Boxer * Labrador * Spayed/Neutered * Male * 1 Years Old

Profile:

HOW DID BRUCE GET HERE?
Bruce came into our care from another organization, and since arriving, this handsome guy has been showing us just how much potential he has. He can initially be a little jumpy and overexcited, but with calm, confident handling, he settles quickly and becomes an incredibly engaged and affectionate boy. Bruce is eager to learn, wants to make his people happy, and has already demonstrated an impressive ability to focus and work with his handlers.

PERSONALITY:
- A handsome guy who is sweet, affectionate, and eager to engage with his people
- Can initially be jumpy and overexcited, particularly when first being harnessed or starting an outing
- Quickly settles when given calm, confident handling and clear structure
- Very food motivated and happy to work for just about any treat
- Also loves praise, affection, and attention from his handlers
- Becomes very handler-focused once he gets into "working mode"
- Is fairly easy to handle on leash, although he may pull and will benefit from continued loose-leash training
- Wants to work and genuinely wants to make his handler happy
- Can become overstimulated with excitement, particularly at the beginning of an outing, but improves significantly as the outing continues and he has structure and positive handler engagement
- May jump when excited, especially during harnessing, but responds well to redirection
- Needs calm, gradual introductions to harnessing, leashing, and other forms of physical handling
- Enjoys physical affection, but collar grabs, teeth checks, ear checks, and other handling should be introduced slowly and positively
- Will benefit from continued desensitization and positive associations with grooming and handling
- Has shown exceptionally high engagement and obedience with staff and volunteer handlers
- Needs continued exposure to outside distractions and triggers, with consistency from his handler being key to his success
- Has not been overly fixated or reactive toward people or dogs in the shelter environment, although continued training and appropriate management will be important as he adjusts to a home
- Prefers to eliminate outside
- Has previously lived with a canine companion

WHAT TYPE OF HOME IS BRUCE LOOKING FOR?
- A home with general dog experience and people who understand the importance of consistency, and clear structure
- A securely fenced yard is recommended, giving Bruce an opportunity to sniff, explore, and roam without every outing needing to be a full walk
- Bruce may potentially do ok in a condo or apartment, provided his exercise, enrichment, and training needs are consistently met
- Children 12+ may be considered. Children in the home should be taught how to interact appropriately with Bruce and understand the importance of consistent boundaries and positive structure
- If living with another dog, Bruce may do well with a dog of similar temperament and size
- No cats for Bruce!
- A family willing to continue working with Bruce on impulse control, polite greetings, calm harnessing, loose-leash walking, and engagement around distractions
- Adopters who understand that Bruce can become overexcited and who are comfortable helping him learn calm and appropriate ways to interact
- A home that will use calm, positive, low-pressure handling and pay attention to Bruce's body language
- His adopters should be prepared to continue building his confidence and exposing him gradually and positively to new environments, people, and distractions

Bruce is one of those dogs who gets better and better the more time you spend with him. He may greet you with some enthusiastic jumping and excitement, but give him a little structure and calm guidance and you'll see a completely different side of him emerge. He settles quickly, tunes into his handler, and becomes incredibly focused and eager to please. Bruce will need a family who understands that his excitement can sometimes get the better of him, particularly at the beginning of an outing or during harnessing. In return, Bruce has so much to offer. He's affectionate, eager to learn, loves his people and has an enthusiasm for life that is impossible to miss. If Bruce sounds like the dog that you have been looking for, apply to adopt him today!