Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
*IF THIS LISTING IS STILL POSTED THIS DOG IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION. NO NEED TO EMAIL ASKING IF THE DOG IS AVAILABLE. PLEASE READ THROUGH THIS BIO THOROUGHLY AS INFORMATION ON HOW TO APPLY IS CONTAINED IN THIS LISTING**
For Adoption: Bashir!
Please read our dog bios carefully to be sure that the dog you are applying for suits your family and lifestyle.
We at PDR believe in the benefits of post-adoption training for our dogs and their families. This allows for continued socialization, learning and helps to create a well-mannered and balanced dog. Post-adoption training is a requirement in our adoption process.
To apply for adoption and for more information on our process and requirements, visit our website at https://pounddog.ca/adoption-info/.
Meet Bashir, a 2-year-old red American Cocker Spaniel with a lean, athletic build and a personality as warm as his beautiful russet coat. He weighs 30lbs and is an ideal weight for his frame. He is an active, curious, and charming boy who is just discovering the world around him – including, it turns out, the tantalizing edge of the kitchen counter when something delicious is cooking nearby! Bashir was named after Dr. Julian Bashir from the beloved Star Trek series Deep Space Nine – a character who started as a supporting player but grew into one of the show's most beloved leading men. His foster family is hoping this little guy follows the same trajectory, stepping into his forever home and becoming the undisputed star of the show.
Bashir came from a puppy mill, and as a result, has been on quite a learning journey since arriving in his foster home! Some lessons came quickly – he mastered stairs in no time, motivated largely by his determination to keep up with the other dogs in the house. House training took a little more patience, but after his neuter, Bashir has made wonderful progress and has recently begun actively letting his humans know when he needs to go outside – a huge milestone! Where Bashir is still growing is in his confidence with the wider world. True to his Cocker Spaniel nature, he can be hesitant when meeting new people outside of his foster home. His foster family has been working hard to help him find his footing through walks in busy parks, neighbourhood celebrations, and introductions with willing human friends. Bashir has also recently found his voice, and will bark or howl at noises outside the home – something that is very normal for a dog discovering the world for the first time. For these reasons, Bashir would do best in a detached home, where his vocalizing is less likely to impact neighbours. An apartment or condo setting would not be the right fit for him at this stage of his journey. Bashir's forever family will want to continue this socialization work, offering him patience, encouragement, and gentle exposure to new experiences as he continues to build his confidence.
Bashir is also discovering the many joys of the great outdoors! He has taken great delight in exploring his foster family's backyard, enthusiastically hunting for squirrels and other backyard invaders, and carefully sniffing along every inch of the fence line – because you never know what treasures might be hiding there! When it comes to walking on leash, Bashir is a work in progress. He is slowly learning that there is, in fact, a human at the other end of the leash – one who would prefer not to be tripped, tangled, or wrapped around a tree! He has a big personality and an even bigger curiosity, and consistent leash training will be an important part of his ongoing journey. As for car travel, Bashir does quite well riding in his crate, however, arriving at the destination can sometimes bring out a little anxiety, and he may need some extra time and encouragement before he is ready to step out and face the world. Patience, gentle persuasion, and a pocket full of treats will go a long way in helping him gain confidence. Bashir would truly benefit from frequent car rides – some leading to grand adventures and some simply for the joy of the ride – helping him to build trust and excitement around travel over time.
This playful boy is rapidly blossoming into an adventurous companion who is learning just how fun playtime can be! Lately, he has unlocked the sheer delight of dog toys – alongside a couple of household items he insists count as playthings, such as the stray slipper! He thoroughly enjoys diving into the toy basket to unearth his top pick of the moment, leaving a path of endearing chaos in his wake. After selecting his prize, he will happily shake a rope bone with pure delight or entertain himself with the satisfying crinkle of an empty water bottle. Yet, when handed plush stuffies, he reveals an unexpectedly sweet, tender streak – gently carrying them throughout the home and softly suckling on them for cozy comfort. Mealtimes are another absolute high point in his routine! The moment food is served, he trots excitedly over to his spot, making a crate the perfect dining setup while he settles in. Should he share his home with canine siblings, separate feeding areas will be necessary; his boundary-free enthusiasm for food means he will gladly wander over and sample whatever is inside his housemates' bowls!
As mentioned, Bashir would do best in a detached home, where his occasional bouts of singing are least likely to disturb the neighbours! When it comes to canine companionship, Bashir would thrive alongside a confident, easy-going female dog. He is a quick learner and will naturally look to her to set the routine – but his forever family should be aware that Bashir can be a bit of an attention hog! His canine companion will need to be secure and confident in her place within the home, unbothered by Bashir's enthusiasm for the spotlight. He could also be an only dog and get all of the attention, but it should be known that his confidence building to the world around him will be faster and easier for him with a dog to pattern off of. Not to say he can’t manage on his own, it will just take longer. Bashir would also do wonderfully in an active family home with older, teenage or above, children. He has energy to burn and will thrive with a family that can match his enthusiasm and provide him with plenty of activity and mental stimulation. Consistent training will be key to helping Bashir continue to grow and flourish. As is common with Cocker Spaniels, Bashir has the potential to become very deeply attached to his family – and quite possibly, to one person in particular. To support his confidence and independence, his forever family will need to share his care and maintenance tasks equally across all members of the household, and commit to consistent crate training as a tool for building his self-soothing skills and overall sense of security.
Ideally, Bashir's forever family will be one with prior Cocker Spaniel experience, as understanding the unique needs and wonderful quirks of the breed will set everyone up for success. He needs a home filled with activity, love, and – equally important – a stable and predictable routine. Bashir is a dog who gives his whole heart to his family, and in return, he thrives when he knows what to expect from his day. After a busy and stimulating day, Bashir loves nothing more than winding down with his people – a quiet evening together and a cozy snuggle on the couch have proven to be the perfect way to ease him into a calm and restful night. He is a dog who will match your energy, keep you active, and then curl up beside you at the end of it all, ready to do it again tomorrow. If you are looking for a dog who will love you fiercely, keep you moving, and seek out your company at every opportunity, then Bashir is your boy. He has so much love to give – he just needs the right family to give it to.
Name: Bashir
ID # PDR15
Age: 2yrs
Gender: male
Neutered: yes
UTD vaccines: yes
Breed: Cocker Spaniel
Colours: red
Coat length: med
House trained: yes
Special needs: no
OK with kids: older
OK with cats: yes
Ok with dogs: yes
Status: adoptable
Microchip: yes
Size: med
Location: Kitchener, Ont
Adoption fee: $800