My name is Morgan!

Hi! My name is Morgan and I really want to be your best friend. I’m still young and it can be hard for me to remember self-control at times, but I love attention and am learning quickly. I came into rescue because my previous owner passed away. I would love to be your one and only dog, but I do like other canine friends to play with.

AGE: Almost 3 years old (born 11/3/09)

SIZE: Morgan stands 18”, and has a long, lanky build. He weighs 30lbs, which is a good weight for him.

TEMPERAMENT: Morgan will a take a few minutes to warm up to new people, but if they let him approach them he will be their new best friend very quickly. He likes food, but he LOVES attention and is quite snuggly. His adopter will need to be clear that snuggle-time is at their request and not whenever Morgan demands it, or they will spend the whole time fending him off. Morgan is still very puppy-like and playful. He’s energetic, and exuberant when you come home, but will settle down and nap near you once he has had his walk or playtime.

FENCE: Morgan needs a home with a fenced yard so that he can run & play in safety. He is young and energetic! All of our dogs are indoor dogs and are not to be left outside unattended (not even in a fenced yard, if the adopter is not at home).

DOGS: Morgan is friendly with other dogs, but he would prefer to be the only dog. He’s looking for that special someone! If his adopter has other dogs, they will need to continue to work with him on how to have better manners around other dogs and food.

CATS: Morgan has shown polite interest in our geriatric cat. If the cat moved faster, he might try to chase her, but we think he may learn to leave a cat alone if the cat stood up to him.

KIDS: Unknown. Given his young and exuberant nature and tendency to chase moving things, we don’t recommend a home with young kids. A home with older teenagers who are dog-savvy and can help train Morgan would probably be fine.

CRATE-TRAINED: Yes. Morgan willingly enters his crate for meals and just to nap. He also sleeps through the night in a crate in our bedroom. He is learning how to remain quiet in a crate even when he thinks he should be out and about. Morgan has not shown destructive tendencies, but he also hasn’t had the opportunity because he is crated when we can’t keep an eye on him. We strongly recommend that Morgan’s adopter continue to improve his crate manners so that they have a safe way of containing him when he is unattended.

HOUSE-TRAINED: Yes. Morgan can be easily distracted by something outside so it’s best to have him potty on leash so that he remembers why he’s outside in the first place.

OBEDIENCE TRAINING: Morgan has had minimal training prior to coming into rescue, but he is learning manners quickly and figuring out that offering behaviors pays off with treats. Morgan will come when called as long as there are no distractions (like a fleeing bunny) in his environment. He also is learning sit and down. Because he can be exuberant and has spent the first part of his life living without clear rules, his adopter will need to commit to continuing his training using positive methods and be vigilant about making sure that the house rules are consistently enforced. MNSR can provide training recommendations.

LEASH MANNERS: Morgan enjoys walks and he walks well when wearing a Gentle Leader head-halter. He hasn’t been taught how to walk with a loose leash on a limited slip collar yet, but he’s a quick study.

CAR RIDES: Morgan rides well in a crate in the car.

ACTIVITY LEVEL: Medium-high because of his young age. Morgan loves to play and go for walks, but he’s also happy to nap near you after he’s had some exercise and training. Morgan has just discovered that racquetballs bounce on hardwood floors and that this creates a very fun game. He’s also learning that bringing back the ball can be more fun!

BARKING: Morgan will bark when he is crated and wants attention. He is learning that barking doesn’t get him what he wants, but his adopter will need to continue being vigilant that barking never gets him attention and that being quiet gets rewarded. Morgan is also happy to join in when the other Shelties in his foster home start barking.

HEALTH ISSUES: No known health issues. Morgan’s hind legs are a bit knock-kneed and his hind feet toe out, but this doesn’t seem to adversely affect his mobility. He’ll just need to focus his fun on something other than agility.

EXPERIENCED HOME: Morgan will do best with an adopter who is familiar with positive dog training techniques and who will commit to Morgan’s ongoing training, and who will be consistent about reinforcing clear rules at home and out and about.

Morgan is incredibly sweet and snuggly! He will need a home that will commit to maintaining his training so that he continues to mature into a wonderful canine companion. Although not necessary as long as he gets regular walks and playtime, Morgan would probably enjoy learning some performance dog sports like Rally, Obedience, or Freestyle. He would also love to keep his brain engaged by learning new tricks.

Please read our adoption guidelines at http://www.mnsheltierescue.org/howtoadopt prior to calling or emailing us, as this may answer your questions.

***The Sheltie's bio explains the type of home that will best meet that Sheltie's needs, and indicates if a fence is required, and whether the Sheltie can be placed with children, dogs or cats. Please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of the Shelties in our program, and that our priority is to meet the needs of the Shelties in our care.***

Morgan's adoption fee is $350.00, and he is neutered, current on vaccinations, heartworm tested and on heartworm preventative (during heartworm season), is microchipped, has been bathed and brushed, etc. All of our dogs are indoor dogs and are not to be left outside unattended (not even in a fenced yard, if the adopter is not at home).

Not ready to adopt, but you still would like to help a Sheltie in need? Sponsor a Sheltie! We gratefully accept donations of any size, and donations to MNSR are tax-deductible since we are a 501(c)3 not for profit organization. Click here for a secure online donation via GiveMN.org: http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Minnesota-Sheltie-Rescue

If you are interested in fostering a Sheltie and have a fenced yard, please email foster@mnsheltierescue.org. Please note that we are an all-volunteer organization, and we respond to inquiries as quickly as we can.