Zia

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.

Zia, born April 26, 2023, is a Dachshund / Lab mix who came to us from a rescue in Northern Manitoba and now looking for her forever home in southern Ontario. She is black with a white chest, chin and white on her toes and she loves people, dogs and everything else. We are looking for a family who has the time and patience for a busy, happy, energetic puppy.

Zia loves every person she meets. She is a real people dog and loves to give kisses and wiggle her little tail enthusiastically when greeting people. Typical to all puppies she does have sharp teeth, so she doesn’t mean to hurt anyone during play, but she can get a bit carried away.  She will be fine with children over 6yrs of age living with her who are gentle and taught how to handle her.

Zia will be a moderate energy dog but as a puppy has bursts of energy followed by lots of naps. Generally she likes a good play in the morning followed by chilling for a couple hours followed by more bursts of energy. She takes to naps in her crate very well after a bit fussing and eats well. Zia loves cuddling and playing especially with stuffies.  Its hard to tell how big she will get because of her breeds but her paws are on the larger size.  We expect she will have a stocky Lab like body with shorter legs.

Zia is a confident puppy and is adventurous. She does run for safety outside when there is a loud noise that she is unsure of so she must be leashed at all times unless she is surrounded by a secure fence. She climbs up and down the stairs.  She will need walks and socialization in order to grow up to be a well-balanced dog.  Zia will continue to mature and be confident ONLY if her people don’t baby and coddle her.  She needs her people to be confident dog handlers who don’t carry her around.  She is a female pup with female dog sass so she won’t enjoy another female dog in the home, but would be good with a male dog who can be her role model and mentor.  Zia is a smart little puppy who will grow up to be a smart dog capable of many things.  Zia would be ok in a home with a gentle dog savvy cat as she is currently being fostered with one. She gets along with all of the foster dogs in the home and is quite playful with them, but also reads their cues very well.

She has a friendly temperament and is super smart. Zia will have an unlimited capability for learning so we are looking for a person or a family who will commit to her training and embrace the advanced levels. She is an intelligent sporting breed so needs the brain stimulation to be a happy pup.

Zia is fine in the car is quiet for the ride. Given her age, she has only traveled in a small kennel. She’s generally a very relaxed dog in the car, so in time, she will enjoy car trips as it is just about the next adventure.

At the moment, she is outside quite regularly so that she can pee, but that is because she is a puppy.  Although Zia is still learning about where to pee, she does give cues that she needs to go so she is picking it up quickly.  We are looking for a home for her where someone is home or has the capabilities to come home throughout the day. Puppies need to be taken outside for bathroom breaks very regularly when they are small and will not be able to hold it for an 8hr work day. We are also looking for families that are fully aware of the time commitment of a puppy and the work involved. Puppies are a total joy and bring so much love and happiness into a home, but you cannot underestimate the work and time involved in raising a puppy properly. They need constant supervision while young to expedite the house training stage and to ensure they aren’t chewing on anything inappropriate. We are also looking for a family that will continue to crate train Zia as we fully believe that this is the best for pups and offers them a quiet and secure “den” to call their own. A crate trained pup is a blessing as it offers a safe place to put them when you can’t be watching them all the time.

Zia will need regular grooming and brushing.  She does shed.   She needs her people to be active and outdoorsy and to ensure she is properly exercised as an adult dog.  Care needs to be taken to ensure she is never allowed to get overweight as this will put strain on her back.  She has a longer back of the Dachshund, and although not overly long like a purebred Dachshund, she still needs to be considered a dog that will be at risk for back issues if not kept at an athletic build.  Anyone interested in Zia must be familiar with the Dachshund breed and the back issues and be fully prepared to take on the care of her back should the worst happen and she need back surgery as an adult dog.  This is a limited concern as again, she is a mixed breed and doesn’t have the overly exaggerated long back, but we have to ensure anyone considering her is well aware and fully prepared should she have issues when older  

Zia has the potential to be a lot more than just a family member. She is a busy pup always looking for fun things to do and never hesitates to tell you what she needs like throwing the water bowl when she wants more water. Because she is an alert barker she won’t be suitable for apartment or other attached home situations. A detached home is best for her.  She will need daily walks and play time.   Zia has an adventurer’s spirit and needs the stimulation of an active life with a lot of variety! She is going to be an excellent dog though for any active dog lover who is wanting a companion in all things fun!!