Ernest

Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle. At Pound Dog Rescue, we believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, and learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process.                                   

Isn’t he a cutie?  This is Ernest an 8 year old, 4kg (9lb) toy poodle.  He has a beautiful curly, soft, red coat and expressive brown eyes. He has a compact and agile little body.  Ernest is a very outgoing and happy little dog who loves to be around his people.

Ernest was a puppy mill dog who spent the first 8 years of his life as a stud dog.  His only purpose was to produce puppies.  He had very little positive human contact.  This has left him a little shy around people at first meeting.  However once he gets to know you he is an absolute love bug. He likes to meet new people and once he has checked them out and become comfortable he will happily snuggle in their lap.    He enjoys being snuggled in your arms and he will gladly stay there as long as you want to cuddle him. Ernest can also be independent when you need some time to get things done.  He does not mind being in the other room in his dog bed snoozing while you go about your business. Ernest has this really sweet endearing habit of putting his front paws up on your leg when you are sitting and you aren’t paying attention to him. He looks at you with those big brown eyes and lets you know he wants up for a snuggle.

Ernest would be suitable for any type of home but stairs can be a bit of a challenge. Ernest can easily go upstairs but to date has not gone down stairs. So a home with minimal stairs would be best.  He is light enough to carry up and down stairs if necessary.  Ernest will occasionally bark but is quickly quieted down and generally is not very vocal so he should be alright for apartment living.  Ernest came to us with a 4/4 luxating patella, which we have had surgically repaired by a specialist.  However because it was left untreated for so long he never really used his right rear leg but rather hopped on three legs especially when he got moving faster.  Right now Ernest is learning to use all four legs and building muscle in his hind right leg.  For this reason Ernest needs regular walks of about 20 minutes twice a day to help strengthen his leg and get him back in shape. We also have Ernest in physio to get him using that leg more.  He is doing great in physio and coming along nicely!!  He just had his recheck appointment with the surgeon and has been given the all clear.   A backyard is not a necessity in his forever home as he does need to get getting his exercise from regular walks to keep the progress going with him using all 4 of his legs.

Ernest is an easy dog to live with. As noted he is generally quiet. He enjoys snoozing in his dog bed and has been crate trained.  He sleeps in his crate through the night without any issues and will spend time in his crate during the day, especially if we are going out.  As long as he has his doggy bed to cuddle up in he’s quiet and content.  He does not fuss in his crate, although he will not seek out his crate on his own. 

Being a poodle Ernest will require regular grooming every 4-6 weeks.  He has been groomed at our place and is very good.  He quietly lets you bathe, blow dry and groom him.  He’s a bit fussy getting his nails trimmed but will let you do it with reassuring words and encouragement.  Ernest is fully house trained and will do his business outside.  He does not have a specific signal to let you know he needs out. He goes out every couple hours with my dogs, although he can certainly hold it for at least 4 hours during the day, if necessary.  Ernest eats well and currently is eating a top quality kibble food.  He is not a fussy eater  He likes his treats and is very gentle at taking them from your hand.  Ernest is very good riding in the car.  He will ride in his crate or seat belted in with a harness when riding with the other dogs.  He is quiet and generally sleeps the whole trip.  He has no issues with car sickness.

As noted above Ernest lives with three other dogs all a little bigger than him but still small dogs.  He gets along well with the dogs and especially likes our gentle, calm and quiet guy.  He will snuggle with him in the dog bed and rest his head on the other dogs back.  He is not to fond of our rambunctious youngster.  For this reason Ernest would do fine in a home as the only dog or with a dog of similar size and a quiet temperament.  Ernest also lives with two cats and two parrots.  He shows no interest in the parrots at all and the cats don’t interest him either.  So a cat in the house would be fine as well.

Due to Ernest’s repaired leg it would best if he went to a home without children. He would not be able to tolerate any rough housing.  His ideal home would be with a couple or single person looking for companionship and someone who will be able to take him for a couple short walks every day.  Ernest has also gone on several camping trips (in a travel trailer) and enjoys hanging out at the campsite watching the world go by.  He’s also been canoeing and is very good in the boat.  

To date Ernest has not had any formal training as our focus with him has been getting him used to life outside of a barn and all that comes with that.   He is leash trained and walks nicely at your side.  He is not interested in wildlife and does not try to chase them. He is more of a lag behind than puller put again as soon as he feels the leash tighten he will look at you and correct his speed. He is learning to follow directions for the physio exercises he is doing daily and is picking up quickly.  He will need some obedience training as is required by pound dog rescue and I’m sure he will be a quick study. 

When Ernest came to us he underwent a full vet exam which revealed a few issues.  He had very bad teeth, luxating patellas and a slight heart murmur was detected.  He received all required shots and was dewormed.  He was tested for heart worm which was negative.  As noted earlier the luxating patella on his right knee was repaired.  The left knee has a minor luxation which does not bother him or cause him mobility problems.  The vet (surgeon) has noted that this knee will not need to be repaired and the physio vet feels that as long as he builds and maintains good muscle tone he should be fine as is.  He had a full dental in our care and had a number of teeth extracted.  Ernest was also neutered.  The heart murmur just needs to be monitored but needs no medication or intervention at this time.  

If you are looking for a small dog full of personality and cute as a button, Ernest might be your guy.  He will be your TV watching friend but still be up for little walks to get you out for some fresh air.  There is still plenty of life in this little guy for some good years of fun and companionship. He’ll make you smile everyday with his big personality and endearing ways.  Are you ready to take the plunge?