If you’re looking for a superstar companion to join your family, look no further than our boy Alex! Alex is a three-year-old mutt from Mexico. He was found outside the shelter, alongside his sister, scared and dehydrated. Our pals at The Dog-Go Project Mexico took Alex and his sister in and nursed them back to health. Alex has already acclimated nicely to his new life in Canada, and he’s ready to find his new sidekick!

Despite the big changes that Alex has faced these the past few months, it’s safe to say he is a pretty relaxed guy! He is down for just about any activity: long walks, short walks, naps, wrestling with his foster sister, carrying toys around in his mouth, cuddling … the list goes on! His fosters have described him as a great companion who brings a calm energy with him everywhere he goes! Alex is being fostered in the city and is already an accomplished public transit traveler (he’s been known to fall asleep while riding the train, too!). He is a naturally curious fellow, spending lots of time sniffing his surroundings. Alex is very polite when meeting new people, albeit a little shy. He does warm up quickly to pets, but is much more interested in the environment around him! Though he was initially very interested in following his fosters around, he’s now feels that sometimes a little space is a good thing, and is a-okay to relax on his own. His favourite spot to nap is underneath the dining room table and has recently taken a liking to napping in a giant grocery store box! Alex will never turn down an opportunity for affection! He loves a good round of pets or ear scratches, and is especially tickled when you leave a space for him beside you on the couch!

Given Alex’s calm and adaptive personality, he’d be the perfect buddy for just about anyone! He has really enjoyed cohabitating with another dog (they play together wonderfully, and he often tries to cuddle with her!), but would also do well as a solo pup. While with his foster, he’s met one younger child. Alex was calm, much the same way as he is when meeting new adults, so a home with children would also be a welcome spot for Alex to land! The only place he may not thrive is a condo: Alex likes to sing the song of his people. He strongly dislikes the crate and takes about 20-40 minutes to settle. His fosters have recently altered their crate training approach and this seems to be working wonders! Alex has now been sleeping on a dog bed, outside of his crate, and will sleep through the night until his fosters wake up. He still eats his meals and practices settling in his crate (30 minutes, three times per day), with the door open. He is fully crated when left alone, and he does settle, though he is persistent with his barking if he wakes up while still crated. Outside of the crate, he hasn’t barked at all!

As far as basic obedience goes, Alex took some time to learn “sit”, but now that he’s got that trick down, he’s graduated to more advanced skills, such as “stay” and “come.” He receives 30 minutes of training per day, where his fosters rotate between basic commands, crate training and impulse control. He knows his name well, and also responds to kissing sounds and “Boy!” Apart from one accident on his first night, (very likely due to post-flight jitters), Alex is perfectly potty trained.

Alex is neutered, microchipped and up to date with his vaccines. He has hip dysplasia, which is currently being treated with Chondro-Flex chews. He will eventually develop arthritis in his hips and will need to keep his svelte figure to ensure those hips remain as healthy as possible!

Alex has settled very nicely into his life as a new Canadian mutt – if you’re looking for the perfect pal to enjoy summer walks and afternoon picnics, then Alex is the boy for you!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults and kids) and dogs; slow introductions to cats
ENERGY: Medium
QUIRKS: If you scratch his bum, he stomps and backs into you!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic obedience, leash skills, crate training
MEDICAL NEEDS: Hip dysplasia (currently being treated with Chondro-Flex chews); will eventually develop arthritis so his adoptive family must help him maintain a healthy weight!
WEIGHT: 28lbs
FOSTER LOCATION: East York