MATTY Maltese Mix Springfield, MA

Matty is a dog that does best when he can approach people on his own terms. He's very headshy and dislikes things going over his head, and thus can also be nervous about collars and leashes. He would likely do best with someone who has experience in the amount of time and patience it may take in order to help him feel more comfortable. OTHER PETS: Matty can get excited when meeting other dogs, and would likely get along best with another small dog who can match his temperament. [Likely (Must Meet First)] OWNER EXPERIENCE: Matty would do best with someone who has previous experience with owning and caring for nervous & headshy dogs. [Some Experience] KIDS: Matty dislikes being restrained and can get very uncomfortable with some types of handling, so he would do well in a home with older kids who can understand and respect his boundaries. He does best if he can decide on his own terms when and how to interact. [15+ (Must Meet First)] ACTIVITY LEVEL: Matty loves to play and chase squeaky toys around, and would also likely be fond of casual walks around the neighborhood. As a younger dog he still has a fair amount of energy, but after some time to adjust and bond with his new owner he could very well become more of a lap dog! [Couch Potato / Good Walking Buddy] VETERINARY CARE: [Routine] LEVEL OF TRAINING NEEDED: Matty is still young, and because he can be so nervous, he would benefit from an owner who has the time and patience to help him become more confident. Positive reinforcement training will not only help Matty to build that confidence, but also help him to bond with his new owner. Because he dislikes being restrained and is wary of things going over his head, though, the level of training he needs may take longer or be slightly more intensive than the average dog. [Moderate] GROOMING: Matty will need to be brushed routinely in order to keep up with his fur growth and prevent any severe matting or knots from forming. He would also likely benefit from a scheduled routine with a professional groomer to keep him tidy and comfortable. [Routine Brushing / Professional Grooming]