Phoenix

I came to Pit Bull Rescue San Diego from a local shelter, along with 6 of my littermates. Right now I'm in foster care learning the ins and outs of basic training, including getting the hang of housetraining (but still have a little ways to go in that department). I'm also getting plenty of socialization with people and other animals, which is also very crucial to my development.

Adopting me will be a lifelong commitment, and my new family needs to be ready, willing and able to provide me not only with lots of love as an indoor member of the family, but also with ongoing training and socialization. I will be ready for adoption starting the end of January, and applications are now being accepted for consideration.

foster update (02/18/08):

Phoenix seems very social and accepting of anyone he's made contact with. I have yet to see him bark or get intimidated by anyone.

He's very playful and LOVES attention. If you don't pay attention, he's slump down on his bed and give you the stink eye. He's still learning to play nice with his mouth because he doesn't realize how sharp his teeth are, but he's come a long way.

He loves his toys, including Kongs, ropes, anything soft and fuzzy, my shoes, and the toilet plunger. That is his new favorite. Before we have a chance to retrieve it, Phoenix likes to parade it around the house like a show pony. Head up, tail high, VERY PROUD. The plunger lays horizontal in his mouth so he usually hits every wall, doorway, chair, couch or leg along the way.

My Sammy and Snoop love to rough and tumble with him. Phoenix is usually the instigator, though. Next thing you know, a ball of three dogs are tumbling around the entire house like those tumbleweeds. He does very well with both my Lab mix and my Chihuahua mix.

At the dog park, he's a social puppy. Almost completely oblivious to any potential aggression from other dogs and it's very obvious he's comfortable wherever he is. He's been very responsive to his name at the dog parks and beaches. I haven't had to chase him down. He's great about not taking off to chase birds or other animals, too.

He has not had any exposure to cats or other animals in the home.

Phoenix's training is coming along. He sits on cue. He's doing very well with his 'lay downs'. We're working on making him wait for his food right now. He's very treat-oriented. We are working his potty training.

Phoenix would enjoy a home with another fun and friendly dog. He needs continuous social interactions. I don't think a situation where he'll be alone most of the time is a good fit. He is good in his crate but it's mostly because he knows he gets to play with Sammy, Snoop, Foster mom and the roommate for the entire evening. He's ready for it. I think a family situation would also be ideal. He seems to do very well with children.

He's a wonderful puppy. He occasionally cries in his crate but as he gets older, he cries less, and never during the evening hours anymore. He will need a little more support with his potty training and someone who will be willing to spend the time to teach him new tricks. Aside from that, he's pretty much grown out of his puppy issues.

I absolutely love Phoenix and if it weren't for the fact that my condo is too small to support my household, Phoenix would have become a permanent member of our family. I have had my pet sitter and other friends who have watched him for an evening or two tell me he's an amazingly easy puppy to care for. I know whoever chooses Phoenix to join their family will feel the exact same way.

Phoenix needs guidance with his chewing. If he doesn't have other toys available, he tends to lean towards soft non-puppy objects such as clothing, couch cushions and shoes. His future family will need to be willing to work with him on this. We're already helping him with this. Also, he has razor sharp teeth and hasn't quite figured out how hard he bites, so just needs a little guidance with that as well.

Click here to fill out an adoption application.