WILLY

Willy is just two years old, less than ten pounds and has been shuffled off from two different homes. His first, abusive owners gave him to a woman who had found him him running free and uncared for. The original owners had let him run loose hoping he would run away or get hit by a car. We also believe he had been kicked in the past and now has fear aggression issues that need to be addressed. Willie's first rescuer never intended to keep Willy...just keep him safe. She is thrilled that we are fostering him and making him available for adoption.

This little Pomeranian is not suitable for first time dog owners, ultra busy homes or those with small children.

Food Aggression: None

Good With Cats: Yes. He will chase them outside. A dog savvy cat just needs to whack Willy to explain the rules. There are four cats here.

Toys: Loves to chase tennis balls but will not return them. Likes small stuffed animals. Does not destroy them.

Riding: Must be strapped in as he wants to be in your lap. Leave him in the car, and he has a major tantrum.

Leash Training: None. Just whirls and whirls and whirls until the leash is a knotted mess.

Meeting people: Friendly.

Other dogs: Good. Besides his two hosts, he has met and played with several other dogs.

Nighttime: Absolutely quiet now. No more whining.

Barking: Why, yes he does.

High Energy: Yes. He's TWO.

Favorite Quirk: He picks one dry kibble out of the bowl and bats it around like a soccer ball before eating it. I've helped him develop a"bad" habit by quickly rolling dry kibble to him...and what a seriously good goalie he is! Toss a small handful and he tries to corral them all together.

Still a Work in Progress:

Being picked up: He now lets me pick him up without stiffening in fear. He is finally relaxed enough with me to ask for belly scratches.

Crate training. 100% improvement, yet needs positive reinforcement. Willy was terrified of the wire crate (bed) and stiffened, snarled and bit the bars when he got here. He now knows the word "bed" and will go into the crate when it's lights out. He will get grumpy if I'm leaving in the day time and put him in the crate, but it's a little tantrum, not fear aggression. You will need to take the time to learn his different growls.

When people leave: Oh boy. Willie would bark, growl and attack people's feet when they tried to leave. He is now trained to sit quietly while they walk away. Not a guaranteed fix.

Foot fetish or fear: Ah, I think it's both. He was very afraid when I was teaching him "back" and would quickly look at my face to read my expression and then attack my feet to protect himself. He is much improved on this but occasionally will stand on my feet, growl and dare me to move them. Rarely, now, he will growl and attack my feet if I move towards him, but I do not know what triggers it. Anyway, Willy seems OK and a little fascinated with bare feet.

I suspect Willie will revert to trying to run the world his way when he meets his new family. I'll pack his manners. Although he has
progressed a lot from his wild child days, some foot movements still frighten him and he will want to defend himself. I just stop and talk calmly to him until his last little growl and he settles down. Quickly scooping him up without talking to him also frightens him.

If he has other fears, my quiet household hasn't triggered them so his new family might find some others. He has not been around children. Willy is a doll but has had a tough beginning and needs a calm alpha type to continue helping him.