JESSICA Pit Bull Terrier & Vizsla Mix Phoenix, AZ

Jessica has been busy making herself ready for a forever home. Once it was discovered that shelter life is far too stimulating for a smart girl like Jessica, staff and volunteers have worked to find out what makes Jessica tic. Jessica spent a couple of weeks at board and train with George of Couth Canine. His insight and lessons have helped create a better shelter environment for Jessica. A dedicated volunteer then took George’s guidance and took Jessica home to gain more insight and learn more about her needs and behaviors. It is believed that Jessica is closer to being under two years old, as opposed to the five years given to her by the county shelter. Jessica was very energetic, running up and down the stairs and throughout the foster home. She would play with 20 different toys in a matter of three minutes. It is felt that Jessica would do great in agility with how smart she is and her energy level. She does have separation anxiety and will chew and tear things in frustration. Jessica was never left loose and unsupervised in the home but she did tear up blankets in the kennel and would open and scratch at bathroom doors if you dared to shut her out of your business. Jessica is 90% potty trained. She did have a couple accidents, on day one, inside the home even though she peed outside 30 minutes prior. But by the second day there were zero accidents with supervision. Jessica did GREAT with the one year old child. Jessica was very gentle with her and would sit nicely next to the family while eating. However, when Jessica was wound up, she would jump up trying to bite or tug at the child’s blanket and this behavior could cause accidents, like mouthing the child’s legs in the process. Jessica has shown zero resource guarding issues. She shared toys, treats and water with the household dog, child and adults. Jessica is on calming medication and there is a noticeable difference when her medication starts to wear off. It shows in her impulse control. It was more difficult to get her to calm down and focus. This is when consistent training comes into play, the more Jessica is worked with in a calm state, the easier she can be redirected when the medication is weened. Most of the issues Jessica displays in the shelter environment, were non-existent in a home setting, except when she was super amped up and went after the household dog. Jessica was corrected but she was over stimulated at that point and was unsure where to direct her frustration. One on One, Jessica is super sweet, loving and eager to please. She just wants to be part of the family.

Jessica is back at HFG where staff and volunteers are working hard to reinforce her training and make her shelter time as low stress inducing as possible. She will do best in a dog experienced home that will be able to continue her training while providing structure and consistency. The adoption fee is $225 and includes spaying/neutering, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping, and a free wellness visit at Phoenix Mountain Animal Hospital. Our adoption hours are Thursday-Saturday from 11:00 am-4:00 pm by appointment.