Shelby

Shelby is a 6-month-old, spayed female Shepherd/Hound/Terrier mix, currently weighing 39 pounds. She's expected to be a large dog when fully grown with a long body type. Shelby is a happy, goofy, and affectionate puppy with a playful spirit who brings joy into every space she enters. She is curious about the world, eager to learn, and deeply connected to her people. Shelby loves other dogs and has age-appropriate puppy energy, playing hard and resting hard. She interacts well with dogs of various sizes, reads canine cues well, and respects boundaries, often rolling onto her back submissively when another dog asks for space. On leash, she is friendly and excited to meet other dogs, showing happy tail wags and gentle pulling.

Shelby lives with older children (ages 14, 16, and 19) and does wonderfully with them, being affectionate, playful, and gentle. She would likely do well with younger children provided the family understands puppy behavior and is patient with training and supervision. She has not lived with cats but has been around a bird, showing curiosity without aggression, suggesting she may do well with proper introductions and guidance. Shelby walks nicely on a harness and does not pull, enjoying stopping to smell her surroundings without wandering excessively. She is gaining confidence in new environments.

Shelby is still working on house training but has made significant progress. She now consistently potties outside when taken out and shows subtle wandering behaviors indoors when she needs to go, indicating she is expected to master house training quickly with consistency. She sleeps through the night in her crate from approximately 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and tolerates crating, though she prefers being near people and other dogs. She may bark briefly when crated during the day but will settle, especially when left alone. Shelby should not be crated excessively as she is social and happiest when included in daily life.

Shelby eats enthusiastically and would benefit from a slow feeder. She shows no food guarding toward people and is comfortable with hands in her bowl. She loves toys, bones, and treats. Any mild growling has only occurred with her sister and appears related to puppy competition for attention rather than true resource guarding. She has had no issues with toys or treats around other dogs. Shelby has standard puppy-level high energy and needs daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation, thriving with activities like hikes, playtime in a yard or field, and interactive games like fetch. She would do best in an active home and will happily join her family in any adventures. She enjoys the company of other dogs and may benefit from a canine companion, though she can succeed as an only dog if her social and activity needs are met.

Shelby is easygoing, curious, playful, smart, silly, and affectionate. She is extremely cuddly and loves being held, hugged, and snuggled. Her goofy smile and gentle nature make her endearing. While initially timid with strangers, she has grown more confident and now walks past people calmly, becoming more comfortable in new situations. Shelby rides well in the car and generally stays settled in the back seat. Like most puppies, she may chew on objects if left unattended and sometimes barks at passing people or dogs from the car window. She has confidently learned to go up and down stairs on her own. Shelby loves sitting on laps, splashing in puddles, and discovering new things.

Ideal Home

Shelby would thrive in a home that enjoys a dog's companionship and attention, is patient with puppy training, and wants an active, affectionate family member. She wants to be included in family activities like hiking, walking, playing in the yard, or simply spending time together.

Ongoing Health

No specific health conditions are mentioned in the listing.

Training & Support

Shelby needs continued basic training. She has learned to sit, walks nicely on a harness, and plays appropriately with toys and bones. She loves sniffing and would likely enjoy scent-based activities or classes. She is still learning house training and may exhibit subtle wandering behaviors indoors when she needs to go.

Application Details:

• Applications start by contacting us through Wags.
• The process begins with an application.
• If you might be a good fit, we will reach out to coordinate a phone interview.
• This is followed by a video call with the foster home.
• Virtual home visit, personal and vet reference checks are required to complete the process.

Transportation

Shelby is currently in a foster home in Washougal, Washington. Transports run every few weeks, and dogs will be on the next available transport once approved. Transport is included in the adoption donation.