My name is Chilli!

Chilli is fostered in the Burlington area. Apply to adopt at rebeldogrescue.com*All adoptions with Rebel Dog Rescue have a 15 day probation period. Read about our adoption process on our website.

Meet Chilli! This sweet pup was found abandoned, tied to a bench at a park. Hes a sensitive, observant dog who prefers to take life at his own pace. For now, he is more cat-like in nature, as he chooses when to seek affection and does best with people who respect his boundaries. Once he feels safe, he enjoys quiet companionship - curling up nearby, following his people from room to room, and soaking up gentle pets on his own terms (especially during couch time). He would thrive in a calm, experienced home, ideally with another confident dog to show him the ropes. A fenced yard is important so he can safely burn off energy, as he may try to flee if startled. A quieter household suits him best right now.

Despite his cautious side, hes a cheeky, intelligent, food-motivated pup who loves chewing, puzzle toys, frozen Kongs, and shredding cardboard. He learns routines quickly, picks up cues easily, and already knows a few basics like lie down and nose targeting. Hes curious, playful in his own way, and full of personality once you get to know him.

Hes still building confidence and can get nervous with pressure or overstimulation, so patience and understanding will go a long way. In the right home, hell make a deeply rewarding companion for someone who appreciates a dog that bonds quietly, but genuinely.

Name: Chilli

Breed: Shepherd mix

Age: ~7 months

Weight: ~30lb and growing

Sex: Male, neutered

Colour: Black

Medical: No concerns

Good with men: Fearful but warms up with time

Good with women: Fearful but warms up with time

Good with kids 0-6: Unknown, not tested - suggest no

Would you be comfortable placing this dog in a home with children? He would likely do best with older, calmer children (14+) who understand slow, gentle movements and how to manage play appropriately.

Chilli can be nervous at first. When he does get comfortable and playful with his people - he does have a puppy tendency to nip you along in play, it's a work in progress but needs balancing with fixing the behaviour while not affecting his positive outlook on people that children may not fully understand.

When the dog meets new people he...When Chili meets new people, he is cautious and a little shy. If given space and ignored at first, he will often approach to sniff, but may dart away if someone reaches down too quickly. Men entering the home can sometimes trigger fear barking and backing away. With gentle guidance to a safe space and the chance to observe interactions calmly, Chili will usually venture back for exploratory sniffs, and further barking is typically minimal.

Good with dogs: Yes, enjoys being around and playing with other dogs

How does this dog react to meeting new dogs? Nervous from a distance, but ready to play when closer.

What type(s) of dogs does this dog prefer/be best with? He would benefit greatly from a happy go lucky confident adult dog that won't push him too hard in the beginning but can lead by example when meeting new people, going to new places etc.

Do you suggest this dog has another dog in the home?Yes, I think he would benefit greatly from the right mentor dog.

Good with Cats: Yes, lives with cats successfully

Crate training: Enters crate willingly, Settles after some barking/whining

House training: Almost perfectly house trained - about 90% there

Resource Guarding : None seen

Walks on a leash: Chilli can be a bit nervous and may need gentle coaxing at first, but he walks very well. He naturally stays close in a heel position, likely seeking safety from someone he trusts, and moves best when actively walking. He scans his surroundings and can startle at noises, but stopping can make him more nervoushis tail may tuck, and he may pause eating. He does especially well when walked alongside a confident dog, and has shown he can focus on cues, take treats, and even engage in short bursts of play in open spaces, which is very promising for his confidence and training.

Energy level: Medium energy level. He enjoys regular exercise, adventures, and play, but also loves relaxing calmly at home. Walks and new experiences provide a lot of mental stimulation, and as he gains confidence, his energy and engagement may increase. He loves playtime, often outplaying his humans in the backyard, though he can get overstimulated and engage in barky or nippy play at times. At home, he may need help settling, mostly due to FOMO rather than misbehavior. When crated or safely penned with a chew or puzzle, he usually relaxes and often falls asleepsleep is very much encouraged for him!

Areas to work on: Needs confidence building, Fearful of loud noises, Touch sensitivity

What type of environments would NOT be suitable for the dog? Condo/apartment, Busy city

Any noted separation anxiety?No

Barker: Average - will bark when someone comes to the door, while playing, etc.