Sigmund has been working hard at learning some manners and is finally ready to find hi forever home. At only a year of age, this cute boy with one ear up and one down has all the naughtiness of an active puppy with the benefits of already being housebroken and crate-trained.

Sigmund’s former family surrendered him after they realized they weren’t able to properly manage this big puppy’s energy. Unfortunately, he was left unsupervised with some kittens that were then fatally wounded, and Sigmund had to pack his bags.

At 34 lbs, he is a bigger Frenchie, and luckily he’s in excellent health. He came into foster care with a moderate case of itchy dry skin, and this has improved with a more nutritious diet and frequent baths. It should continue to improve over time but may resurface at times.

Ideally, Sigmund’s future family will be able to supply him with a squeaky ball and the occasional Nylabone for the rest of his life. This frog simply loves to run around the house going squeak, squeak, squeak, all day long. When he’s not chomping down on a squeaky toy, he likes a nice game of fetch or tearing around the yard with another dog or two.

This is boy who is working very hard to be a good dog and take direction from his people, and he definitely needs a strong leader to gently show him the way. Though he peacefully co-exists with the dogs in his foster home most of the time, he is at times reactive to dogs that growl or allegedly throw dirty looks in his direction. He seems to do better with dogs roughly his size, and does best with female dogs. His future family will need to be comfortable anticipating this naughty behavior and know, or be willing to learn, safe ways to redirect his attention to keep his behavior from escalating into a fight.

In order to set up Sigmund for success, we must say no to homes with cats, small dogs, or other little critters that may awaken his prey drive.

Sigmund is looking for an active person or family that is willing to spend some time exerting his energy on a daily basis. Due to his big size and energy, any children in the home should be dog-savvy and older than 8 years. His family should be willing to take him on brisk walks, as this boy thinks the whole world is exciting and doesn’t believe in taking easy strolls. He still needs some work on his leash manners; otherwise he’ll forever try to show people that the way to walk is fast and furious.

He is reliably housebroken and crate-trained, though he’ll sometimes whine a little if he knows someone is home and he can’t be with them. He would do well waiting for his people at home while they work, although it would be great if he could have a mid-day break.

House, condo or apartment, it’s all the same to Sigmund. He only cares about quality time (and don’t forget the squeaky toys.) Sure, a fenced yard would be nice, but it is not required. He could easily adjust to going to work, as long as there aren’t other dogs there that he finds threatening. He loves people, and is quite the happy-go-lucky clown when meeting strangers so he’d be a great greeter.

Now, here’s a word from his smitten foster mom:
“During his time in foster care Sigmund has moved halfway across the United States, been neutered, and suffered an almost fatal spider bite. Through all of it he has been a true gentleman. He loves to ride in the car and does so quietly laying on the seat beside you. When anyone comes home he runs to greet them at the door, always with a toy in his mouth that he hopes to share with you. In his former life he was apparently not allowed on beds or furniture, so he contently sleeps in his own bed at night. Of course he wants his bed to be as close to your bed as possible. Sigmund is a big, lovable lump of puppy and just needs the right home to shine to his true potential.”

If you’re ready for a big hunk of love in your life, apply for Sigmund. Pack your crate or doggy seatbelt to pick him up in Missouri because he will not be shipped.