Ernie

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.

Hello My Name is Ernie 

You may recognize me as I was a PDR dog about 5yrs ago.  I was adopted into a loving family and was an adored pet for many years.   Unfortunately some things changed in my family and my dad had to make the very hard decision to return me to PDR to find another loving home.   He didn’t take this decision lightly and had some conversations with the rescue about what would be best for me.   I can tell you that my dad loves me a whole lot, and he misses me a ton, but he had to make some tough decisions as life has changed drastically for him.  So I find myself looking for a new person or family to love me in what I hope is my true forever home. I bonded very quickly to my new foster mom and she has discovered that I am a lap dog through and through. I love nothing more than to sit in her lap or curl up on the couch with her.  I love to be cuddled, held and petted, enjoying neck rubs, back massages and a good belly rub if it’s from my foster mom.

 I am very shy around new people and take some time to warm up but if people allow me to meet on my terms I come around nicely. I especially like if they will feed me treats, this makes me temporarily forget my fears .  I will let them pet me and I start to relax until they get up and move. I have some work to do to build up my confidence but my foster mom is helping me with this by introducing me to new situations and people and letting people know the best way to make friends with me.  Because really, I just want nothing more than to be a pampered lap dog. 

My favourite thing to do (other than get cuddles and eat treats) is to go for walks in the park even if its windy and cold, raining or snowing.  I get very excited when it’s time to go and will do flying leaps in the air. I am a good boy though and will sit nicely to have my leash and collar put on.  When outside, I am fine with people walking or running by , small animals and birds, but get reactive when I see another dog. That being said, I can make friends with other dogs that behave themselves and are calm, and I even have a doggie friend that I love to sniff around with.  I go for walks with my calm dog friends and enjoy hanging out with them, I am just fearful of strange dogs and dogs that are acting out.   I am better with the dogs that I have gotten to know on our walks. Highly energetic or intense dogs freak me out and it takes more effort to get me to calm down. I am learning to sit and look at my foster mom in these situations but I still need constant reminders.   Because barky and energetic dogs scare me and make me barky I do need experienced dog owners who can work with and manage my reactivity on leash.  I will not be a suitable dog for first time dog owners or those who are not confident dog handlers with experience in dog training.    I am working on this with my foster mom but it is something that my adoptive family will need to continue training. 

Outside, I am fine with the noise and activity that children make in the park and I will walk by calmly, but I don’t enjoy the grandkids if they are running around and making noise in the house as this energy level scares me. If they are quiet and just sitting around playing board games or watching TV I am okay with them. I do not like to be followed around by children who want to pet me. I will move away from them. I will let them pat me or even sit on the couch with them when they are calm. I would like an adult only home or one with teens where I don’t need to be scared around young children.  

Once a day, I get a notion to play with squeaky toys. I don’t play for long, but when I do, I play hard. I love to pounce on my toys and shake them around and even throw them in the air to pounce on again. I also enjoy a good chew toy. Don’t worry, though, I only chew on my toys. As I said before I am basically a very good boy. I am okay with being bathed a blow dried, but I am not fussy about  being brushed. However, I will tolerate this. I will need to be groomed periodically as my fur just keeps growing, and I will look my best if brushed for a few minutes each day. 

 I will definitely need at least two walks a day although I am happy with more. I will let you know if my water bowl is empty, you’re late with dinner, or I need to go for a walk.  And I will hang out with you in the kitchen while you cook dinner and help you clean up any food items dropped on the floor. I am okay with being crated while you are out, but when you are home I don’t want to be in my crate except at night. 

Ideally wish for a quiet  home without children, one where I can be a proper lap dog and get lots of cuddling and attention. Once I bond with my new person(s) they will see what a wonderful companion I can be. I will need some time to adjust to my new situation and therefore some patience will be required.   I would not do well in an apartment as I will bark when I hear noises. And I do enjoy going out in the yard by myself  for short periods of time.  If you are looking for the ultimate lap dog and will give me the time to adjust, I will be the perfect dog for you.