James

Meet James he is a one year old curly haired apricot coloured Poodle with a white patch on his chest who was a mill dog. James is a mix of Miniature and Moyen Poodle to make a nice sized medium dog who  weighs 17 lbs.   He is an energetic silly puppy that will stand on his back feet to greet you when you enter the room. 

James is a very affectionate dog and morning head rubs are his favourite. He wants to be near his human and loves to lick your feet. He is a loving dog to everyone and gets along with other dogs and humans; he has no prey drive. James loves to be petted and cuddled.  James came to us from a life in a puppy mill so is learning all about life outside of a barn, and what a loving home is and he is finding out that he likes house pet life a whole lot!!

He is crate trained and protests for a short time and then goes to sleep. He usually sleeps until 7-8 am. He can be very vocal in his crate at times, and when outside when he wants to come in.  He would not be suited for adjoined living and does require a detatched home.   He sleeps in the same area of the living room at all times and when taken out of crate he automatically goes to this spot. James likes routine and once he knows the routine he comes to expect it.  

James is comfortable on a leash and walks well outside beside his human although will stop suddenly in front of you or go between your legs therefore would not be suitable someone with sight or balance issues as he is a trip hazard.   He loves his walks and is getting used to noises and movements in his environment.   He is on a long lead outside at his foster home and now that it is warmer he has discovered snow and likes to jump in it and eat the snow and play in it. Initially the cold weather was distressing to James and now with a shovelled patio and warmer weather he is doing better. 

Obedience training is needed for James and with his intelligence and curiosity he will enjoy classes. James will love the social stimulation. His family should be committed to taking him to class beyond the basics required for adoption.   He is a very smart dog and a working breed so learning to the advanced levels will be great for him; working his brain and his body.    

Home life should include a single family home with an active family that enjoys being outside and going for walks or hikes and of course quiet times. James will love being introduced to new adventures . Older children, 10yrs and up, will be suitable and James gets along with other dogs so this would be beneficial but not necessary. He has not been introduced to cats or other animals. As stated previously he has no prey drive. James enjoys the television and will watch occasionally especially if there is a dog on the screen. 

James currently is in his crate twice daily for a few hours while foster is away and at night starting at 11-12 pm until 7-8 am. Then outside for stretching and exercise. We are working on house training and this is improving as times goes on. He is taken outside multiple times daily. James is getting used to car rides, not his favourite and has vomited once in vehicle therefore is not fed a few hours prior to car ride. He likes to look out of window. 

To date James is familiar with is “sit” and working on come and stay. He is not a fan of stairs and needs to be carried when stairs are involved, especially lots of stairs. Stairs are a work in progress.  He will eventually learn to do stairs on his own, but for now, if he needs to go up or down longer flights of stairs his person will need to be able to lift him.

If James sounds like the dog for you and you can provide a nurturing home and lots of adventures then James is the dog for you. He would love to show you how he stands on his back feet waving to you and would love lots of head rubs in the morning. You will not be disappointed and will fall in love with him.  James looks forward to many new adventures, discovering who he is and what he likes. And of course quiet time with his forever family. James says Hi and is looking forward to meeting his forever family