My name is ASPARAGUS!

10 weeks & 16lbs (as of 1/27/24), hound/heeler mix, Neutered 

-  Expected full grown size to be about 65/70 lbs 

Available for foster to adopt. Please email fostertoadopt@socialteesnyc.org if interested.

We cannot guarantee breed mix, exact age, or full grown size (if the dog is under a year old). We do our best with very educated guesses, though!

Please read everything below and submit an adoption application at socialteesnyc.org if this pup seems like a good fit for your family :)

Home Recommendation

Puppies do best in homes that are ready to commit to their needs. Raising a puppy is lots of fun but we won’t beat around the bush: it’s also a lot of work. Puppies can be raised in the city or out of the city. They are very adaptable. Puppies need adopters that are full of energy themselves and can keep up with their new four legged best friend. 

Level of Dog Ownership Experience Needed 

ASPARAGUS  is an Intermediate level puppy. This means that ideally the adopter has primary dog ownership of a breed or energy level similar to this pup. At a minimum the adopter should have solid experience doing things like dog sitting, or fostering young dogs or dogs of a similar breed. This means that if you've only dog sat, fostered or owned a senior dog or low energy breed then this isn't the right fit for you. Adopters should have some hands-on experience with taking care of puppies and/or teenagers. Adopters should be comfortable around working breed dogs. Adopters should be ready for everything that entails raising a puppy: lots of training, patience and socialization. All puppies have the potential to develop into the goodest boys and girls but it’s in the hands of the adopter. Lastly, adopters should truly understand that a puppy is going to go through many developmental phases.

Energy Level 

Higher - - As an adult this pup will need a solid continuous 90 minute walk (at a minimum) in addition to potty breaks/relief walks/short walks. Working breed dogs were bred to do jobs so it’s super important to make sure that they get the right level of exercise and stimulation daily. Working breed dogs need more than just simply being “let out in the yard”. 

His Foster Mom Says: "Asparagus is definitely turning into a high energy pup! He is getting better at walking on leash, but still sits and does lots of stopping to sniff. He loves a frozen kong and teething chews, and he lost two puppy teeth this week! He is getting more mouthy, but responds well to correction, and still isn't chewing on items. He's also working on his manners during mealtimes— he just isn't used to not eating up everything in sight, and is so hungry all the time, so he does a lot of jumping up to try to participate. He loves being with people, and if a stranger bends down to his level he will gladly accept pats. He has also gotten quite used to the elevator and no longer has to be carried outside! He knows sit and touch, and we are working on stay. He doesn't seem to like his crate as much as he used to, but with some patience he will stop whining and sleep through the night. He will sometimes sprinkle pee on his way outside first thing in the morning, but otherwise he's a very sweet pup who loves to curl up in your lap, and just needs some correction and patience. Whoever he stays with next should be ready for a busy companion!"

Cuddle Bug: Medium-High (He will happily snooze in his bed or crate, but if you're available for cuddles, he'll request to be picked up onto the couch. We're still working on some boundaries with this-- he tries to climb up your body and sit on your shoulders or get right in your face with his paws.)Potty Trained:  Nailing It - - Knows where to go. And doing it outside. Can hold it through the night. Might have some transitional accidents as he gets used to a new schedule and environment. 

Comfy With Strangers?

Yes - - Puppies are super friendly with new people, they love to make friends. It’s super important to socialize puppies in a safe controlled environment. 

Social With Children?  (ALWAYS requires supervision)

Yes - - Puppies are okay for homes with respectful kids aged 6 and up. Puppies are not a good match for kids younger than 6 years old as puppies go through teething phases: which can be very intense and result in little kids getting hurt. 

Social With Dogs?

Yes - - Puppies have all the potential to be extremely social with other dogs. Socializing puppies with other puppies and adult dogs is a huge part of raising a puppy. It should be done in a safe and controlled environment: puppy classes and playdates with trusted dogs are a great way to do this. 

Social With Cats?

Yes - - Fun fact all puppies have the potential to be best friends with a cat. It’s on the adopter to help set boundaries with the cat (like not being able to chase the cat). The cat should also be a friendly cat as a puppy is not a great idea for a grumpy cat.

Mouthy:

 Medium - - When playing he loves to lick hands and faces, and will transition to more mouthy behavior, but we quickly substitute hands for a teething bone, which he's happy to do. I do think his mouthiness is improving, but I imagine it will take some time. He hasn't shown an interest in our belongings, and isn't destructive so far. Occasionally, if he's playing on a blanket he'll switch from chewing on the toy to chewing on the blanket, but listens to corrections. 

Leash Sklls: 

Learning this skill - - New to leash walking. He will run around and romp and do his business, but isn't interested in walking in a straight line for very long. Walking alongside another dog helps. He's learning this skill and doing really well! 

Okay In the City: 

Yes - - He is adjusting very well to the city. Not too bothered by the noises. He's okay to live in the city. 

Jumping Manners:

Medium - - jumps when over the top excited, but has already improved SO much. He really tries his very hardest to not jump, and to listen to OFF. Our dog doesn't jump on people at all, so I think that is helping him learn some manners. As I've mentioned, he does crawl all over you when sitting on the couch, so that's more of an issue than jumping.

Separation Anxiety: 

Lower - - Might cry for a few minutes and then will settle down. Loves to be left home alone with a Kong to keep him calm and busy. On par for the puppies age. 

Crate Training:

Doing Really Well With This - - Loves the crate. Sleeps in it and stays in it when he is home alone. He's quite comfy and happy having a crate to himself! He eats his meals there too, which definitely helps.

PLEASE NOTE: This animal is not at the Social Tees office — all of our dogs and cats are in foster homes while they wait to find their forever families. :) If you’d like to apply to adopt this pet, please complete an adoption application at socialteesnyc.org. Because we are a small team and receive hundreds of applications each week, we are unable to respond to every application and every inquiry email, but we do our best. Please have patience! If your application is approved, you will for sure hear from us. If you have questions, please take a look at the Adoption and Fostering FAQs etc. on our website as all common questions are answered there. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility as we work to save these innocent lives!! 

LEARN MORE ABOUT US: socialteesnyc.org; Instagram via @socialteesnyc; Facebook.com/socialteesanimalrescue