Dashing Dexter is a perfect example of the old adage “wonderful things come in small packages”! This petite 45 lb boy is an energetic and affectionate wiggle bum who lives for cuddles from his people. At only a year and half, Dexter shows great potential and is clearly a very smart dog who will be a welcome addition to an active and snuggly family!

At home Dexter is well behaved and happy to fall asleep right on top of you, as long as he’s had enough exercise to expel his energy. He’s totally housetrained and will scratch at the door to let you know when he’s got to go. Dexter enjoys de-stuffing plush toys to appease his prey drive, but will never chew anything that he’s not supposed to, even when left home alone. He can get a bit anxious when you leave him, but it’s short lived. Having a doggie friend to keep him company would help ease his agitation and give him someone extra to play with!

When he’s not relaxing at home with his foster family, Dexter loves spending time outdoors hiking and playing in the water – he’ll stick his entire face under water to pick up rocks! Dexter definitely has a mind of his own and, like any other teenager, sometimes talks back when he’s asked to do something he doesn’t want to do (his foster family likens his “talking” to Chewbacca’s!) Dexter is always a gentleman on leash and walks very nicely with a harness. He’s also great off-leash and possesses excellent recall skills, responding well to his name.

Dexter’s a versatile guy who could run a 10k marathon, dragging you the whole way, but be just as happy staying home on the couch, sleeping on your lap all day. His people are his life, when you rub him he just melts into you and turns into a rag doll! Dexter’s ready to settle in to his forever home, so if this sounds like the pup for you, fill out an application today!

She might be shy at first, but rambunctious Rosie is a total love bug who wants nothing more than to be by your side and to have your friendship! This strong beauty is a natural athlete who will do best in an active home willing to get her out for a good run or a rousing game of fetch!

Rosie has loads of energy for playtime outside, but will chill out and snooze on the couch after a good romp. She is house and crate trained, so she is fine to be left in her crate while you’re at work as long as she gets a good walk in the morning. She absolutely loves to play with her Kong, a tug toy, or a ball, and will demolish a stuffed toy in no time, which, if you don’t mind the mess, is fun to watch!

Rosie’s got the obedience basics down pat (sit, shake, lie down and sit pretty) and is very food motivated, so teaching her some new tricks will be a breeze! She could use some work on her excitability when it comes to welcoming her family home, but structured and consistent training from a good leader will be a big help in improving her overall obedience.

When asked if she wants to go for a walk, Rosie will gleefully answer and tell you that yes, she does want to! She has good leash manners and only requires the occasional “heel” to remind her to be a lady. Rosie’s socialization skills need a bit of work as she gets very excited when meeting other dogs and will bark and pull on the leash, but will calm down after a proper introduction and parallel walk. When off-leash in a large open area Rosie gets the “zoomies” and will sprint in circles until she’s dizzy!

Rosie is a sweet and funny dog who’s looking for people to play with and entertain. After a walk in the rain or a sloppy drink from the water bowl, this silly girl has been known to plant her face on the floor and roll around to dry off and get a good scratch in, just for your amusement! If you can provide Rosie with enough exercise, love and snuggles, than contact HugABull today because she’s waiting to meet you!

Hello, my name is Julie!

I am three years old, very friendly, and after spending some time with my lovely foster family I’m now ready to find my forever home! I’m an affectionate snugglebug looking for a dog-savvy family who will enjoy training because I love learning new things. I really like spending time with my humans and training is something fun and rewarding we can do together!

In the home I am well-behaved and laid-back. I’d prefer not to be alone in my crate for too long (four hours at most) because I’m working on my house-training and separation anxiety right now but once I know my new family’s schedule I will be more comfortable by myself. I am fine with children that are calm and respectful of my space and I could probably live with an easy-going boy dog but I think I could even live with a cat. Most of them run away from even nice pooches like me so I can’t tell if we’d get along but Im told I am going to be further cat tested!

When I’m outside I’m very curious about unfamiliar dogs so I will need someone to show me how to meet and greet my new friends properly. I haven’t had a lot of experience with other dogs and it would be great if I had a knowledgeable handler who will teach me canine manners and how to communicate in positive “doggy” body language! Also I like walks a lot and don’t mind the leash at all but I haven’t yet learned to not pull towards things I want to investigate so if my guardian is patient and shows me how they want me to behave on a lead I will try my best to do exactly what they want. I aim to please and only need to be taught what to do!

