Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with cats,
Spayed or Neutered,
Story
Joey is a 1-year-old Bichon Frise Miniature Schnauzer mix with a sweet side who is learning to feel more confident in the world. He can be cautious with new people and tends to gravitate toward women, likely because of his previous life with females, but with patience and time he can build meaningful bonds. His foster family has seen this firsthand, as he eventually became comfortable with the men in the home too.
Once Joey is comfortable, he is a lovely little companion. He is housetrained, good in the car, enjoys relaxing in the house and backyard, and has learned to settle nicely in his crate overnight. He gets along with the three resident cats and enjoys watching the world from the yard, including the occasional squirrel or rabbit chase. He can also enjoy the company of select dogs, although he is not a dog who needs to be friends with everyone.
Joey is still working on confidence and socialization, and new environments can feel overwhelming. He may bark at unfamiliar people and can initially respond to new situations with a mix of nervousness and bravado before settling once he feels safe. He is especially bonded to his person and can be protective of them, so this is an area where gentle boundaries, positive reinforcement, confidence-building, and patience will be important. Training classes or carefully chosen low-pressure outings could help him learn that new people and places can be positive experiences.
Joey is also carrying a little extra weight, and his foster family is helping him work toward a healthier weight through appropriate food and exercise. Joey currently weighs 9.9kg but his ideal weight would be 7.5kg. His forever family should continue this routine so he can feel his best and enjoy an active, healthy life. Joey would do best with an understanding adopter who is willing to let him build trust at his own pace, rather than expecting him to be an instant social butterfly. For the right person, watching Joey go from uncertain to trusting will be incredibly rewarding, and underneath his cautious exterior is a little dog who simply wants to feel safe, loved, and understood.
Our adoption fees cover all up to date veterinary needs, including but not limited to: full veterinary examination, age appropriate vaccinations, fecal test and parasite prevention, wellness bloodwork, spay or neuter, and microchip. All dogs will be started on a 6 week trial of pet insurance after adoption. Local adopters can take advantage of 50% off a training course at Ruff Haus in Barrie (www.ruffhaus.ca) and all adopters will also be signed up for Petcademy to offer 30 days of free text-based behavioural support. Please visit our website www.preciouspawsrescue.ca to submit an adoption application.
