Portia

My story

Name, age, breed: Portia, 3 years old, German Shepherd mixLikes: Treats, gentle handling, quiet companionship, playing with toys, and calm walks in natureDislikes: Fast movements, unfamiliar objects, loud environments, and meeting new dogs without proper introductionsWhat would be the ideal home? A calm, structured home with experienced German Shepherd owners who can help build her confidence. She needs a house with a secure fenced yard, we recommend no apartments. An adopter committed to training, exercise, and positive reinforcement will help her thrive.Good with other cats? UnknownGood with dogs? Not at this time — Portia is currently defensive and fearful around other dogs. She should be the only pet in the home, although she may improve with proper training and socialization over time.Good with children? Only suitable for homes with children aged 14 and upTemperament: Portia is calm and affectionate with people she trusts. She`s gentle, enjoys being petted, and loves to lean into her person for affection. While she is generally well-mannered and cooperative, she can be nervous around fast movements, unfamiliar objects, or new environments, and will need time to adjust.Motivators? Treats — especially soft ones. She’s very food motivated and responds well to reward-based training.Any commands? Yes — she knows “sit,” “down,” and “paw”House trained? YesCrate trained? Yes — her crate is a safe and comfortable space for herHow long will it take to settle into a new environment? 3-3-3 rule:First 3 days – Portia may be overwhelmed, nervous, or withdrawn. She may need time alone to decompress in a quiet space.3 weeks – Her personality will start to emerge as she feels safer. She may test boundaries, so consistency and positive reinforcement are key.3 months – Portia should feel comfortable and confident in her new home. She will understand the daily routine and build strong bonds with her family.Any special needs or traits an adopter should know? Portia will benefit greatly from confidence-building activities and continued obedience training. She is very responsive to calm, patient leadership and needs a predictable environment to help her feel secure. Because of her sensitivity and energy level, she is best suited to an active, experienced dog home with no young children or other pets.If you think Portia is the one for you – fill out an

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Portia, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.