My name is Russell!

Let me introduce you to Russell. He is an extremely sweet, loving pup. He is a 12 week old male Shepherd/Lab mix and by the size of his paws he will grow to be a big boy. Russell’s looks and personality reflect the Shepherd in him. He is black and tan with the most irresistible brown eyes and he has a loving, devoted personality. The look he gives you with those beautifully puppy dog eyes will melt your heart, which makes it very easy to spoil him.



Russell came to us from a rural pound. Since he is a puppy he needs to be welcomed in by a family that knows how much commitment and responsibility it is to add a puppy to their lives. He is being fostered with his brother and is VERY dependant on him, so you will need to be patient with him during transformation. They have been together since birth.



If you want a dog that will provide you with tons of affection and unconditional love he is a fit for you. Firstly, he will give you kisses forever, you actually will probably have to push him away...frisky guy! He loves to be by your side, you can really see how loyal he will be as an adult even now as a pup. He is very active with his brother right now so the first little while he may be a little pain wanting to play and have your attention ALL the time. However we can see him calming down once he feels secure and comfortable in his new surroundings. He will not be too high maintenance but again is a puppy so will get into mischief if you are not providing the attention he wants and needs as a puppy.



As long as he gets enough exercise especially outside play you will experience the cuddles, love and snuggling as he loves to nap after. This adorable pup will steal your heart, even when he is into mischief, he is just the cutest thing.



Russell is so good with his house training. He understands that outside is where he does his duty, he will let you know by sitting at the door when he needs out. It is very important that the first while he is watched constantly so he doesn’t relapse on his progress. We take him out first thing in the morning, after every meal (which is currently 3 times per day), after any kind of inside play or nap and before bed.



Since he is a puppy we are getting him used to a crate. This will help keep him from getting into mischief if his new family works during the day, as puppies will tend to chew and get into things when left alone. He sleeps through the night with no accidents, with a new family he may bark for the first bit just because he is no longer with his brother and will not like that he is alone.



Russell would do well in almost any home situation. Since he will grow to be a big dog an apartment is not a good fit, he would love to have access to a big fenced yard. Currently he is being fostered with his brother ‘Wilson’, along with a seven year old Labrador and teenagers. He should be able to adapt to any family situation, however he is still just a pup and like typical pups, they get very excited and jump playfully and like to mouth (nip) almost everyone. If you have young children, it’s best that you are an experienced dog owner, as you will have the knowledge of how puppies interact with young children and set out boundaries for both children and Russell. On that note he has shown absolutely no aggression when someone goes by his food or takes his toys. If you feel that your household is ready to welcome a puppy Russell will be a joyful addition.



Russell likes his walks. During our walks we are (in short spans) getting him to walk by our side (heel) and sit at street corners. He is such a smart boy that we have all the confidence in the world that he will be the best trained walker anyone could ask for. With all the outdoor playtime he gets, we take him out for a few short walks a day, however these short walks will need to turn into longer walks once he gets bigger.



We have not socialized him with other animals yet, but once he is all caught up with his vaccinations etc., I’m sure he will be fine with other dogs, especially cause he is a pup. Socializing him will be very important, especially if he goes to a home with no other dog as he is so used to being with his brother and our dog. It will be important that you show him the lead slowly when being introduced to other dogs, if not he may bounce with excitement at another dog too soon and that can sometimes set other dogs in a defensive position and not turn out so good. He has been introduced to people in our foster care and is unsure at first. It will take him time to warm up. As of right now he is always depending on his brother to make the first move. Russell will need your help in these situations, to feel safe and confident. So please, have the patience and understanding when introducing him to new people. He will want to stay by your side.



Russell will need to go to obedience training, this is a must for all our foster dogs. He is super smart and responds to treats well. He knows his basic commands and listens so well. The basic commands we are working on are: come and sit (expert at this already), off, leave it (when he tries to chew on something he is not to have) and enough (if he is barking). He knows his name well so the training is a pretty easy task, he will come running when you call him. His new family will have to commit to continue with the basic obedience training, this will be such a rewarding task for you in the end as Russell will be such as amazing family dog.



Russell has been neutered, is up to date with all his vaccinations, as well has been microchipped. On a sad note, since he was kept in such an unclean environment before he came to us he caught the virus “Parvo”. He is being treated for this now and is on his way to a full recovery.



Russell is such a fun, loving puppy, he will bring so much excitement and love to any person/family. If you can commit to the time, dedication and provide the guidance this sweet boy needs and deserves he is the perfect addition for you or your family especially if Shepherds have a special place in your heart. He would love a forever home that will see him through until the end. A forever home to show him what unconditional love is and give him a full happy life with people/family that adore him.

　

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.