Entered: 12/05/2020
Status: Adopted
Age: 18 Months; born 07/24/2019
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 40 lbs.
Gender: Altered Female
Location: Goochland, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, receiving low dose of inexpensive anti-anxiety medication
Temperament: Good with people as young as 15 (too energetic for younger children), good with other dogs, not good with cats
Updated 01/29/2023: “All this little one needed was someone to spend some extra time with her and show her that she is special.”
After being in and out of foster residences and with adoptees that didn’t work out, one family decided to give this little girl a chance. In 2021, with the rejections in her past, they decided that to be Pepper’s forever home and were going to put the time into helping her find her place. With a little bit of help with trainer and her new parents, this little ball full of energy and uncertainty began to understand that this was going to be her forever home.
Pepper gets along well with the resident senior Springer who is a good big sister to her and she does a good job of chasing the squirrels and birds in her yard. When it is time for a walk, she is very good on her leash and stays close by her mom when exploring the woods and bunny hopping in the mud or creeks they pass.
All this little one needed was someone to spend some extra time with her and show her that she is special. Pepper’s family still calls her their “spicy jalapeno” at times, but would not want her any other way.
Update 02/08/2021: “Unfortunately, Pepper was obsessed with the resident cat.”
Pepper was adopted by a family that hoped she would make a good addition to their household. Unfortunately, Pepper was obsessed with the resident cat. It became apparent that this would not be a healthy relationship and Pepper was returned to MAESSR. She will need to join a family that is feline free.
Original: “The family that puts the time and training into Pepper is going to end up with a wonderful addition to their home.”
Pepper’s Virginia family made the hard choice to relinquish her to MAESSR due to her HIGH energy levels and her anxiety in new situations and when meeting new people. In these circumstances she would quickly go into the over-stimulated mode. The family felt it was not fair to her to have to spend so much time in her crate because of her antics when the kids had friends over. Her over stimulation was shown daily when the owner’s husband came home from work. Pepper would get so excited she would jump and nip at his legs, arms, pants, and hands—but she would never bite. In these situations she was wild-eyed, panting, hard to calm, and too rough. This overstimulated behavior and hyperactivity would occur daily.
Pepper is possessive of stolen objects and will run to keep her prize. The item cannot be taken from her without her growling and snarling. Her foster family is teaching her to trade, giving up whatever she has stolen for yummy treats instead.
Pepper is also a very competent counter-surfer. When her foster mom tells her to get down, she does most of the time; however, if she steals something from the counter, then she feels like it is hers forever. Young Miss Pepper has a great deal to learn about proper behavior.
When she barks at new people and dogs, her foster mom has been working on distracting her by having her sit and, then, if she does not bark, she gets a high value treat. To help calm her down further, Pepper has been started on a low dose of inexpensive anti-anxiety medication.
This high energy girl pulls on a leash, but she knows basic commands and rides well in the car. She is housetrained too. Pepper is extremely sweet and loving most of the time. She loves to run and chase birds and squirrels in her backyard.
At night and when home alone, Pepper is crated. Although her owner could bathe Pepper and handle her feet and ears, Pepper was not groomed due to not liking to be restrained.
Despite her high exuberance, Pepper is a lovable dog who loves to play fetch and tug-of-war. She does best in a very low-stimulus environment. She will need a family that is committed to being firm and consistent with her training. MAESSR will be requiring two series of obedience classes within six months of adoption to help with bonding and also to show Pepper the proper way to act. The family that puts the time and training into Pepper is going to end up with a wonderful addition to their home.