Four-year-old Puddy was surrendered by his family because of frequent relocation due to a military career, and the addition of a little person to their human family. Puddy is dominant, often trying to push around other dogs, and took this a step too far the day he snapped at the toddler from behind a baby gate. Although there was no actual contact, his family decided another home would be a better fit for him.

Puddy's delusions of grandeur are the main thing for potential adopters to keep in mind. In his foster home, he is submissive to his foster mom and acknowledges her as leader. Ho does get into showdowns with the resident pack's second in command – bumping him and doing a harmless "air snap" when they pass. He is easily corrected when exhibiting unwanted behaviors.

Otherwise, Puddy is hale and hearty with no heath concerns. He is house-trained, but not crate-trained, and uses a dog door. He has not had any obedience training that we know of. He will sit for a treat though, and waits politely for dinner to be served when it's chow time.

Puddy's favorite thing to do is follow his foster dad, or foster mom in a pinch, around the house. He likes to be near his people, but does not get up on the furniture or the bed even though all the other dogs do. He is quiet, enjoys attention, and does not need a lot of exercise to be happy. He's not much for toys, but will occasionally chew on a rawhide or a Nylabone.

Puddy likes mingling with other dogs at the park and walks well on leash. He gets along well with the other dogs in his foster home, with the exception of some pushy behavior towards a Shar-Pei who is the #2 dog. He hasn't shown any special interest in cats.

Puddy has a dominant personality and will try to take over if the human leader doesn't keep him firmly in line. In foster care, he is learning that it is not his burden nor responsibility to oversee and take care of his family. That role should belong to people, not dogs. Puddy needs a family where rules are established, boundaries are enforced and Nylabones are abundant.

First time Frenchie people would be okay with this guy as long as they have experience with "bully-headedness". He would enjoy other dogs as long as they aren't too dominant, and would enjoy romping with children as long as they're old enough and confident enough to put him at ease. Puddy seems like he might be the type to get destructive if left alone all day, but any strategy to solve this would be fine. He could go to work, go to daycare, have a visit from a dog walker, or have someone around all the time.

Because his main activity is quietly following his people around, apartment life would be fine for Puddy. A fenced yard, of course, is always ideal.

Puddy's foster mom has this to add:

"Puddy is a beautiful guy with a big head and an even bigger heart. He would love nothing more than to be your buddy 24/7/365. He is the kind of dog you could take anywhere with you and you would never have to worry about him acting inappropriately. I can see where he could grow to be very protective of his humans, but as long as he knows that his human is the pack leader, there should not be any issues with his behavior."

It's time for Puddy to relax and play, sleep in the sun, schmooze with doggy friends and allow humans the right to worry. If you've got a home with a Puddy-sized hole in it, put on your shades and head Southwest – he's in Arizona and will not be shipped.