Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Bruno!
18-Month-Old Havanese/Bichon | 11lbs| A Loving, Energetic Work in Progress. Currently fostered in Mississauga.
Bruno is a smart, affectionate, fun-loving little guy with a BIG personality! At just 18 months old, he has lots of love to give, plenty of energy to burn, and a whole lot of learning still ahead of him. He is the kind of dog who wants to be involved in absolutely everything and make friends with everyone he meets. Sometimes a little too enthusiastically!
Bruno is a high-energy boy who thrives with exercise, mental stimulation, structure, and routine. He requires two walks a day (approximately 30 minutes each), along with backyard play, toys, games, and opportunities to use his brain and nose. One of his favourite activities is hide-and-seek, and he is quite entertaining when he decides to throw his own ball and chase after it! Keeping his mind busy is just as important as physical exercise when it comes to helping him settle.
Socialization and continued training are a must for Bruno.
Bruno is under-socialized with other dogs and needs a family committed to continuing the work his foster family has started. He can be very much in your face, both with people and other dogs, and is still learning that not everyone needs his immediate love, attention, or enthusiastic dive-bombing! He can play too roughly or try to dominate, particularly with male dogs, so continued training, appropriate introductions, and positive social experiences are essential.
He currently does wonderfully with his resident foster dog, a calm, tolerant female who enjoys playing with him but also communicates clear boundaries. Bruno respects and responds well to her. For this reason, we feel he would do best as an only dog or with a well-socialized, confident, tolerant female dog who is comfortable setting boundaries. A home with a male dog would not be our first recommendation.
Bruno is also learning appropriate play with children. His foster home has dog-savvy children who understand that he is still learning not to use his mouth during play. They know to stop play, give him time to settle, and wait until he is calm before engaging again. With these consistent boundaries in place, Bruno has learned to play nicely with the children. He absolutely adores his 10-year-old human foster sister! Any children in his adoptive home should be dog-savvy, respectful, and willing to participate in his ongoing training.
What else should you know about Bruno?
Fully house-trained with no destructive behaviours.
Crate-trained, although he initially puts up quite a vocal protest with loud barking when his family leaves the house. He does eventually settle.
Sleeps happily in his crate, on a dog bed, or snuggled up in bed with his favourite little human.
A work in progress on leash. He walks much better alongside his foster dog sibling, taking cues from her to avoid pulling and barking at other dogs. When walked alone, he currently tends to pull and bark, so this is another area where continued training is important.
Very intelligent and eager to please. He responds wonderfully to positive reinforcement and is quick to learn when expectations are clear and consistent.
Loves his toys, backyard zoomies, hide-and-seek, and spending time with his people.
What kind of home is Bruno looking for?
Bruno needs a family who live in a detached home who understands that young, energetic dogs sometimes need a little extra guidance to become their best selves. His adopters must be committed to working with a qualified positive-reinforcement trainer, attending training classes, and continuing his socialization with other dogs. He needs clear boundaries, consistency, patience, and a predictable routine.
He would do best with an active family who enjoys walking, playing, and engaging with their dog. Dog-savvy children who understand appropriate interactions and are willing to be part of his training would be a great fit.
Bruno isn't looking for a family who expects a perfectly polished dog right from the start. He's looking for someone who sees his potential, is willing to put in the work, and understands that the most rewarding dogs are sometimes the ones we help along the way.
The best part about Bruno?
Once he has settled in, understands the household rules, and has his physical and mental needs met, he is a very loving, affectionate, and enjoyable companion. He has so much personality, so much love to give, and the intelligence to keep learning.
Bruno is a diamond in the rough who just needs the right family to help him shine.
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Interested in this doggo? Please fill out an application which can be found on our website www.justpaws.ca.
As our foster family gets to know the dog, their profile can change and will be updated accordingly. Check back often for details!
Just Paws is located in the Greater Toronto Area of Ontario, Canada. We do not adopt out of province or country.
Please note that although many of our dogs get along with children, we are not able to adopt to any household with kids under the age of 8 years old. This is a stipulation of our insurance and is not a reflection on suitability of the potential adopter.
