Name: Zap
Age: 18 months
Gender: Male
Breed: Australian Cattle Dog mix
Weight: 49 lbs
Dog friendly: Yes
Cat friendly: Yes
Kid friendly: Yes
House Trained: Yes 
Crate Trained: Yes
Energy level: Moderate
History: From a shelter in Missouri
Adoption Fee: $400

From the Foster:

Zap. Loves. EVERYONE. Every dog is a potential playmate. Every human is a friend in waiting. Zappucino is SO, SO excited to meet you, but he's not quite sure how to show it. He gets a little too enthusiastic, but we are working on encouraging him to do less vigorous greetings. He is always SO excited you're home, and may lose all control of his limbs and not know how to express just how excited he is in a gentle way. We often compare him so a spinning crocodile as he flails along the floor, and we're the crocodile hunters. watching his silliness unfold! He is most definitely a jumper (up on people), but has already improved with some training in the few days we've had him. His adopters will need to stay consistent with this, and in no time, he'll understand the rules. He has really started to figure out what this "sit" word means, and "lay down" has been coming along nicely.

We think once someone tried to teach him manners in a way that wasn't so kind -- so sometimes he piddles when he is nervous. We have learned that fireworks, and the scary noises and flashes in the sky when it's raining are NOT fun things. Tonight he was introduced to the hand held vacuum, which got a major head tilt, followed by a slow retreat to the kitchen to watch from afar. It definitely seems sketchy! He has an odd quirk of being apprehensive in changes in flooring or environment. This isn't uncommon in dogs, especially those who didn't get enough "environmental socializing" when young. But with patience (and the occasional bribery) he is willing to join you -- because, frankly, he wants to be with YOU!

Although he may be reluctant to go into it, Zap is fine in the kennel. He has never soiled it. He is working on his house training, and will always choose to go outside if the option is presented. But he isn't great at letting you know he needs to go, so stick to a schedule until you learn how to speak his language. 

As far his Zap's toys go, he wants them ALL out of his toy basket at the same time so EVERYONE can play with them! Current floor covered count between his toy's and the resident's? 19. He is a chewer/shredder as far as his toys go-so give him plenty of things that are just his that you're ok with him destroying-after all, what are toys FOR?! We are the proud new owners of one now "holy" blanket, as well as a tank top that has turned into a one strap toga. But given the right things to occupy him, he will do just fine.

The Zap-a-doodle is a very social fella. If there is another dog in the house, they are best buds. He does tend to get jealous and tries to steal all the pets for himself, so we've been trying to teach him that he can't always have ALL the attention. Moms have love for all their doggos, and he's learning how to share! He has done incredibly well with our resident dog -- they play all the time, then nap side by side. No food guarding issues at all. He knows to walk away when another dog corrects him, which is a valuable skill. He might be a little too affectionate for some, as he will try to climb into everyone's lap and hug them!

His true Cattle Dog colors have also come through in his ability to herd our resident pup-and US. This does include some very light nips at the back of our legs/feet/occasionally backs, but never hard. This is just his instincts kicking in and him trying to get all the people and dogs he loves in the same place. But it might not be best for very young kids to be with Zap, as this instinct can be misinterpreted. He NEVER hurts us, but it could startle someone who doesn't understand the drive behind what he's trying to do. He has been known to spin us in a circle in the kitchen in order to get our affection! 

Zap would happily sleep in your bed with you but is fine in a dog bed nearby. Though he may let you know by nudging you or licking any limbs hanging over (or near) the edge of the bed that it would be MUCH more exciting if he could be up there with you instead of on this silly thing you put NEXT to the big bed. Why do humans think that's such a good idea?! Clearly snuggling up to you all night long is a WAY better idea.

I hope you like adventure and exercise because Zap does! He woud live outside if you let him (a fenced yard would be awesome!). He would like at least one good long walk a day, and a run would be even better. He really would do best in a home with another dog friend who is willing to run and play with him. And if there's a lake nearby, Zap will be in the water as much as possible. He has been known to "swim" on pool covers as well, and even in his water dish! 

Though he has moments that remind us of a flailing crocodile, or Ed the hyena from The Lion King (google it!), he really is the sweetest boy, and just has so much love to give his people and dog siblings! Patience and consistency once he comes home to his forever will make this adorable goofball one amazing addition to your family! Zap is waiting for you!