I like physical activity but I don’t need a huge amount of it. I’m happy to go for daily walks and stuff but what’s really important to me is to spend quality time with my family playing games like tug-o-war or doing obedience exercises, especially ones that will help me be more independent during their absences. I’m a big people person so I worry a lot when my humans are gone! To feel better when I’m alone in the house I sometimes sing to myself out loud but I’d rather learn how to not worry because I only know one song—“Woof and Howl”—and I’m sort of tone deaf anyway!

My foster family describes me as devoted, loyal, snuggly and cute. They think I’m just the best dog and that I’ll be snapped up in no time. I’m sad to say goodbye to them but I would love to find my forever home. If you’d like to apply for me please get in touch with my friends at Hugabull so we can get started on our adventures together soon.

Xoxo,

Julie

Video of Julie at training class- working on loose leash walking! – watch?v=8-edcaJvLpo&feature=player_embedded

Julie is grateful to her HugABull Angel sponsor, CrossRoads Naturopathic!

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Emmi is a hiking, snowshoeing, 5 month old pittie mix who’s looking for an active family to join in on her adventures! As you might expect, she’s an energetic and playful pup that likes to be on-the-go with her foster family in Penticton. She’s super-smart (opening lever door handles smart) and will definitely excel in any athletic dog sport she attempts. She loves a good game of chase or fetch, but also settles down nicely for a cuddle or a nap in her crate. Emmi’s doing well with her potty and crate training; although the crate is not her favourite spot, she relaxes quietly for up to four hours without a bathroom break.

Emmi loves kids and other dogs, in fact her foster family describes her as a social butterfly! Her introduction and on-leash manners aren’t perfect as she gets a bit overexcited, but she’s continuing to work on them and makes progress every day! Emmi’s very curious, so she might be tempted to chase an easily frightened cat, but a strong-minded feline might work.

Emmi is a blank slate that will undoubtedly transform into a wonderful dog in the hands of a patient and dedicated family that will invest the time with her that she deserves. If you think your family is right for her, contact HugABull today!

Thank you Chantel at A New Leash for sponsoring Emmi in your upcoming puppy class!

Jasper the stone can be red, yellow, brown or green but Jasper the dog happens to be blue! This smart fella has it all—great looks, fantastic athleticism, and a bright mind to boot! Jasper is described by his foster family as intelligent, playful, and a fast learner. He loves to show off his shake-a-paw and high five skills and is very food-motivated so will learn new tricks quickly! Jasper is a big sporty boy who enjoys a lot of exercise. Chasing a tennis ball and going for daily walks is good but things like agility, Rally-O and fly-ball would be even better for this challenge-seeking pooch!

Jasper is currently perfecting his on-leash manners and is mastering how to walk in a heel position. This brainy beefcake is a lot of dog (75lbs!) so a handler who is physically strong and also fair and consistent will be best suited for Jasper. Canine socialization is improving every day and while Jasper still gets excited around other dogs—did we mention that this boy loves to play?!—but he is learning that calm greetings help him make friends more quickly!

Cats and small animals are also a big source of interest for inquisitive Jasper; after all, who wouldn’t want to investigate these strange little things that fly, hop, and zip across his path during walks? But Jasper’s foster family reports that Canine Einstein here is making great progress with continued training

In the home this gorgeous boy is very comfortable in his crate, can wait patiently for and will let you know when he needs bathroom breaks, and behaves appropriately with older children. Toddlers and wheeled apparatuses are still strange to Jasper but with patient and regular introductions he will take them in stride in no time! One thing Jasper will need when he’s left alone is some chew toys. This doggy brainiac tends to get bored without his humans and until he figures out how to channel surf or shop on-line it would be beneficial to provide him with entertainment in the form of stuffed Kongs and puzzle/chew toys to keep him occupied!

Jasper’s ready to meet his best friend so they can start their adventures together as soon as possible. Could you be that person? Get in touch with Hugabull today!

If your eye was caught by this gorgeous auburn beauty you’re not alone! Beautiful Miah is very photogenic but she’s even better-looking in real life! Playful, athletic, and eager-to-please, Miah is a people-person to the core with special preference given to men (look out, fellas!). But don’t worry ladies, this sweet girl loves females and children too ok : )

Miah is a low to medium-energy dog who enjoys walking, playing fetch, snuggling, and pretty much whatever her humans like to do. She walks and plays well with other dogs outdoors but when inside tends to get quite possessive with her “belongings”: toys, balls, and people. Her foster family is working hard with her on this so a patient handler who will continue with firm but positive training will help Miah learn to share her goodies nicely with her friends.

