I am so excited to finally meet you – my future family! My name is Phil, but my foster mom keeps calling me Philbert (too much BoJack Horseman) or No Philter Phil. I have the best Gremlin ears that almost never go down! I was found with my sister on a little walkabout before coming to Save-A-Bull. I’m not sure where she went, but I have had quite the adventure in my time with fosters. I am so grateful for the love and care I’ve received, and now it’s time for me to give back to a great family!
I currently live in a foster home with two resident dogs (male and female). I get along great with the female dog in the house, mostly through ignoring her or having brief chats. We are all still getting acclimated, but I’m definitely more submissive. One is trying to teaching me how to play and the other one sets the rules and lets me know when I do well – so of course, I try to pay attention as much as my No Philter brain will allow and soak it all in. They have been very patient and understanding of me, and actually motivate and cheerlead me when I do awesome things. We had slow introductions because I needed to build some confidence and security, but now we all hang out in the yard and chase squirrels and pee on each other’s pee spots. I eat in my crate because my foster mom says that makes my crate more desirable, so I don’t eat with the other dogs. I am really good at taking treats, but I don’t like it when another dog gets treats and I don’t – sharing is caring!
I have been working on training with my foster mom, it helps that she is a professional dog trainer. I am crate trained and sleep in my crate at night, it is the best spot because it is so comfy! The crate has been a big issue for me because I just want to be with you all the time. But, she keeps telling me that patience is a virtue and will get me good things, so I am learning to be more patient and confident that my person will always return. She sometimes lets me just hang out in my bedroom behind a gate, and I have found that lounging on the day bed in there is super relaxing with some nice music playing while I sleep. I am really good at sitting for things, and we are working on more advanced skills, like “leave it”, “stay”, and things like that. I have gotten really good at boundary training and am practicing heeling behavior. I am easy to train because I love working for treats, and my foster mom says I am pretty smart because I catch on pretty quickly. One of my biggest habits is when I meet you, I like to lean up against you – share the love! I have also learned that a quick “uh uh” means I am doing something sneaky and should probably stop. I would do great with some doggy classes around other dogs and people to get used to the distractions, and will show off how good I am and make you feel like a star! I might be really good at scent work.
I haven’t really figured out how to play with toys yet. One of the resident dogs keeps bringing me toys and dropping them in front of me, and I’m not sure what to do! I have been caught squeaking a fake newspaper and carrying around a push toy now and again, but I am still learning for sure. One way we are doing this is soaking rope toys in broth, that definitely makes them more desirable! I think that I am probably more of a cuddler than anything though, so toys are fine, but not my number one priority. It doesn’t really matter though, because I haven’t chewed or destroyed anything in the house. Also, I am potty trained, and we are working on bell training.
I am working very hard on becoming a confident and curious boy, and am learning that asking permission by looking to mom is the way to live a good life. I love having a stable routine, it helps me predict what is coming next and eases any anxiety about if I am getting that next meal! I do tell canine companions when I am uncomfortable. I am not meant to be every dog's friend but there are some that I am sure I would like if I got to take my time. I really like being outside, and found that laying in the sun is a great activity. Mostly, I like to be with others in the house, because cuddling up is simply the best!
Here are some other fun facts about me:
Why are you the very best dog in the whole world?
Because I will always be by your side.
A fun fact about me:
I’m like the Leaning Tower of Pisa – I’m trying to hold you up!
What are some of your favorite toys?
I don’t know what to do with toys for the most part, but I do find squeaky stuffies amusing.
Play all day or cuddles and snoozes?
I LOVE to cuddle and snooze with humans.
What makes your body wiggle and your tail wag harder than anything?
Knowing it is time to train when the treats start pouring out!
What would your dream day consist of?
A long walk with lots of new smells and trees to “water” then cuddling on the couch with my people. Then dinner and a movie with more cuddles.
My ideal home would have me as the only dog (since I like all the attention) and lots of comfy spots to watch out the window or cuddle up. I like to be out with you and am an excellent backseat driver – so road trip anyone? Send in your application now to meet me because I know we are going to be best friends!
