Kieran

If you’re a French bulldog fan, this might just be the dog you’re looking for.  Kieran is 2 years old and came into our care as an unclaimed stray in a local pound.  He is a striking black brindle with a white strip from under his throat halfway down his belly.  Kieran is a solidly built 27 pounds and is quite muscular.  Care needs to be taken to not overfeed him since he is at a good weight right now.  Kieran is highly food motivated and when training if I use several small treats I will cut down on his meal kibble intake.

Kieran is a very confident, outgoing, fearless, curious little guy.  When he first entered his foster home he immediately explored the entire house.  Kieran’s physical well being showed us he had been in a caring home but he had had very little training or discipline.  With a bit of reinforcement he is now fully toilet trained and will alert if he needs to go out.  Sometimes, however, he alerts just because he wants to be outside but he’ll always pee.  Kieran is very smart and quickly responds to redirections.  He seems to respect a confident leader in his human, almost as if he were looking for guidance.

Kieran is a responsive, affectionate boy who has become even more so in the few weeks he’s been with me.  He loves his ears rubbed as well as under his chin and is now enjoying tummy rubs.  Kieran adores cuddle time and often falls asleep in my lap.

Kieran has responded well to walking on leash and is a joy on walks.  In the cooler morning temperatures he goes at a pretty fast pace before stopping to sniff and pee.  Because he is a flat faced dog, Kieran needs shorter walks especially in extremes of hot/cold temperatures.  Currently we go on 5 walks daily ranging from 5 to 20 minutes.  He has been on a few slightly longer pack walks with my neighbours 2 doodles.  Kieran is very friendly and meets and greets all people and dogs well.  He does tend to jump up on people but we are working to discourage this.  He has become a favourite in the neighbourhood on our walks.  The noise of large trucks, motorcycles and lawn mowers don’t bother him.  He is currently being fostered in a small rural community.

Recently Kieran visited my friend’s cats and he simply sniffed and had no issues.  A home with a dog savvy cat would be fine.  My neighbour brought his female doodle in for a visit.  After initially following her Kieran chose to join my neighbour on the cuddle couch for some attention and affection.  Keiran would be fine either as an only dog getting all the attention or another laid back dog. Recently we went on a long morning walk at my community’s annual garage sale.  Kieran was fine with crowds and loved all the pets he got from people.  It was also his first encounter with children.  He was very gentle with them.  Kieran would be okay in a home with older responsible children over the age of 5yrs.

When Kieran had his neuter surgery an ear infection was discovered but has since been treated.

Kieran travels well in a crate in my suv.  He looks forward to his trips.  Vigilance is needed when taking him out of his crate as he will attempt to jump out.  A firm grip on his collar is necessary before lifting him out.  He’s just excited for the adventure to begin.

Kieran now crates without issue but he does bark when crated during the day when I leave.  For this reason he would not be a candidate for an apartment or condo.  He loves the outdoors and would love a fenced in backyard where he could explore and lie in the shade but it isn’t mandatory.  His current foster home doesn’t have a fenced in yard but Kieran enjoys being on a 30’ long line in the garden where he can relax and watch the birds and squirrels while being supervised.  He hasn’t displayed any interest in chasing them.  On walks he basically ignores wildlife even a fox that crossed our path one evening.  People and dogs, however, he’s keen to approach.

Kieran is very agile and quick.  When I go down to the basement  he’s already at the bottom before I’m on the second step from the top.  He does not like doors to shut him out and gets upset if I close a door to exclude him.

Although Kieran is 2 years old, he is much like a very young puppy who has to learn what is expected of him from scratch.  He has a mischievous side to him.  He will give me a sideways glance and I know he’s thinking of doing something he shouldn’t but a quick verbal correction is all that’s needed to redirect him.  

 At night Kieran goes quietly into his crate and falls asleep quickly and with no barking since he knows I’m in the same room with him.  He sleeps soundly through the night, gently snoring.  Thunder and my getting up during the night don’t disturb this deep sleeper.   In the morning he comes out of his crate, enjoys a stretch and a pet before trotting to the kitchen where he sits and waits by the counter where his treats are kept, waiting for his morning treat.  He then goes to the front door and sits quietly until I get his collar and leash on for our first walk of the day.  Kieran thrives on routine and knowing what’s expected of him.

When Kieran first came to me he tried to jump up on every couch and chair.  He has since learned that only one chair and one sofa are okay for him.  He loves the living room sofa where we do much of our cuddle time.  After our bedtime walk Kieran and I have often fallen asleep on the couch for an hour or more and then had to wake up and go to our beds.  At night when I watch tv or knit Kieran happily curls up on his dog bed nearby.  He usually prefers to be near me in the house but does not get underfoot except when I do my morning yoga practice.  He often tries to hog my mat or try to lick my face which he has just started to do.   When I take a bath or shower, Kieran loves to curl up and snooze on the bathmat near the tub making it a challenge for me to get out of the tub.

Kieran is independent in the house but if I’ve been busy for too long he’ll come and put his paws on me to let me know he needs my attention.  He is a highly affectionate little guy who just wants to be with his human.

The first time Kieran experienced the robot vacuum he barked at it but has since ignored it. 

Kieran is getting better at recall and sit commands but they still need work.  The toughest command for him is wait when I put his food dish down until I give him the okay signal. Wiith his intelligence level and willingness to please Kieran should do well in obedience training classes.

Kieran recently discovered squeaky toys.  He would go from one to another and then go to the toybox for more.  He has started to play tug-of-war with me.  His interest in toys is short and sporadic right now and he still has shown no interest in balls.  Something for his forever human to teach him.

Because Kieran was a stray, he is a strong candidate for being a runner.  Family members need to be aware of this and make sure he’s secure when outside doors are opened and closed.  All family members need to be responsible in this area.

Kieran is looking for a home with a family who is aware of bulldog issues and don’t mind the constant grunts, snorts, groans and snores.  He needs a home where he isn’t left for long periods of time because he is a social and loving boy who enjoys interaction with his humans.  Kieran absolutely needs a confident and dog experienced person to help guide him to becoming an even more amazing dog.  He would be very easy to spoil and this he doesn’t need.  Kieran has been such an easy foster who is highly responsive to positive reinforcement, firmness, consistency and affection.  If you’re that special person or family please consider this gem of a dog as an addition to your family to assist in guiding him to become a wonderful adult dog.