Meet Mr. Big - A Little Dog with a Big Personality!
Mr. Big may be small in size, but he's overflowing with character! This senior mix breed is on the lookout for a calm yet active home where he can be the centre of attention. He's a bit of a picky guy and knows exactly what he wants-a single individual to call his own, with no children or other pets.
While Mr. Big enjoys socializing with dogs outside the home, he's not a fan of sharing his space or belongings. He has resource guarding tendencies with toys, food, furniture, and his favourite people. Despite having minimal teeth, he's still got plenty of spunk and can be touch-sensitive with new people, so an adopter with dog experience is a must.
Mr. Big will thrive with clear boundaries and structured management. He'll need an owner committed to consistent training and teaching him more release cues to help with his guarding behaviours. Until then, he'll require careful supervision around valued items and firm but fair guidance to build trust and prevent conflicts.
Once he's comfortable, Mr. Big is a total sweetheart who loves treats, snuggles, and long walks, but he'll be happiest in a home where he doesn't have to share the spotlight. If you're an experienced dog owner ready to give Mr. Big the one-on-one love, structure, and support he needs, he'll reward you with loyalty and plenty of cuddles.
IN SHELTER NOTES AND IDEAL HOME:
SIZE:
18 pounds
HOME TYPE:
House or Townhouse - No Apartments due to barrier reactivity (Barking through door). Separate exist dwellings are fine!
CHILDREN:
No - Due to resource guarding.
CATS AND SMALL ANIMALS:
No - strong prey drive
OTHER DOGS:
No - Not in home. Could potentially do well with another dog outside of the home away from high value resources, has not shown to be dog reactive!
DIET:
Mr. Big is on HYPO PD. This is a select protein based diet that comes from a vet that helps with his food sensitivities. Some food causes Mr. Big to be itchy but this medicated diet and regular soothing baths have helped him greatly. He will need to continue on this diet until your vet advises otherwise.
ACTIVITY/ENERGY LEVEL:
Mod - High; will need daily exercise, enrichment and mental stimulation but enjoys some daily down time as well.
HUMAN COMPATIBILITY:
First time dog owner, No - Due to his behaviour needing lots of management; he needs an adopter that is willing to advocate for his space, not allow him to be treated like a toy, and to establish boundaries with him.
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS/NEEDS:
Minimum 2 In person training sessions to work on the following; Basic training, Bathroom habits, resource guarding, impulse control, touch sensitivity, and Prey Drive.
HUMAN SOCIAL IN SHELTER:
Very human social he loves to spend lots of time with everyone he meets
FAVOURITE THINGS:
Chasing toys, getting snacks, and going for long walks!
*** Due to Mr. Big's behaviour history. We will require applications ahead of time to review and speak with potential candidates. Walk in adoptions will not be accessed at this time. Thank you!***
**For more information on any behaviours stated above, please check out our behaviour fact sheet: https://kwsphumane.ca/BehavioursandDefinitions
**Please remember that animals are coming back from foster care to the centres for their meet and greets. They will be experiencing a new environment and meeting new people, which means they may not exhibit the same behaviours they did in their foster videos or while in foster care.
If you are viewing this through 24PetConnect by PetPlace or Adopt-A-Pet, please visit our website https://kwsphumane.ca/adopt/process to submit an application. Any applications submitted outside of www.kwsphumane.ca may not be received.
