My name is Bosco!

Bosco was a favourite at the shelter and he has quickly won the heart of his foster family as well however, he needs someone who is patient, loving, understanding, committed and experienced. In his previous life Bosco was tied in the backyard and pretty much left for dead other than being teased from time to time. He is friendly with everyone when he first meets you but doesn’t listen well until you earn his respect. He definitely does better with women but is okay with men as well. Once you have his trust and love, he is an amazing companion who wants to be wherever you are, doing whatever you are doing. Bosco is approximately 2 years old and currently weighs approximately 70 lbs. He has an adorable under-bite 🙂

Here is what his foster family had to say:

Bosco is definitely embracing his 2nd chance at life and taking everything in; smells, noises and all the beautiful things he can see! He is very affectionate, loves to cuddle and be part of the family. Bosco is a very healthy looking dog all around – coat, teeth, paws, build, etc. He can be either high energy or low LOL – he can be very high strung and easily excited but mostly he’s very relaxed and enjoys multiple long naps (must have been a cat in a past life). He sheds very little if at all – I don’t notice any shedding to be honest.

He is VERY social and friendly, almost too much. It has been a work in progress but he when told to he will now sit and wait when meeting a new person, but you have to keep reminding him and stay down with him. He loves to lick too! Bosco has shown nothing but love and excitement except for the first week we brought him home. He can get easily worked up and when I grabbed him and tried to make him settle, he did growl at me and show his teeth but as soon as he realized that I meant business, he stopped and hasn’t done it since. I believe that until he knows and trusts you, he may try to test you a little but overall he is just a big baby.

He seems to listen better and be more accepting of women. He doesn’t run and hide from men but he might bark at them at first. With other dogs he is definitely “Mr. Social” and gets along very well with them. He is not good with cats at all! He wants to chase them while on walks and has very fixated stare that is hard to break. I have a cat in the house and they do not in any way shape or form get along. We keep them separate, which is fine as I’m able to do so.

All noises have been quite new and startling to him. He settles easily with comfort and reassurance. The 2 weeks I have had him he has gotten much better and moved on from some noises such as cars and other barks. He is still terrified of sirens, and barks at doorbells for example. Otherwise he is very quiet in the home. P.S. – his barker is broken LOL…. He sounds like the “turkey dog” from the movie Grown ups…so cute He was also afraid of stairs but has pretty much mastered them now.

Bosco loves to nap and if he is not napping then he wants to be wherever you are. If he can’t get your attention then he will go off looking for something else to do and needs lots of toys and chew things or he will find something to chew on that he shouldn’t! He’s trained to lay down when we are eating but it will take consistency with this one as he’s very food motivated. (he is not fed human food, but that may be all he got in his past life). He has also figured out how to open cupboards. Bosco is very intelligent and needs someone to guide him and teach him what is expected of him.

Bosco is fully house trained and has never had an accident in the home. He lets you know when he needs to go out and easily holds it through the night and when we are away from the home. He is leash and harness trained. He will walk by your side like a proper gent or out front. A light tug accompanied by his name will stop any tugging usually. He is not a tugger but will try and chew the leash if he gets excited. He has not attempted to bolt or run out the door but I think he would if he had the chance. If you are trying to get out or in…he is there. He is crate trained – only in it really for sleeping or when we have gone out for a few hours during the day. He was once crated for 8 hours while we were away and there were no issues or concerns. He can’t however have any bedding in his crate or he will chew it. Leaving him with something he can chew or some intelligent toys would be great for him if you are going to crate him for any length of time.

As far as commands, he knows sit, stay/wait (he waits for treats and food, doesn’t eat until you say go ahead), shakes both paws, lays down, leave it, drop it. We have hammered the leave it, drop it and wait as he’s nose to the ground and loves food. He will let go and drop toys and outdoor items….food or treats…he won’t release. He is pretty good in the car now that he knows the end result doesn’t mean bad things. He lays down mostly or looks out the window and sits otherwise.

I feel Bosco needs a home with someone who will be there more often than not. I think city would be fine but small town/country better (due to the noises etc). Having him crated all day, every day while someone is at work I think will put him backwards. No apartments. He needs room to runs and play, and noises will not go over well. NO CATS. Other dogs are fine and would probably help him. Older kids would be best (unless he can and will be watched with the wee ones… and this is only because he’s stubborn and doesn’t listen all the time…my nephew is timid and Bosco wont listen to him for example.)

Bosco is SMART, EAGER, LOVING, ACTIVE, SPIRITED, ENTERTAINING, AFFECTIONATE, STRONG, STUBBORN, and FOCUSED. He needs a supportive and attentive home or I feel he will digress. He was depressed…not anymore..but this could change easily I feel if not in the right home and setting. He needs a patient family. I can’t express how loving, caring, affectionate and smart he is. Give him a little time and consistency filled with love and support…he will be a great family pet. We are going to miss him.

If you think you can give Bosco the home he needs and deserves, please go to our main website at uglymuttsdogrescue.com and submit an application for consideration.