Who remembers our beautiful blue eyed frenchie x boston mix, Newman?
This 2 year old Frenchton was adopted over 18 months ago and returned to us about 11 months ago. He continues to do great in his foster home!
We have taken him off all meds and his OCD type of behaviour towards shadows and reflections has been easily managed so far. In fact, it’s only occasionally now. Newman can actually be in a sunny room with little to no reaction most of the time now.
As you may recall, Newman did bite someone shortly before he was returned to us and in the first few months we saw a handful of instances where he suddenly lashed out. We’ve done tests, consulted with vets and behaviourists, tried different meds and training techniques. Foster mom believes that building trust with consistency, routine and a confident caregiver, so Newman knows what is expected of him, is the reason why his behaviour now is almost perfect! He is still not great on leash in busy areas BUT he no longer chases cars, he will sit when he hears a car approaching and wait for his treat! He is pretty amazing! He’s goofy, affectionate and playful. He loves his lick mats, bully sticks and lots of quiet time snuggling on the couch or napping in his favourite dog bed. Over stimulating environments are not for Newman. He does well with easy going dogs. He does have a prey drive so no rabbits, guinea pigs etc for this guy. Due to the bite incident and his sensitivity to over stimulation a home with no kids is necessary.
Newman needs a very special, experienced, firm and patient person to be his forever person.
Here is what the trainer feels Newman needs from his new family:
A family committed to meeting his needs with enrichment and decompression exercise - high-energy games of fetch or running around at high speeds are NOT helpful for him because his adrenaline shoots up and then he may struggle to self-regulate. So he needs that quality exercise where he can be given freedom of movement (off leash in safe areas ideal, or walked on a long line) for long decompression walks so he can sniff to his heart's content.
Committed to positive reinforcement methods
Able to seek out qualified training as needed
No children or cats/rabbits/small animals in the home.
Able to manage his environment such that his guarding is not triggered or provoked (foster mom has found this to be quite easy because he only gets a little intense occasionally but is easily redirected.) June 2024 update- All guarding has stopped.
On the bright side Newman's qualities are many! When he is in a calm environment and has had adequate time to roam around outside, he is very relaxed and will lounge around on his bed or the couch. He loves to be near his people all the time and will always try to lay in your lap if you’re sitting down. He’s very sensitive to energy and will immediately seek to comfort you if you’re upset or having a bad day. He’s very smart and loves doing treat puzzles and recall exercises. He loves car rides and does very well on long drives. He loves attention and will do anything to get it, including stealing shoes and showing you he has them! He absolutely loves belly rubs and will roll over to let you know he’d like to be pet. He’s great about getting his nails trimmed, rolls cleaned and feet wiped. He’s a sweet boy who needs a low stimulation environment and someone who can provide him with a ton of one-on-one time for connection and decompression. Newman is slightly more energetic than a typical couch potato but much less energetic than an active Boston Terrier.
We know his person is out there!
Age: 2 years old Birth date: 15 January 2022
Up to date on Vaccines: Yes
Health concerns: Mild seasonal allergies
Behaviour concerns: OCD with reflections and lights, leash reactivity & potential to resource guard
Home: A fully fenced yard ideally in the country or quiet area
Dogs ok? A non-confrontational tolerant dog.
Leash Trained: needs work
We do allow out of town/province adoptions (within Eastern Canada and some eastern US states) as long as you are able to pick the dog up. We do not ship dogs. Currently near Cornwall, Ontario.
Please note that the above criteria is carefully considered and submitted by the people who know the dog the best, his foster family. This criteria is not negotiable. Only apply if you meet ALL the criteria.
Thank you to all who apply but only those who are being considered will be contacted. Please don't message us to ask where we are in the process.
Please note that we are all volunteers who have full-time jobs, families and our own dogs so please be patient. this process can take several weeks.
Please be aware that we check vet references and do a home visit before finalizing any adoption.
