Laguna American Staffordshire Terrier & Pit Bull Terrier Mix Saint Paul, MN

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• All dogs listed on Petfinder are still available.
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• We CANNOT move forward until we receive an application. Even if you're only interested, please fill out an application at mnpitbull.com. We will respond within 24-48 hours (M-F) after receiving your inquiry.
• Adoption fees are as follows: 2-5 months old: $400, 6-9 months old: $350, 10+ months old: $250. This covers their Spay/Neuter, Vaccinations, Microchip, 4DX, Fecal Tests, and Housing Costs. ********************************************************************************************************

Name: Laguna
Nicknames: Goo-Goo
Age or Date of Birth: About 1.5 years old (as of April 2021)
Activity Level: Low-medium. I am currently going through heartworm treatment and am not supposed to really be partying right now, and thankfully I don't seem to want to much. I mostly chill, but I have my moments where I get a little excited and run around a bit.
Things I do in my free time: I enjoy my crate a lot and spend quite a bit of time in there. When out, I often pace (unless I am on leash) because I am still nervous with these 2-legged creatures. Eventually, I will find a cozy spot a curl up at their feet when they stop moving around so much.
Things I know: Not much right now because the primary work has been increasing my comfort level with humans and calming my overall state of mind. Training will come when I am in a more balanced state of mind for it.
Things I am learning/currently working on: As noted above, right now it is all about figuring out that humans and family life are a safe and comfortable setting for me. I am not exhibiting a ton of "normal" dog behaviors that need managed at this point, but my foster Mom has a feeling more of that will come out as I feel safer and safer.
Who I currently live with (humans and animals): 2 adult humans, 3 small humans ranging from 14 to 4; another young male dog, and 2 cats.
How I do with kids: Pretty much all humans are a bit scary to me currently, but the older (and therefore more predictable), the better and quicker I seem to settle around them. The 4-year-old in my foster home is really scary to me with sudden movements and noises, but about 2 weeks in, I am getting better and better about not seeming quite so terrified when she is nearby.
How I do with dogs: I like them, and I have the best spin moves in the world when I am playing with my foster bro. (Note from foster, we are purposefully limiting Laguna's time with our resident dog, not because of aggression but because we feel she would rely too heavily on him for comfort and not grow in her ability to bond and enjoy humans. If potential adopter has another dog, we will strongly suggest similar limiting in her early weeks and months.)
How I do with cats: When I am out of my crate, I barely seem to notice them, or will occasionally sniff and do short interactions. In my crate...oddly enough I will bark at them. My foster humans are mighty confused about this!
My current size: About 35-40 lbs.
How I do in my kennel: Great, definitely sees it as her safe space.
How I do in car rides: Seems fine!
Am I house trained?: Work in progress for sure here. I will pee or poo in the house if I am not taken out regularly and since I pace as part of my normal behaviors due to my general anxiety, it can be hard to read my signals that it is time to head out. My fosters have good luck if they take me out very regularly and utilize my crate (I will whine in her crate if she needs to go potty).
Additional Info from foster: Laguna is a special girl, and we will be pretty darn picky about her placement, I won't lie! You may be tempted to feel bad for her or wonder what happened...please don't waste energy on that. It simply won't help her grow and stretch her skills and comfort level. We are seeing slow but steady change in just treating her like a dog, encouraging bravery and contact when we read the signals that it is a good time and respecting her space when her signals are clear that she can't handle close contact in that moment. I have a feeling as she continues to climb out of her shyness, we will see more typical doggie challenges, so while right now she is "easy," I fully anticipate the nature of the work of her management will be shifting over time.

If you’re interested in meeting Laguna or knowing more, please visit www.mnpitbull.com and fill out an application so we can move forward.