ADOPTED
Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle.
We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process.
To apply for adoption and for more information on our process and requirements, visit our website at https://pounddog.ca/adoption-info/.
Please meet Gromit, a male Labrador/ Poodle who is about 5.5 months old. Gromit currently weighs 48 pounds, and this pup still has lots of growing to do to grow into his very large paws. Although we can’t say for sure, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Gromit reach a final weight of 60+ pounds. Although he is part poodle, he definitely looks more lab and as a result, does shed some short blond hair. He’s learning to trust the brush and prefers to think of it as a chew toy, but he’s eager to please and loves to be touched, so the brush will eventually become a trusted friend to both him and his people. Gromit is a very calm pup, with a hint of velcro. He is very intelligent and in a few short weeks has mastered “sit”, “shake-a-paw”, “stay”, “to bed” and corrects very well when he decides that a boot, sock or shoe seems more interesting than his own toys.
Gromit was a puppy mill discard that didn’t find a home, so Pound Dog Rescue took him in to give him the best chance at finding his perfect forever home. In the first days, everything was new – the car, stairs, the crate, collar, leash, commands and correction, but wow, has he figured things out! He has not had any issue connecting with both adults (male and female) in his foster home as well as neighbours. Although he occasionally snorts and barks at people behind the safety of windows/doors, when out for walks, he mostly ignores other dogs. He loves to greet other people, but settles quickly when dog greetings are avoided. If he is super excited to greet a friend or meet someone new, he is tempted to jump. A quick “ah-ah” stops him in his tracks, but consistency is key. Once completely settled into his forever home, he should be fine with meeting and playing with other dogs as he doesn’t show any aggression or concern with all the dogs he sees regularly in his current neighbourhood. Gromit currently resides with a very opinionated, bossy cat. She has become quite dog savvy and holds her ground, but there has been a bit of chasing going on. Cats in his forever home will be fine, as long as they are experienced and don’t run away. Please note that the lab in him loves a litter box treat (gross, I know!) so the ability to prevent access will be essential.
Gromit LOVES his chew toys! A Nylabone or solidly made stuffy are his favourite things, but occasionally he decides that boots and shoes look better. He corrects and trades back to his toys very well. His favourite thing to do is to remove every piece of clothing from a laundry basket, especially socks! He has not attempted to eat anything, but it is important he is redirected back to his toys. He is very good at entertaining himself by tossing balls and toys in the air and chasing them without any human needed! Although still a puppy, Gromit doesn’t demand a lot of outdoor time. He is currently in a home that does not have a fenced yard, so he does get 4 walks a day, 2 are at least 20-30 minutes but is certainly happy to walk 45+ minutes too because the further he gets from home, the more new smells there are! He notices squirrels and rabbits, but hasn’t yet made any effort to chase. As he matures, he will make an excellent hiking companion. He’s happy on a long leash in the back yard as long as his people are outside with him although he is still trying to figure out if he likes or dislikes the snow! As he grows, a fully fenced yard would be so much fun for him as he does love his zoomies, ball tosses and detective work. He is still zig-zagging some on his walks, but rarely pulls and will continue to learn proper walking in his new home. He hasn’t had an accident in many days.
Gromit is a very large puppy and doesn’t know his size. He can also get overexcited easily and be mouthy and jumpy as is typical for puppies. He will not be suitable for a home with young children as the energy level and excitement of young kids will bring out the worst in him. A home with children over 8 yrs of age would be suitable if the adults in the home are experienced dog owners and know to supervise the dog and kids.
Gromit is very good in his crate at night and sleeps at least 8 hours. A treat and “to bed” gets him in the crate easily. Once the treat is done, he may announce his displeasure but usually settles within a few minutes. He currently sleeps in the same room as his foster humans – he loves feeling like he’s part of the pack. Crate training during the day has presented a few more challenges with a bit of howling, whining and barking. He has figured out how the crate works, so he will need to be in a very secure, smart dog-proofed structure. The only other thing he doesn’t seem to like is the car. He’s fine once in the backseat, but getting him in the car requires some negotiation including treats and a very strong human who can lift him in. I believe with time and some fun destinations that make the car ride worth it, he could become a car-loving, or at least a car-tolerating dog.
Gromit LOVES food. Dinner time is his favourite time and he will let you know that you are moving too slowly by sitting right beside his bowl, his whole body shaking with anticipation. He is also treat motivated, and has learned many commands quickly because of this. He knows when his humans are making dinner and eating and although he is consistently hopeful that something will drop to the floor, he doesn’t beg. He does however sniff at the counters and has been known to get his front paws up to stand and gain a better view. Again, he corrects very easily, but this behaviour will have to be discouraged, especially as he grows.
Because Gromit is still a pup, he is taken out frequently for bathroom breaks. He’s pretty fast to pee as long as he isn’t distracted by smells and noises. He is starting to stretch out his indoor times to as much as 3 hours, especially if he’s napping.
Although he doesn’t have a consistent way of asking to go out, he is showing signs of approaching the door and sometimes scratching at it, all positive signs.
Although Gromit shows all the signs of being a well behaved, kind and eager-to-please dog, he is still a puppy and will require a commitment to his training and behaviour. He needs to be told each and every time he is being naughty and mischievous, regardless of how cute he is! He has added nothing but pure joy to his foster home, so if you are looking for a smart, trainable, snuggly and adorable companion, Gromit is for you!