03/06/2026
**UPDATE: Thank you everyone for your interest in Dandelion! I am currently reviewing applications. A couple things to add: Dandelion is an AKC registered Miniature American Shepherd (not an Australian Shepherd) and will be around 30-35lbs full grown. Second, we are located in the PNW just outside of Portland, OR. I have had quite a few applications for Dandelion from all over the States and some really great homes too. But ideally I am wanting to keep him close to home here in the PNW.**
*Older Puppy seeking his forever home*
Dandelion (previously Wedge from FireflyxCisco born Oct 19, 2024) has been returned to us due to his family not being able to continue his training. Dandelion arrived back to us as a pretty naughty guy but in just a couple days I was able to work out a lot of his naughty behaviors (jumping up, mouthing, lack of self regulating). In just 3 weeks he has gone from a dog that I would refuse to live with to a dog that I would love to keep forever. Unfortunately we are at max capacity here and with a baby due in just a couple weeks, we are looking for his new, forever home.
Dandelion is a very smart guy and learns quickly. He is going through his goofy, naughty, testy teenage phase and requires continued time and effort put into his training to help him round out into the amazing dog that he will soon become (he is already really great!). I want whoever gets him to realize he needs some commitment to his continued training and whoever he goes to will need experience with dogs and dog training. I want to set him up for success so he doesn’t have to go through this again. Despite coming back to us, he hasn’t skipped a beat and he has been very happy here. But I want to ensure he finds his forever home from here. Bonus if you are wanting an agility/sport dog prospect as this guy would do great with the proper guidance.
Dandelion is potty trained, although he did have a couple accidents his first couple days here while he was learning where the appropriate place to go was so understand that’s a possibility while he’s adjusting. He walks mostly good on a leash but could use some work there. His previous family was never able to get him kennel trained, however he did leave me at 8 weeks old kennel trained and when he arrived back to me he has been perfect in his kennel. He sleeps in there at night, he will go in there on his own to nap during the day, he is kenneled when we leave the house and cannot be supervise, he eats in his kennel. So he is very much kennel trained. I believe he had reverted while adjusting to his new home as a puppy and they just were not able to work him through it properly. Dandelion knows basic commands and he is very food motivated however I have been training him strictly without treats since he has been here with us because he was too dependent on them to want to listen otherwise. Now he responds very well to verbal cues and he loves to get pets and be told he’s a good boy when he does what he is asked.
Dandelion is a very sweet, affectionate and outgoing boy. He loves our pack of dogs here and has been learning a lot through his momma dog Firefly and his sisters. The girls are keeping him in line and teaching him proper doggy etiquette. He very much lacked self regulation and personal boundaries when he arrived but he has caught on quick that the girls won’t let that behavior fly and he is rounding out into a very nice gentlemen. He will still need work in these areas in his new home but I know he is going to round out into a very good boy once he is worked through this stage of his puppyhood with the proper training.
He does great with our cat Luther and he had a kitty friend in his previous home but he did like to herd his kitty friend and he has *tried* to herd Luther as well. But Luther is immune to everything a dog throws at him and Dandelion has relearned why Luther is called “The Puppy Tamer”. Dandelion could do really well with a dog savvy cat but if the cat would instinctually run from him then it would be a long road of redirecting Dandelion’s herding drive off the cat since he has done it since he was young at his previous home. A cat like Luther is the exception.
He would do great with a doggy friend and I’d love to find him a home with another dog if possible.
He was raised with 2 young boys and loves kids but keep in mind he needs to be worked on his self regulating skills and it seems the kids in his previous home would cause him to become overstimulated at times. Ideally a home with older, dog savvy children would be a good fit.
Dandelion is neutered and will leave me with a current health check from my vet as well as be current on all his vaccines. He does have his tail and front dew claws.
There is a small rehoming fee. If you are interested in Dandelion please go to my website https://brightheartaussies.com and fill out my questionnaire form.
