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

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• 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: Naomi

Background: I made my way to Minnesota from Texas, and there isn’t a ton of background beyond that! I’ve been with MN Pit Bull Rescue for about a month now to settle in and gain confidence. I’m a fearful girl, but have shown that with leadership and training, I will open up and slowly trust you as my human! It’ll be a lot of patience and baby steps with me as I’m still learning the world isn’t all scary. Once you earn my trust, you won’t regret it! I am the best snuggler and will eventually show you the goofy side to me!

Age: About 5 to 6 months old

Activity Level: At first, I’m a pretty low energy dog, but once I trust you, you’ll definitely see the puppy in me come out! With that said, I love a good couch snuggle from time to time.

Kennel Trained: Yes. My crate is definitely my safe place. Sometimes I feel so safe in my crate, that I’m not sure I want to come out, so I ask that you be patient with me until I learn to trust you. My foster mom and dad keep me in my crate while they are away working or cannot keep an eye on me. When I’m in my crate and can’t see either my foster dog brother or my foster parents, I do let out some sad cries, but typically calm down after a few minutes and remember I’m ok and in my safe place.

Potty Trained: Yes. I know to go potty and poop outside, but my foster parents keep me on a regimented schedule, so depending on my new home schedule, please be patient with me while I figure everything out. I have shown, however, that going to the door means I need to go potty or poop! I also need a little more time outside to feel comfortable before going to the bathroom.

Behaviors to note: I am still unsure about the world as it feels very scary to me. I would do best in a home that is on the calmer side. It does take some time for me to warm up to you. I’ve never shown any kind of aggression, but I do shake and tuck my tail when I get nervous and/or scared. My safe spots are my crate and a couch, which my parents let me on when I’m invited, however, I often will quickly jump up without being asked. They are working with me to “ask” before going on the couch. This will need continued work. I get excited when my foster parents train with me – especially when tasty hot dogs and cheese are involved! This helps me remember I’m a strong girl and don’t need to be scared. Going on “walks” are still really scary for me with all the noises and unknown surroundings. My foster parents are slowly working on this with me and I’m not scared of my leash anymore! Little by little, I know I’ll get there.
I don’t know that I’ll ever be a dog that likes to adventure out or meet new people, but depending on some more consistent training and confidence building, I might just surprise you!

Things I do in my free time:
I love playing with toys! Especially the ones that squeak! I love to play with my big foster dog brother – he’s a big guy! I’ve shown I LOVE every dog I meet. I love to snuggle with the people I trust – especially when they invite me on the couch. I also love to chew on raw, meaty bones! My foster mom says I have the funniest spins when I get really excited while playing.
Things I am learning: Overall, I’m learning how to be a dog that feels comfortable. I’m learning how to go on a walk. I’m learning to trust people.
Reaction to new people: I get fearful when new people approach me and will shake/cower in my crate. I believe that with consistent training and confidence building, this might get easier over time for me, but for now, it’s best to have new people ignore me until I feel comfortable approaching them. It’s important to remember this may take more than one time of meeting me. I’ve never shown any type of aggression with my fear.

Kids: I am easily startled by fast movements and loud noises, so older children who are calm, have experience with dogs, and can understand and recognize the patience needed for me to trust you will be best.

Cats: I haven’t met any that I’m aware of, however I seem to like all animals – my foster parents even have these weird animals they call chickens and while curious about them, I’m fine to be around them.

Dogs: I LOVE dogs and have definitely learned so much from my foster dog brothers. They have helped me learn how to be a dog and build confidence, so I would love to have an older dog sibling to learn from. They would also need to have patience because I get so excited and sometimes forget my dog manners:-) However, it will be important for you to first build a strong relationship with me and not let me solely rely on a dog sibling for confidence.

Size: Currently about 25 pounds – anticipated to grow to around 40 pounds.

Additional Info: This dog has the sweetest disposition and heart. When she opens up, she also has the goofiest personally. I would say it’s important to understand she isn’t just a shy dog – she is a fearful dog and will need a special family to become part of, preferably someone who has had experience with fearful dogs and/or understands and is willing to take on the training needed to help her grow. If your instinct is to feel sorry for Naomi, you might not be the person for her. She needs an owner who will have the patience and determination to work toward the dog she can be with a confident and upbeat presence. Our experience has shown us that owners who operate out of sympathy tend to “freeze” dogs like Naomi in place of continued fear when the dog truly needs encouragement to help them grow through a solid foundation and ongoing training.

If you’re interested in meeting Naomi, please visit www.mnpitbull.com for adoption information and our online application.