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My basic info
Breed
Bichon Frise
Color
White
Age
5 years old, Adult
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
20 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Purebred
Needs experienced adopter
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Coco, age 4, came to us as an owner surrender from a family who got him as a cute fluffy pet store puppy and did not socialize, train or neuter him - then locked him away when they became overwhelmed with his troubling behaviors. Coco didn’t know how to be part of a home, and he was very possessive over food, toys and space. We neutered him, brought in a professional trainer, and committed fosters worked with Coco for months on consistent routines and rules, to help improve his guarding behaviors.
We were very transparent about Coco and his needs to the couple who adopted him this spring. But because Coco had improved so much, and never exhibited guarding behavior in their home, they relaxed and stopped keeping up the rules that had eliminated the guarding in the first place. They thought Coco was “fixed,” so they fed him takeout one evening on the couch, and when his adopter went back into the kitchen to get more food off the counter, Coco was guarding it and he bit her. That’s why Coco is back with us.
We got Coco back in familiar routines in a foster home and enforce the rules that helped improve his behavior initially, and Coco has been happy and perfectly behaved as far as guarding goes. He is a clever and mischievous dog who will steal your glasses and chew them, and sneak sips of any drink you leave out, whether coffee, water or wine. He will stand on your dining room table to look out the window and he absolutely loves walks. He will sit by the door and paw at the air to implore you to take him outside. Coco is wonderful with other dogs, fine with respectful kids, and house-broken and crate-trained. He is a wonderful little dog, but he guards. And he needs an adopter who can respect that and follow the simple rules that keep him from doing it.
We are seeking an adult home or a home with kids old enough to recognize guarding (probably 12+) for Coco. He can be an only dog or would live happily with other dogs too. He’s never bothered a cat. He is really an easy and charming dog, but he has this one thing. And we have learned how to deal with it and can show an adopter how. We think Coco is worth the effort.
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