Bruiser came to us very scared and unsure but as he settled in his true nature revealed him to be a very sweet boy. He is generally laid back, enjoys being with people of all ages and loves having another dog to play with. He is also good with the cats and is an all around happy little dog. He has a perfect heart on his forehead! Bruiser is approximately 2 years old and currently weighs 26 lbs.
Here is what Bruiser's foster family had to say:
Bruiser is a sweet little dog who wants nothing more than to be with his people giving lots of love and kisses! It is obvious that Bruiser is accustomed to life with a family and does well with his people. He is a very healthy boy. His is past the puppy stage and while playful, he knows when to settle down. He has his moments of running and getting his sillies out. Typically he is a calm and laid back dog, he likes to follow his people wherever they go. Cooking, cleaning, hanging out - take a look at your feet and Bruiser will surely be there!
Bruiser is great with people of all ages! He took to my little godson instantly kisses and tail wags! Bruiser is still getting his barings and used to everyone coming and going in the house. If caught off guard Bruiser will let out a few alerting barks. Once these barks are acknowledged and a familiar face is there Bruiser instantly calms down and welcomes these new friends! Bruiser could definitely use some confidence building as he frequently is looking to his people for reassurance and sticks around your legs when he is faced with new situations. Bruiser takes a little longer to warm up to men than women but this takes only a few minutes, he can't resist the opportunity for kisses. Bruiser has been great with both my dogs and cats. He would enjoy having a K9 companion around the house as he feels more confident with the other dogs around. He prefers to hang out with my 5 year old boxer as they are the same speed and like to run around the yard but come in to find a cozy spot on the couch to lay down and relax.
Bruiser has been great in the house, has not destroyed anything at all and knows to play with his toys or stick with his people. He will cry if he hears you while in the crate. In his forever home Bruiser will probably not need to be crated. As time goes on and Bruiser becomes accustomed to the routine of the house he is becoming quieter in the crate when we leave. Bruiser is a cautious dog and likes to ensure he knows what he is getting himself into. He will sniff things out, let out a little bark to alert his people when need be. He can be skiddish but once he is settled and accustomed to the sounds he has no issue. He is a quiet boy, only barking when appropriate for example someone in the yard or out front, someone coming in the house he doesn't know etc. I don't think that he would do well in an apartment as I would see him barking at anyone walking in the hallway.
Bruiser has been a great house guest, very clean and respectful. We have not had any issue of stealing or taking things he shouldn't. He knows his basic commands such as "sit", "down", "come" and "no". Bruiser has yet to have an accident in the house, he is learning about the bells to let us know he needs to go. For now we have been ensuring to put him out regularly and he has been doing well. Not messing in the house or his crate! We have been using the crate but have been using it less and less as he proves to be trustworthy in the house. Bruiser has been left for up to 6 hours in the crate without issue. Initially Bruiser isn't too happy about being crated but settles down after about 5 minutes. We have been leaving him out at bed time now without a problem. He gets settled in and doesn't move for the night! Bruiser does well on the leash but at times is a little nervous walking behind you. This with time will improve. He is so respectful when going in or outside, he waits for you to let him know he can go and when outside likes to sniff things out and comes in without issue. Bruiser prefers to ride on the passengers lap on car rides so he is able to check things out and sneak a kiss if he is feeling a little unsure of things!
Bruiser is a sweet gentle boy, who was very sad to loose his family but is even more grateful to be back in a home rather than a shelter. Bruiser was scared when coming to us and shows just how thankful he is each day with tail wags and kisses for us. He is coming out of his shell more and more every day showing us his true happy go lucky self. Playing on the couches with the blankets and running around all silly and doing his happy jumps in the air! Bruiser would make a great agility dog as he is very into his people and a really smart boy! He would love the challenge and the time spent with his people. Bruiser would do great in an active home whether that be a family, a couple or a singles companion. As long as Brusier is being loved and stimulated he is one happy guy!
If you would like to make Bruiser part of your family, please submit an application for consideration.
