overview

Leo’s Story

Leo 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 Leo first arrived in rescue he had a little shy and unsure side.  He still displays his anxious side when entering new environments but he does show a lot of interest in being constantly involved in social activities so we believe with time his confidence will grow!  He can be a bit timid, especially around men.  Leo takes a LONG time to warm up to men and can piddle with nervousness when men are present. Once he can warm up, it is just about the sweetest thing when he rolls over onto his back graciously accepting belly tickles!  His overall, albeit inconsistently, shy personality is so cute and he is making improvements and gaining more and more confidence daily.  Leo is a smart, silly, energetic, active young man who is always on the go, watching and waiting for the next fun activity with his furry pals. Leo 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, and nap time. Leo is all puppy all the time!  He is most comfortable around his furry friends and his trusted humans and finds great comfort in their presence.  You always know where Leo is as he is always moving about.  His favorite activities are wrestling, playing with a plushy toy, running, romping, and finding the squeakers in the toy!  Leo does have a very chill side and adapts easily to the environment around him.  Whatever the mood in the house is, he accepts it.  A lazy Sunday on the couch?  Leo is the first to jump up and snuggle.  An active Saturday afternoon?  He will be the first in the Frenchie wrestling ring ready to romp!  As mentioned, he can be timid around new people and new places.  Leo is quite smart, and curious, and will take time to trust.  He needs a little extra patience as he is still learning how to “dog” and will require some training in his adoptive home to help him gain some confidence.  As mentioned, he currently lives with several furry foster siblings.  Leo made fast friends with each of them and is thriving in learning what it is like to be a pet!  Although he absolutely adores his foster siblings he is still learning personal space. He matches well with dogs of any shape/size/gender as long as they can match his energy level and expect to have an instant best friend!  He is experiencing a big transition and will need leadership, and positive correction 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 please his humans.  Leo seems to get along well with every human he meets after he trusts.  Because of his overall easy-going personality, his foster family believes he would be best in a home with dog-savvy, gentle children 8 years or older, in a home with other balanced furry members (this is a must for Leo).  Leo finds comfort around other dogs and we believe he would thrive in a home with other pets as he continues to learn to “dog”.   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.  

Leo is doing extremely well with potty training and is reported to be mostly trained; about 80% there.  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 and working with him on a signal for potty. Just 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).  Leo is crate-trained; sharing a crate with a trusted balanced furry pal and does wonderful!  He thrives in the company of his furry pal as they give him comfort. This little cuddle would love to share his adoptive family’s bed at night; he has never had an accident at night!  For his safety, we recommend a similar crating/sleeping schedule be kept for him as he doesn’t know danger. 

Medically, Leo 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! 

Leo would do best in a home with a fenced-in yard due to his explorative nature, his skittish nature around anything new, and his love for the outdoors (as opposed to a multiple-floor apartment-style dwelling with no yard).  He is a CHAMP at going up/down stairs so a home with multiple levels would be okay for him. Since Leo is still working on potty training and displays a shy disposition around new people we don’t feel an office atmosphere would be good for him quite yet but hopefully soon as we believe he would thrive in an office once his confidence surfaces!  Ideally, a work-from-home or stay-at-home parent would be great for Leo to continue the progress he has already made thus far! He currently has a work-from-home colleague and enjoys hanging out in the home office during the day.  Ultimately Leo is looking for an extremely patient and understanding family that can continue to work with him on his puppy tendencies, and confidence, a family that is active and can include him in many of their weekly activities, and one with other balanced dogs to help him learn the joys of pet life and one with tons of comfy spots to nap.  Due to his overall skittish nature, he can be a bit of a flight risk so a fully fenced-in yard is preferred.  Leo is looking for a strong 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.  Unlimited belly tickles must be on the daily menu of activities for Leo.  Those are his FAVORITE!  He is such a funny, 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 Leo, please submit an adoption application for him today!!