My name is Einstein!

Einstein came to us when his owner was unfortunately and unexpectedly hospitalized, with no assurance that they would be coming home any time soon.  Because it was unexpected, there were no provisions made for Einstein's care, which left him being moved around a fair bit prior to coming into our care.  As his owner was ill prior to their hospitalization, he was not getting the training he needed or walked, and was trained to do his business on pee pads.  Since coming into his foster home, Einstein has made leaps and bounds in his progress. 

Einstein is a young boy, eager to please, and very friendly with everyone.  What he needs is someone that has dog experience and willing to continue working on his training or, someone who is willing to take him to obedience school to gain confidence and learn the skills he needs to be a fully capable companion.  He is just over a year old and in many ways still a puppy.  He would not do well in a home where he is left for long work days on his own at this point, but would do well in a family where someone is home more often than not.  He is excellent with children and other pets; friendly to everyone he meets.  Einstein currently weighs 31 lbs.

The mini Boxer was bred for people who wanted the looks and personality of a Boxer but in a smaller dog.  Like a true Boxer, Einstein is very people oriented and friendly.  If you don't like a dog that wants to follow you everywhere in the home, then a Boxer or Einstein, is not for you.

Here is what Einstein's foster family had to say about him:

Einstein is a very loving, devoted, little dog.  He is still very much a puppy and learning about the world.  He is happy to do whatever so long as it is with you! He is a social butterfly, happy and excited to meet any new friends, both two and four legged!  Walking, cuddling, playing, eating, he’s your guy!  He is in good health - nice and trim, shiny coat, and pearly white teeth!  His energy level can be moderate to high.  He is an active little guy but with proper exercise he settles nicely and is happy to snuggle up on the couch with you.  He is on a high quality kibble, so very little shedding.

Einstein has easily blended into our busy household. Playing with all the dogs respectfully and having a blast with the three children.  He still has puppy energy and wants to play with our dogs all the time however he is very respectful of the other dogs and listens well to their warnings to settle down.  Einstein doesn't have a mean bone in his body.  His is just a very friendly, outgoing little guy.  We have a very dog savvy cat in the home.  After initially smelling each other, the cat wanted nothing to do with him.  Einstein however, would have liked the cat to play with him so, if your cat isn't used to dogs, Einstein would more than likely annoy them.  

Einstein is great in the sense that he matches the energy of the house. When it is busy and play time he is ready to rumble. When everyone is settled down and relaxing you can find him curled up on the couch with another dog or one of the kids.  He is very affectionate with everyone in the family but is especially attached to "mom".  When he first arrived, and if Mom left the home, or even the room, he would start to cry.  If there was someone else in the room, he could be easily distracted and then would settle quickly.  If everyone left the home, he would cry for an extended period  (about a half hour) before he would settle completely.  He has come a long way with this now, but we expect this may be an issue that resurfaces when he is first in his new home, so he may not be a good choice for someone living in an apartment at this time.   We have been using a crate and putting him in the crate at different times throughout the day.  We then ignore him if he cries but reward him when he is quiet.  

Einstein does do well in the crate and it is becoming his safe spot.  He is learning that we will always come back.  He now settles within minutes. He enjoys a nice bone to chew and a stuffed animal to cuddle while in his crate.  I do believe with time and once he is fully trained, the crate will no longer be needed but for now it works to ensure he is safe, like you would want any baby to be.  With his whole world having been turned upside down, Einstein needs a patient, confident leader that he can follow.  The more confident you are, the more relaxed Einstein is.

Although Einstein is new to leash training, the fact that he just wants to be with you makes walking him enjoyable.  He is excitable especially to make new friends with everyone he meets but it is all in good fun.  He does not pull you down the street but instead, he pretty much stays right with you.  He does know some basic commands such as "sit", "lay down" and "go pee".  He was trained to go on pee pads but we have removed them completely and have been working on him going outside to do his business.  He was doing really well up until this current cold snap.  He doesn't like to be out in the cold however he has learned that the quicker he goes, the faster he can get back inside.  You will need to continue being consistent, reward him when he does well, but keep an eye on him so he doesn't mess in the house EVER, if you want him to quickly succeed in his house training.  This means that for the beginning at least, he must never be let him out of your sight, or if you can't watch him, that he is in his crate.  

Like bringing home any new puppy, you will need to give Einstein time to settle into his new home and to trust that everything is okay.  He needs to learn your house rules, what is and is not acceptable behaviours and where he has to go to do his business.  Obedience classes would be great and I think he would really excel as he is so eager to please.  His most important thing in the world is YOU and he is always trying to be a good boy and wants to do well.  He just needs someone that is willing to give him everything he needs to succeed.  You must be a confident leader so he has someone to follow rather than thinking he is lost on his own.  If you are able to meet his needs and help him learn to be a confident, capable companion, you will have a most amazing, loyal and loving best friend!!

If you are looking for a total companion who has the capability to go just about anywhere with you then this is your guy! With love, commitment, patience, and consistency, he won’t lot you down! He is a smart loving boy who is so ready for anything that comes his way! He has proven himself to be an amazing family pet, his love and devotion to our children is amazing. He always always has a smile on his face and pep to his step!   He would do best with a family, especially with older children that would like to be involved and can assist with is training.  He does get into the little ones toys because they are just so fun looking, so something to consider.  

If you think Einstein would be a good choice for your situation, please visit our main website at http://www.uglymuttsdogrescue.com and submit an adoption application.