Zito

Zito is a 2-year-old, purebred Border Collie who is bravely navigating his new world after being rescued from a hoarding situation. He's a compact 35 pounds and incredibly nimble. Zito is a shy boy who is still learning about life, including what it's like to live in a home with people and the everyday sounds of a suburban environment. Each day he shows progress in understanding expectations and is becoming less scared of household noises. Like many Border Collies, Zito is a clever problem-solver, and while some solutions are successful (like sitting for treats), others, such as counter surfing, have surprised his fosters!

After a couple of weeks in foster care, Zito is discovering that humans can offer more than just food. He enjoys snuggling on the couch during quiet times and thrives on being near his people. He currently lives with an 8-year-old dominant female Border Collie and a 12-year-old Lab mix, and he happily takes a submissive role with them. While the dominant Border Collie encourages play, Zito has mostly limited this to brief moments of running around the yard. Fetch is not a game he recognizes or participates in, and while he will occasionally chew on a squeaky toy, his interest is short-lived. He has not displayed any herding behaviors towards people or other dogs.

In the house, Zito has a low energy level and is content to relax in the same room as you. His fosters are gradually expanding his experiences by taking him on increasingly longer walks in the neighborhood. The sights and sounds of a suburban area – traffic, barking dogs, sirens, lawnmowers, children playing, cars and bikes passing by – are all new to him, so approaching new situations slowly and patiently is essential for Zito's adjustment.

Zito has had limited exposure to people. While he has adapted well to his foster family, he remains cautious when meeting new individuals. He prefers to greet from a distance or from behind someone and needs to do so on his own terms, without being forced. He has not been introduced to cats or children. Given his sensitive nature, it's anticipated that children might create too much noise and stimulation for him. Loud sounds and sudden movements are significant triggers, often causing him to retreat to his kennel. Living with a confident dog seems to help him gauge what warrants a strong reaction. If you have another dog, it should be a quiet and supportive companion, as barking can frighten Zito.

Zito arrived without any prior training in basic commands. His fosters are teaching him foundational life skills like "come," "off," and "sit," but he will require ongoing training to build his confidence, strengthen his bond with his new owner, and ensure his safety. Positive reinforcement with a soft voice is key; harsh commands can cause him to cower or flee to his crate.

He is crate-trained, and his kennel is his safe space. Zito uses his kennel for breaks throughout the day and sleeps there at night with the door closed. He is not required to be kenneled as he has not chewed anything inappropriately. Zito is also nearly fully housetrained, with only a couple of marking incidents in his first few days, which have not recurred.

Are you looking for a quiet lifestyle in the country? Do you have experience with shy or fearful dogs and are eager to train, bond with, and witness a dog blossom as he gains confidence? Zito might be the perfect companion for you!

Ideal Home

A quiet lifestyle, preferably in the country, and experience with shy/fearful dogs is a must. Loud sounds and sudden movements are triggers. He is not suited for a home with children. If there are other dogs in the home, they must be quiet and supportive.

Ongoing Health

No known health conditions are mentioned.

Training & Support

Needs continued training for confidence building, bonding, and safety. Requires soft-voiced, reward-based training; loud commands are a trigger. Basic commands like "come," "off," and "sit" are being taught. Needs support in adjusting to new situations and people.

Application Details:

• Applications start by contacting us through Wags.
• Visit wbcrescue.org to learn more about Zito and our adoption process or to apply.

Transportation

Zito is located with his foster family. Information about transportation availability can be found on wbcrescue.org.