Cubby's original initial bio (5/12/17): Introducing Cubby, a 5 year old, 56# light Golden mix (Collie markings), who will melt your heart. He's a neutered male who was released to RAGOM from the Pierre area due to his energy. He knows his name, sit, down, loves ball and Frisbee toss, listens and willing to learn, walks and jogs. Cubby has a few puppy behaviors that need some help to overcome.

Cubby is getting used to his foster home very quickly. His energy and anxiety level upon arriving were very high and in one day was already very different. He is a handsome dog that is light golden with dark eyes and with Collie breed markings, as you can see a little in the pictures I included. He saw the vet this week and the only issue was Cubby may have had some previous hot spots and is a little underweight.

Good things I have noticed is Cubby loves to play with a tossed ball or Frisbee. He has good recall and had some training, as he will sit and lay down when asked. He is an avid fan of food, treats and trying new food. He has smelled by the counter and garbage can but hasn't as yet tried to get food from them. Walks nice while he holds the leash in his mouth. He has shown no resource guarding, but does try to take food or toys from others. He doesn't try to jump on people when greeting. With his energy level, he would do well with jogging.

He hasn't watched much TV, as they had bird noises on the other night and he went looking for where it came from and started watching TV. I was surprised and laughed a little that sometimes when I talk to him he looks at me and tilts his head, which is so cute. Cubby is trained to be in the kennel (treats in kennel and rest time) or free roam. He sleeps on the couch, bed with you at night or on a dog bed. He does well in a fenced yard and only wants to play or wander around. We have been doing lots of outside breaks during day and before bed and no accidents so far. He will pee outside as soon as he is out the door, but his other business usually takes more time. I tried him on a tie-out and it works well, but I wouldn't want to leave him on it for long periods. Cubby has a few puppy issues he needs work on for now. I was told when he greeted new dogs, he would hump them, a behavior that wasn't prevented before. I think he does this because to him it was how to get a dog's attention to play with him. We started working on it when he greeted my other foster. To prevent this he remained on leash and was redirected when he made attempts to do this behavior. By the end of the day, he stopped doing it and this must be continued when greeting other dogs and soon it will stop altogether, as he needs help learning. Once in awhile when playing with people, due to getting excited, he will begin mouthing. To prevent it we say no and then stop playing with him when he wants to do this behavior, and in time it will stop. I think Cubby wasn't petted and cuddled a lot. He will cuddle a little when he decides to jump in your lap, while reclining in the chair. Another time is when you wake up and he is in bed with you. If you pet him or cuddle other times he becomes mouthy and nippy. With more loving and patience in time he will change.

He also will destroy toys if not supervised by biting out the squeaker or chewing them apart and needs to learn to play with them properly. Already he is learning if he does it, play will stop and he is redirected to other things he can chew on safely like a rawhide or Nylabone.
He has a few issues with new noises. I turned the fan on, which was by the kennel and he was afraid and wouldn't go in the kennel. The mower also frightened him and he stayed far away. Storms didn't bother him as we had one soon after he came here. I'm not sure cats would be an issue but he isn't interested in birds in the yard. Cubby is a typical dog coming out of puppy hood and needs a loving forever home to help him. He learns quickly and will bring joy to his new home. Keep watching for more updates and pictures.