Miah is perfectly house and crate-trained and doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety. She also knows her obedience commands very well; this smart girl can sit, down, stay, come, out, shake both paws, fetch, leave it, look…the list is rather long! And what’s even more impressive is that she will hold her position while her handler walks into another room! Some things that Miah will need help with are her leash-walking manners and prey drive. Miss Miah likes to be at the front of the pack so will pull to get there and also during the first few minutes of a walk but does very well on either a front-clip harness or Halti. Her prey drive is a strong part of her genetic makeup so consistent coaching on leaving other animals alone will teach her to manage her chase instinct around cats, squirrels, birds and other wild creatures. Supervision during in-yard bathroom breaks are a must as Miah is always on the lookout for animals when she’s outside. She appears to have been taught to target wildlife and small animals so a home without furry or feathered pets would be best for this ardent hunter.

In addition to being super lovable, cute and bright, Miah is a Professional Wiggler. This happy talent shows itself most often when her family comes home; it involves waggling herself so hard her crate rocks to and fro as she waits for someone to let her out! Toys are often presented to those returning home so please accept her token of affection and feel free to thank-you scratch her in just the right place so she flops over for a belly rub : )

Miah adores kids and will smother them with kisses but supervision is always advised in case the little ones get rambunctious and play too roughly with this red princess. A structured home in which Miah can be the main attraction would probably be preferable, at least until she masters the art of sharing her toys and humans! Miah is a very happy dog and would thrive with daily training, a medium level of activity and lots of love. If you think you can provide the leadership and affectionate care that she deserves fill out an application today!

Ozzy is a six-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier and, boy, is he handsome! This frisky fella has a fantastic camera-ready smile and energy to spare so be prepared for lots of fun times ahead! Ozzy enjoys long runs, camping, playing with other dogs, and most of all—FOOD! As you may have guessed from his 80 lbs. of  muscle, this Little Piggy will do anything you ask of him when there are treats involved! He already knows how to sit, shake, lay down and speak and his recall is excellent.

Even when outdoors and surrounded by distractions, this smart lad will come straight to your side when you call his name. He is a remarkably attentive and would really enjoy the challenge of learning new things -providing a mental outlet for Ozzy’s energy will be key to wearing him out physically! The lucky man has been attending drop in training classes through The Ruff Life in Vernon, BC -thank you Monique for including Ozzy and for the beautiful photos!

He much prefers to spend time with people than be alone for long periods, so Ozzy suffers from some separation anxiety and will need to work on being left by himself for short periods until he realizes you are coming back. He doesn’t mind his crate and is currently spending time in there for meals and while his family is nearby. Ozzy would love a doggie sibling to wrestle with- one that can appreciate his rough-and-tumble play style! Ozzy is also excellent with children, so a busy household where he has company more often than not would suit this social pooch just fine.

Thanks to Ozzy’s amazing foster mom for the beautiful video!

Oz is looking for a someone able to match his zest for life while providing a foundation of leadership, exercise and affection. Naps and lazing about the house are okay, but Ozzy prefers to get his cardio in first! Think you could keep up? Contact us today to find out!

Meet Gallagher! Hiding inside this brindled tough guy exterior is a sensitive love bug. Gallagher has the cutest squishy bulldog face and the charming snort that comes along with it! This 1.5 year old Pittie/Mastiff/Bulldog mix is short in stature but has continued to fill out and grow beyond his current 65 lbs as he matures.

Gallagher is not a huge fan of his crate and can suffer from the blues if left alone too long, so he would do best in a home where someone is around most of the time. This natural athlete has loads of energy reserved for running, swimming, fetching and jogging alongside you on horseback, but he is mellow indoors and gladly settles down for a quiet snuggle whenever you like! True to his mastiff background, he is alert and suspicious of strangers out on walks but warms up immediately with an introduction. Gallagher is a real softie so no need to raise your voice. A firm yet gentle, patient hand will work wonders with this eager-to-please charmer. Will work for food!…Or a game of tug.

Gallagher is good with kids, cats, most other dogs and even horses! He is housebroken and knows his basic commands (sit, down, leave it, come, stay) although he would still benefit from continued studies in general obedience and loose leash walking. This puppy-like overachiever excels at most things, but according to his foster family, the thing he does best is snuggle. Want to see for yourself? If you have an active home and the time to spare for this soft-hearted boy, you should give Gallagher a chance to prove it!

This just in ! Brandi passed her Canine Good Neighbor test ! Not that we are surprised ! Is there anything this amazing girl cant do ! ? Besides find a forever home ! So far this year Brandi has been an Ambassadog at events like the Vancouver Island Pet Expo and the Vancouver Pride Parade, she really is an amazing dog !

