Billy

Billy was surrendered to a shelter at 5 years of age due to behavioural issues. It is clear that Billy did not receive any training or proper socialization in his previous life. This has led to the creation of a tiny chihuahua with some BIG feelings. When Billy meets new people, he is afraid. He used to react by charging and biting - but since he’s been in our care we have worked hard to change this behaviour. He has been muzzle trained, and if strangers approach calmly and ignore him, he will no longer charge or bite. He will accept treats from them if they are gently tossed his way. In the home, it takes Billy some time to trust his people - but once this happens, he becomes an amazing little dog! He is a loving dog, who wants nothing more than to spend his day cuddling in your lap while wrapped up in blankets, or looking out the window to observe his surroundings. He is crate trained, and sleeps all night without trouble in his crate. In a new home he will have a few accidents at first, but after the initial few days he is completly house broken. He LOVES playing with stuffed toys, and will throw them around even if they’re bigger than he is. He is a pro at puzzle feeders, and loves to learn. He responds great to training! He has learnt to ask to be pet, and will paw at you to indicate he wants more. When he’s being pet, he is used to having consistent consent testing done, where he will indicate whether or not he wishes for the interaction to continue. Until he trusts you, manipulating Billy is difficult. He can and will bite, before that bond has been formed. He requires strict boundaries in the home, especially in the first few weeks. He can bark when someone is at the door, but is otherwise pretty quiet. He would do best in a calm home with a family who does not have visitors over too often and who have a spare room where he can relax when people do come over. He cannot have contact with children. Billy cohabitates well with other pets - he doesn’t really play with other dogs but loves to snuggle with them.