overview

Alphonse’s Story

Alphonse came into the SNAFU Rescue via a breeder release. His breeder wanted him to be placed in a loving home and spend the rest of his years being a spoiled pet.

When Alphonse first arrived in rescue he was unsure of humans, a new environment, and was nervous of living life as a family pet. (Change is hard!) He still displays his anxious side (although MUCH improved!) when entering new environments or meeting new humans and can be skittish at times but he does show a lot of interest in being involved in social activities so we believe with time his confidence will grow! His overall, albeit inconsistently, shy personality is so cute and he is making improvements and gaining more and more confidence daily. Alphie (as his foster family calls him) is a smart, silly, energetic, active young man who is always on the go, watching and waiting for the next fun activity. Alphie is high-energy and feels better (even more confident) when he is physically fulfilled. This Frenchie boy loves extra play sessions with his furry friends, running the fenced-in yard, walks with his foster mom, and (short but sweet) nap time.

Alphie is all puppy all the time! You always know where Alphie is as he is always moving about – we call him The Energizer Bunny! His favorite activities are wrestling, moving sticks around the yard, playing tug, running, romping, and finding the squeakers in his toys! His favorite toys are a blue alligator and a squeaky doughnut. In the social yard, Alphie is a bit forward with other dogs. He has jumped on their backs, invaded their personal space in their face, and lingers around their behinds (all of which are very rude behaviors that will get him in trouble, with the wrong dogs!); he does engage in alternate behaviors and will leave other dogs alone, with competent coaching from his human family. He will need continued coaching from humans to learn how to be a polite guy and a good friend to others (i.e., not rude!). 

Alphie is quite smart, and curious, and he is so funny. He makes his foster family laugh, every day! He needs a little extra patience as he is still learning how to “dog” and he will require some training in his adoptive home to help him to continue to gain some confidence. As mentioned, he currently lives with several furry foster siblings He matches well with dogs of any shape/size/gender as long as they can match his energy level and he has a human coach to help him be his best self. He is  experiencing a big transition and will need clarity, consistency, and routine to help him learn proper dog behavior, learn proper dog manners, and know what is expected in his adoptive home. He is extremely smart, a fast learner, and wants to do a good job – he enjoys having activities to do and to be the best at doing them! Alphie has not been around any children, adolescents, or teenagers; therefore we cannot speak to how he would do with non-adults but given his overall puppy-like demeanor we believe Alphie would do fine with dog-savvy children if introduced to them properly. He would do well in a home with other balanced dogs as he continues to emulate behaviors and learn how to be a pet.  As with all of our dogs, we recommend slow introductions between dogs and supervision around children when introducing a new dog in your home to make sure both he and they are kept safe. 

Alphonse is doing well with potty training and is reported to be mostly trained. He is picking up going outside as he is mimicking the other dogs in the home (and is offered positive reinforcement). As with all of our dogs, any adopter will need to be able to and willing to continue working on potty training with him, offering him a consistent schedule. Like with any potty training endeavor, a high level of structure and routine is necessary for success (most dogs will regress when brought into a new home). Alphie is mostly crate-trained but has some potty/poop-accidents inside his crate on occasion. He is learning to be quiet in his crate and although he does not try to break out, he still does bark sometimes. Alphie has anticipatory anxiety especially when he hears someone in the background or sees another dog pass by his crate. He does sleep in his crate at night and will do so quietly. For his safety, we recommend a similar crating/sleeping schedule be maintained in his adoptive home.

Medically, Alphie seems to be in great health! He has been neutered, updated on vaccinations/dewormings, microchipped, and has been given a clean bill of health by our veterinarian! Alphie will need his tail pocket cleaned consistently but otherwise doesn’t seem to have any short nosed health concerns. 

Alphonse would do best in a home with a fenced-in yard due to his explorative nature, his skittish behavior around anything new (he may try to run away if scared), and his love for the outdoors; however, he would do well without a yard AS LONG AS he is kept on a secure leash and is given adequate opportunity for physical fulfillment. He is a CHAMP at going up stairs (not yet down but he can be taught this skill) so a home with multiple levels would be okay for him. Alphie is NOT a candidate for a shared-walled home; his bark would be too much for the neighbors. Since Alphie is still working on potty training and has anxiety around new people we don’t feel an office atmosphere would be good for him quite yet.Ideally, a work-from-home or stay-at-home parent would be great for Alphie to continue the progress he has already made thus far, but this is not required. 

Ultimately Alphie is looking for a patient and understanding family that can continue to work with him on his puppy tendencies, growing his confidence, and learning how to be a pet. A family that is active and can include him in many of their weekly activities would be great for him; and one with other balanced dogs to help him learn the joys of pet life. Because he can be a flight risk, he should never be unleashed, and due to his initial behavior around other dogs (again, this is MUCH improved with humans coaching him) allowed in an open-style dog park for his ongoing safety. Alphie is looking for a solid routine and structure as that gives him peace of mind. He is such an amazing playful boy and has come so far already and just needs a little extra attention to learn the ways of being a loved and cherished pet. He is a loving and sweet dog that needs some puppy outlets, love, attention, and direction. 

If you feel like your family might be the perfect forever home for Alphie, please submit an adoption application for him today!!