My name is Patrick!

This little rascal is Patrick, a German Shepherd/Lab cross puppy who was born on March 2, 2015. Patrick found himself at a rural pound after his previous owners surrendered him and 5 other littermates. All the puppies found rescue. Although a bit shy at first, Patrick has evolved into an adventurous, mischievous pup who is ready and willing to go anywhere you take him. Don’t let his sweet, calm eyes fool you – he is as full of life as they come! He is a fairly high-energy dog who will need an active home to keep his energy drained and to fulfill his need for fun! He was a bit underweight and his foster family has ensured that he put on the extra pounds needed in a healthy timeline. Patrick is a good eater so this wasn’t a problem at all!

Patrick is left in his crate throughout the day (with a break at lunch) and sleeps in it throughout the night. Because he is still just a baby, Patrick needs to be let out at lunch as he cannot hold it for the whole day at this young age. He doesn’t seem to mind his crate (especially if he has had a decent length walk and play time in the morning) and will typically lie down once you close the door. If he does whimper or bark he stops very quickly. He is given lots of hard toys to play with and looks forward to the Kong he gets every time we leave him in the crate. Patrick is a garbage guts and will eat anything he is offered. Because of this we have been filling his Kong with his kibble and he absolutely loves it. Patrick usually sleeps for a total of 6-7 hours at night before he needs to be let out for a pee. When in the crate he will always let you know when he needs to go (whimpering/barking) and has never had an accident in it.

Patrick is an EXTREMELY smart puppy who learned his name almost immediately. He very quickly learned how to sit; jump/manoeuvre baby gates and is always hot on your heels! He loves to play fetch and knows how to bring it back and drop it. Because he is an excitable pup he does have issues with patience, as he is always happy and excited. He is starting to learn how to wait before going out the door and before getting his meal but he does need reminders. Patrick is almost completely house trained but needs to be let out often especially right after a nap or play time. He doesn’t let us know when he needs to go outside of his crate but will sniff around a bit more frequently so that is his cue. Patrick will give sass and will talk back when he is corrected so an experienced dog owner who knows how to be firm may be the best fit for Patrick. Patrick is doing well when walking on leash but is nervous of loud noises and new experiences (i.e.: strollers or skateboarders across the road stop him dead in his tracks) so continued exposure and socialization is required in order to show Patrick that these things don’t need to be feared. Patrick’s forever family will need to continue his training and enrol him in obedience school so that he continues to lean appropriate behaviours and how to be a well behaved balanced dog. It is important to note that alongside being a mischievous, curious (aka normal) puppy, Patrick is an absolute sweetheart who will be an incredible companion. He is already extremely loyal to his foster family (animals included) and will be a great addition to the right family.

Patrick is very playful and active in the house but only barks if startled (or if getting into trouble)! He is curious but hesitant of new things but is always willing to try. He is a bit shy at first and tries to hide behind one of his fosters’ backs but will come around quickly (especially for a treat)! He does not react to the doorbell but will jump on you when you get home from work, when you come back from the other room, or when meeting new people. It takes a few corrections for him to stay down but he does get it. He follows his foster parents and siblings (even if it means jumping barricades and baby gates) from room to room and is almost always underfoot. Because of his age he does attempt to chew on things (trim, cabinets, SHOES, etc.) but will leave it alone when told and offered a toy as a distraction. All puppies try to chew and it is our responsibility to monitor them and provide them with alternative, appropriate toys. We have also discovered that Patrick loves the water- a testament to his Lab genetics. He will eagerly play in the water and loves the hose. We have to watch him around his water bowl or next thing you know he’s right in it splashing around!!! Hilarious but messy!

Patrick is currently living with one of his littermates, two larger dogs, and three cats, all of whom he adores. He plays constantly with his littermate and keeps up very well with the bigger dogs when they play and run around the yard. He is not scared of larger dogs and Patrick would do well in a home with a canine companion to keep him company, burn his energy, and teach him boundaries. Patrick is obsessed with his feline companions and follows them around constantly. The cats are very tolerant of dogs and allow him to sniff and lick them, however, Patrick usually pushes the boundaries and ends up with a slap in the face! He does like to run up to them but doesn’t really get a chance to chase, as they don’t run from him. Patrick has never hurt them but gets extremely excited and just wants to play.

Patrick is currently being fostered in a home without children but has shown positive interest in them when walking by schools in the neighbourhood and seeing them on the street. We think Patrick would do well with children as long as his training continues and his adopters understand that he is still learning. He does have a tendency to jump and chew so he will need to be monitored when around younger children.

Overall, Patrick is an explorer. He would love a home with other animals to play with and to go on adventures with his new family. He is going to be a very loyal dog and is already so smart so training him to be a well behaved dog will be very fulfilling for his new family. If you are looking for an active companion and loyal partner in crime, Patrick is most definitely the perfect dog for you.

All Pound Dog Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested, de-wormed (if required), and micro-chipped prior to adoption. The adoption donation of $400 is applied to assist in the costs of veterinary care and the overall care of the dog. For more information and adoption applications please consult our website at www.pounddog.ca.