with my very first dog, Spooner, who I adopted as a one-year-old from a Minneapolis shelter in 1991. Spooner didn't have anxiety about being left alone . . . but she also didn't have much experience distinguishing between the things she was allowed to chew and destroy (dog toys) and the things she was not (the comfy chair).

Finally, I think that Myles and his new people (whoever they are) would really benefit from taking a dog training class together. It doesn't have to be anything "serious" -- a simple "canine companion" class would help Myles and his new owner(s) learn to communicate and establish the boundaries of their relationship. Many adopters assure us that they don't need a class because they've raised many dogs, or they "know how" to train a dog. We encourage it nonetheless. In fact, the most knowledgeable and experienced dog owners I know always enroll in a training class when they get a new dog. And, most professional dog trainers do as well!! It's an opportunity to brush up on your skills, learn new techniques, and spend some time interacting with your dog, one-on-one. It's especially good for adopters of adolescent dogs to enroll in training. These dogs are full grown and full of energy, yet they haven't learned impulse control or boundaries. A basic class can make all the difference to a successful transition from rambunctious teen to well-adjusted adult.

One final note on Myles . . . The staff tells me that he doesn't always present himself well while in his kennel at the shelter, but once you get him out and start interacting with him, he is a very likable dog. The Adoptions Staff enjoys spending time with Myles behind the front counter. I'm sure he will be discovered one of these days by his new "forever family."