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Firework

Adopted

Description

Name: Firework
ID # A153124
Estimated Age: 1 year, 1 month
Sex: Male
Estimated Breed: Yorkshire Terrier/Shih Tzu Mix
Weight: 11 lbs.
Good with Dogs: Yes
Good with Cats: Has high prey drive
Good with Children: Yes
Special/Medical Needs:
Estimated Energy Level: Medium
Current Location: Edmonton, AB.
Adoption Fee: $650

Meet Firework, the adorable Shih Tsu mix that's ready to steal your heart.

Firework perfectly embodies a lot of the qualities that we love so much about his breed.
His gentle demeanor and love for everything and everyone are so heartwarming. When I say this boy loves everyone, I literally mean everyone! It doesn't matter if you're young, old, big, small, man, woman. This boy does not discriminate - if you have a pulse, he wants to meet you and get love from you. He did so well with everyone that we felt comfortable introducing him to our neighbour's dog savvy kids (age 7 and 10) and he did amazing!

Like most young dogs this boy has two modes. Chill and sleep, which has made him the perfect home office buddy. As well as play till you drop, especially if a squeaky toy is involved. He gets so into playing with his toys that he can sometimes accidentally nip at your clothes or fingers. Not in a malicious way and will let go as soon as he realizes it's not his toy, but some dog savviness is recommended if kids are engaging in play with him.

He is still learning all about leash walking and will wander on the sidewalk checking out everything there is to see. He is so curious that he sometimes forgets to use the bathroom while on a walk. He's been very reliable in the yard though, so a fenced yard is best. He's a gentle walker and the only time he pulls is when seeing other dogs and when his prey drive kicks in. He has shown to have a high prey drive to birds, rabbits and squirrels leading me to believe that a feline free and small critter free home would be best.

This boy is a social butterfly with other dogs and has done super well with all the dogs he's met so far. We've had the chance to introduce him to four dogs, one of which is the resident dachshund. He even confidently approaches dogs several times his size to say hello. It is important for his future family to do proper introductions with other dogs during a walk and with no leash tension as some dogs may misread his extroverted approach.

Firework has shown no signs of resource guarding or reactivity, happily sharing toys, food and love. He is not food motivated at all and grazes his food throughout the day, so access to food and water will be important to ensure that he maintains a healthy weight. He has no interest in human food - even refusing cheese!

He is showing some signs of mild separation anxiety. He whines for about 15-20 min when being placed in his puppy proofed room for bed and when left alone during the day. He does quickly settle though. The only time I have seen him in real distress is when confined to his crate, so a puppy proofed room or pen are best until he knows that his crate is his safe place. We've been taking a soft approach to crate training, and he has already shown signs of improvement, sometimes even choosing to nap in there during the day.
His separation anxiety is so mild that I wouldn't have noticed it if I didn't have a puppy cam to spy on him. He shows a bit of stress by pacing, but he doesn’t whine or bark.
He is pretty much fully potty trained. He has had two accidents in the house since coming into our care. He doesn't know how to ask to go but keeping him on a regular and predictable schedule has kept him doing his business entirely outside.


Speaking of manners, this boy has excellent house manners and has not gotten into anything he shouldn't, including house and garden plants. He counter surfed a bit at first but a few corrections and giving him the opportunity to offer a better behaviour like an auto sit has basically fixed it.

Training: We're currently working on some commands that I consider to be basic as it's for his safety. Firework has already mastered sit and is becoming a recall master. We're working on stay as soon as doors open and break to be let through, as well as a place and settle (especially in the presence of very exciting things like other dogs on a walk.)

He's been great in the car as long as you have a comfy bed or lap for him. He also does bark but only as backup vocals when his dachshund foster sister is singing the song of her people. He is an easy going lovely young dog that you can do almost anything with and take pretty much everywhere. The only thing we've seen him dislike is things that make loud noises such as the vacuum, the blow-dryer or power tools.

We would absolutely keep him, as we are beyond smitten, but believe he would be happiest with a playful young dog sibling (the resident dachshund is 7 years his senior and not as playful), or as the only dog to get all the love and attention he deserves.

Adoption costs: $650.00