My name is Frosting!

4 months (as of 3/9/24), Aussie mix, 19lbs, Neutered Male
Estimated full-grown size: 40 lbs 

This pup is eligible to join our foster-to-adopt program. Please email fostertoadopt@socialteesnyc.org with the animal’s name in the subject line if you are interested! Want to straight-up adopt? Submit an adoption application at socialteesnyc.org.

Their foster parent says: "Frosting is the sweetest, mushiest puppy. He melts into your lap when you give him belly rubs and he's happy to trot around your home, following you into each room and finding a comfy spot on the floor. The world is a big, scary place, but Frosting is so brave and working hard each day to get over his fears. Loud noises and crossing the street can be difficult for him, he'll often pancake on the ground out of fear. His new fam will have to give him the time and reassurance he needs to continue to conquer these fears. He is potty trained, absolutely loves his crate, and is best friend with his foster dog and cat siblings. He would do well with another pup in the home to show him the ropes and boost his confidence, but he'd be okay on his own as long as he has friends to play with often." 

Level of dog ownership experience needed:
EXPERT: As an adult, this dog will need loads of structure and daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation – 2+ consecutive hours of quick-paced movement plus potty break walks and brain games throughout the day. The adopter must have relevant primary care experience with a similar breed, temperament, and/or energy level. (Primary care experience includes ownership, fostering, or dog sitting as an adult, not a dog you grew up with.) Relevant puppy care experience is a huge plus, but bare minimum the adopter must have TONS of time and patience. Raising a puppy can be a lot of fun, but it’s also tremendous work. Puppies’ personalities and exercise/stimulation requirements change dramatically between now and when they’re a year old as their bodies and brains develop, so an active lifestyle and the ability to adapt to a pup’s evolving needs are a must. We strongly urge professional dog training with a rewards-based trainer from the get-go. Adults only or kids ages 8 and up – all puppies go through a mouthy, rambunctious phase and often accidentally hurt children when playing. PLEASE DO YOUR OWN BREED RESEARCH to make sure you have a better understanding of the kind of temperament and exercise requirements this dog may have as an adult.

Energy level
EXPERT: Very young puppies sleep and nap a lot, but their energy level skyrockets when they become teens (4 months to around a year). As an adult, this dog will need loads of structure and daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation – 2+ consecutive hours of quick paced movement plus potty break walks and brain games throughout the day. (This is regardless of dog size – many small breeds were designed for lots of activity and will exhibit unwanted behavior when they’re understimulated.)

Cuddle bug level: 

Medium — Likes to snuggle when he's in the mood but often stays in his own bed

Potty trained?

Yes — Few or no accidents

Comfy with strangers?

Working on It - Fine with meeting new people but not particularly interested, kind of shy in busy social situations like a gathering or a packed day in the park.

Comfortable with children? (ALWAYS requires adult supervision)

Yes for 12 and up — may be a little energetic or a little skittish, best with older children that can be extra gentle or that are big enough not to get accidentally knocked down.

Social with other dogs?

Yes - Good with all other dogs (sizes, breeds, etc.) as far as we know and enjoys socializing with other canines **incredible with all dogs** Has a foster sibling in the home. 

Respectful of other small animals? (cats, pocket pets, etc.)

Yes - Seems to get along with other animals, either tries to play with them or is mostly uninterested **loves our cat, super gentle and respectful**

Mouthy behavior:

Lower - He is a typical puppy that will pick up things he's not supposed to, but a quick “no” gets him to drop whatever he has immediately. Respectful with human hands. 

Leash manners:
Working on This - he likes to stop and lay down when he doesn't want to walk or is scared, he'd do well with someone who understands that he needs time

Okay in the city?

Working on This - he is braver every day, but he’s scared of new things and crossing the street. We're working on it and he'll likely be fine in the city but will do better in a quieter neighborhood with people who can give him lots of time

Jumping to say hi?

Low – Doesn’t jump up on people or dogs. Always all four on the floor. 

Separation anxiety?
Medium – Might cry for a few minutes when you first leave the house but settles pretty
quickly and has no problem being left alone.

Crate trained?

Yes - LOVES his crate. It's his safe space and he chooses to spend time in there.**

Medical status:
Up to date on their DHPP and Bordetella vaccines (for dogs under 4 months old, adopters will need to finish the DHPP vaccine series and administer the Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks of age)

How this dog ended up with Social Tees:
Most of our dogs come via partner groups who help us save them from shelters where they are at risk of euthanasia in Tennessee or St. Thomas. There are very few spay/neuter resources there and many more animals in those areas than there are people to adopt them. Rescue groups like ours bring them to the northeast where the desire for pets like these allows us to save their lives. 

PLEASE NOTE: We cannot guarantee any 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! 

This animal is not at the Social Tees office, all are in foster homes.

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