Taco

My story

Taco - 1 year, 24lbs, Terrier Mix, Neutered  This dog 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. Thier Foster Parent Says: "Taco is the sweetest pup! Yesterday night, his third night in Brooklyn I saw a noticeable energy shift from being on high alert to major relaxation. He looked like he was getting the best rest of his life! He has not fully conquered potty training (and I’m sure he is still adjusting to a new schedule). He is very good at going on pee pads when he does go inside. We are working on crate training to help him with the potty training. He sleeps through the night in the crate next to our bed with no complaint and goes 1 and 2 successfully outside when I bring him down in the morning. We are trying more frequent smaller walks, after his big morning walk, throughout the day. He does not seem to know many commands but is picking them up very quickly! He is getting the hang of the leash. He is doing very well with stopping and waiting on walks when he starts to pull, he is very good at, “stay, “ and he is working on, “sit”. City walking in higher traffic neighborhoods is hard for Taco, he does not like strollers, bike delivery people, or big trucks and he finds having lots of other dogs around very distracting (we think this is part of his potty challenge). He is definitely a medium to high energy pup and loves other dogs and most people. He can be timid with some people (tends to be bigger men wearing work clothes). He has only seen children and cats from a distance but does not seem reactive.  He is a major cuddle bug, although we are not letting him up on furniture, he sticks by your side like glue. This is a bit of a blessing and a curse because he does show signs of  separation anxiety so we are making sure to give him alone time every day. He is not mouthy and he loves to jump but seems easily corrected. All in all Taco is learning super quickly and is very eager to please. Yesterday he spent the day with me at work as the shop dog and did extremely well! I have to go up and down from the store room to get merchandise so we did a lot of working on being okay with me being gone for frequent small periods of time—I saw improvement throughout the day.  His personality is really coming out and he gets the cutest zoomies in the morning and at night and loves to play with his tiger and rope toy." Level of dog ownership experience needed:INTERMEDIATE: This dog will need significant structure and plenty of daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation – 90 consecutive minutes of movement in the morning 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.) Energy levelMEDIUM: Needs a daily 60-90 minute walk or window of quick paced exercise (minimum) in addition to potty break strolls (10-30 min each). Also needs significant socializing opportunities outside the home and mental stimulation at home like tricks training practice, chew items, and puzzle toys. (This is regardless of dog size – many small breeds were designed for lots of activity and will exhibit unwanted behavior when they’re understimulated.)  Potty trained?Probably! Adults usually are, but all will have transitional accidents for the first week or so. A consistent walking route and schedule plus finding spots with grass or dirt can help. Social with other dogs?Yes, but we don’t know to what degree yet. Some like to wrestle with every passing pup, others can coexist well but prefer to keep to themselves. We’ll learn more soon. Social with cats?Not sure yet! Some breed mixes that are generally NOT great matches for homes with cats include large hounds, huskies, and shepherds.  Comfortable with children?  (ALWAYS requires adult supervision)We’re not sure yet, but we try to err on the side of caution. Respectful kids ages 8 and up are probably a safe bet. Children must always be monitored and taught to interact with dogs of any age respectfully.  Okay in the city?We don’t know yet. Most adult dogs do well in the city after they’ve had time to adjust to a new environment, but some never adapt and need homes in the burbs.  Medical statusHealthy as far as we know. Up to date on their DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccines; heartworm negative; spayed/neutered; microchipped; treated with dewormer upon intake 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, Puerto Rico or Southern California. 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. LEARN MORE ABOUT US: socialteesnyc.org and Instagram @socialteesnyc ##2352549##

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Taco, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.