Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Needs experienced adopter,
House-trained,
Story
Meet Sway!! (case #22128)
Smart, spirited, and full of potential, Sway is a roughly 4-month-old puppy who is already showing off some pretty impressive skills! She’s the kind of girl who will keep you on your toes, make you laugh, and challenge you to become the best dog owner you can be. And that last part is important, because Sway is a puppy with a lot of brains, a lot of energy, and a lot to learn!
This clever girl is very food motivated, which is fantastic news for anyone ready to put in the work. She already knows how to sit and wait patiently for her meals, walks nicely on leash, and has shown that she can handle outings into the world without being easily spooked. She even settled down for a nap while her handler chatted during a store visit! Crate time? No problem. Sway settled beautifully in her crate, and with a little guidance, she quickly learned where to go outside to do her business. She didn't have a single indoor accident during her stay!
Sway also did well around the resident adult working dogs, playing nicely alongside them and enjoying a game of fetch. She's not particularly interested in having another puppy climb all over her face, though, and she's quite vocal when she spots cats. Like any young pup, she's still learning her manners and how to navigate the world around her.
And let's talk about that puppy energy! Before a walk, Sway can get pretty mouthy and playful, but redirecting her onto an appropriate toy or chew helps her find a better outlet. After some exercise and engagement, she's shown a lovely ability to settle and relax independently. While she may have some Belgian Malinois in her background, she's presenting more as a companion pet at this stage, rather than a puppy who needs a working-dog lifestyle. Regardless of her genetics, she'll need an appropriate balance of physical exercise, mental enrichment, structure, and downtime as she grows.
Now, here's the important part about Sway: this is not a puppy for someone hoping to wing it and see how things go. She's bright, driven, and already demonstrating just how quickly she can learn, but those qualities need to be channelled in the right direction. Sway needs an experienced, committed owner who understands the importance of consistency, boundaries, appropriate outlets, and positive reinforcement. Enrollment in a reputable puppy obedience class or training program should be an immediate priority, not something to consider down the road. Her new person must be ready to invest time and effort into helping her develop into a well-mannered, confident adult dog.
The good news? Sway has already shown that she can learn, settle, and succeed with thoughtful handling. There's a very nice puppy in there, just waiting for someone who understands that potential doesn't develop all by itself!
If you're an experienced dog owner who enjoys training, appreciates a clever pup, and is ready for the commitment that comes with raising a puppy like Sway, she could be a very rewarding companion. She's got the brains, she's got the personality, and she's ready to learn. Now she just needs the right person to help her shine!
Please complete an adoption request:
https://www.hamilton.ca/home-neighbourhood/animals-pets/adopt-or-foster-pet/adoptions
Animal adoptions and viewing are by appointment only. This allows our Adoption Staff to spend quality time with each potential home to ensure the most successful matches are made between the animals and their new families.
*Please note: we only adopt within Ontario