Brandi is house trained, good both in and out of her crate with no destructive tendencies or separation anxiety and of course, LOVES people! In fact, her tail never seems to stop wagging and she’ll stand between your legs and wiggle until you stop her! She will try to sneak into your bed and hide in the covers when caught, but only manages to pull the blankets over her head with her bum sticking out! Such a coy little rascal! She would make a wonderful first time bully owner, and due to her gentle nature, is likely to be content in a home with children, to boot!

Brandi’s favorite thing in the world (other then cuddles!) is her toys. In fact, upon entering her home, she will seek out one of her treasures and put on a show parading around in a happy trot! Brandi enjoys her toys so much that she doesn’t like to share and has shown possessive behavior with other dogs regarding this. Due to this, Brandi would prefer a home with a mellow  canine companion unless her new owners were able to commit to work on this with her. She is alright with dogs but can be stiff during initial meetings, likely resulting from a lack of early socialization so proper introductions are a must as she may not put up with a bossy stranger. This red beauty would also prefer a home without cats, as her prey drive is too high to live comfortably for both parties.

Brandi has been working hard to get back her girlish figure, and it’s paying off. But don’t except this middle-aged girl to be a couch potato with you- she is exuberant and enjoys activities! Particularly nature walks, and hiking. As with most pitties, she has an “on-off” switch so as long as she has sufficient exercise (two daily walks recommended by her foster parents) she will be happy to relax at home with you in the evening, or during the day while you are at work. She is good during walks, rarely pulls, and ignores most dogs. What is more interesting then stopping to sniff everything, right?

If you’re looking for a great hiking partner, a calm family dog, or someone to make you smile every day with her joyful antics, then let us know.. Brandi is waiting for you!

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Brandi’s HugABull Angel Sponsor is Mike, sponsoring in memory of his dog Diesel. Thank you Mike, from Brandi, and from all of us here at HugABull!

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Whoa, what a personality! One-and-a-half year old Lacey is full of life and can’t wait to take to the trails and go for runs with her best human friends. Lacey is big-boned and tall—65lbs—so she has the perfect build for dog sports and a generally active lifestyle. In fact, this cow-patched sweetheart already enjoys towing her foster dad on a bicycle behind her so challenges like carting or weight-pull may come naturally!

Daily walks are something this energetic youngster looks forward to as they’re always full of exciting sights and smells. Lacey will need a strong leader who will be patient and consistent while she learns self- control. Lacey currently wears a head halter for outings as she learns to walk calmly on a lead and enjoy strolling at a slower pace. Training with treats as part of a basic obedience class will get Lacey’s attention as she does her best to please her handler; motivation comes readily to this food and people-oriented chowhound!

Lacey’s foster family has built a good foundation in crate-training for brief daytime absences and bedtime. Once she’s comfortable with her new owner’s routine and her new surroundings, longer alone periods can be slowly introduced. Lacey could happily share her home with a dog or dogs, although she prefers a day or two to get comfortable around them -then it’s game on! Children of any age would be welcome; Lacey has proved an amazing nanny dog to her foster family’s 3 young boys and “thick as thieves” with the youngest, often discovered snuggling in the dog bed together. A vocal girl, Lacey has a habit of using her voice and cute face to get her way so a handler who is firm with rules (NILF!) and fair with training will show her how to behave in all situations.

Loveable Lacey may be a big girl but she still thinks she’s a puppy and will sneak into your heart (and lap) if you let her! She’s looking to join an active family who wants a young, feisty dog to have fun with during the day and snuggle up in front of the TV with at night. Get in touch and find out more about this lively little lady!

This gentle giant may be big boned and large-pawed but that doesn’t stop him from trying to schmooze his way onto any lap that is available. Hugo is very playful, sweet and affectionate and loves his creature comforts like cozy beds and soft pillows. If there is something soft around he’ll lie on it, and if there’s a human around he’ll snuggle it!

He really enjoys running, chasing, and playing tug but has the pit bull “off” switch – when playtime is over he’s happy to be a couch potato.

Treats are also a huge hit. Hugo especially loves bones, and no matter how excited (and slobbery!) he gets, he will always take them very nicely from your hand.

Hugo has only a couple of training challenges and one of them is learning to tone down his excitability around new dogs and people. He is so happy to meet new friends that he can pull and lose his focus, but a patient and consistent handler should be able to work through that with him. Also, Hugo is curious about cats and small animals and–like most young dogs—he will likely chase them if they run. However, he would have no problem living with another dog, or a cat if the experience is kept calm and positive.

This “little horse,”as his foster mom calls him, is house-trained, crate-trained and does not suffer from separation anxiety, although he loves being part of daily life and would do best in a home where people are around most of the time. He currently lives with a resident dog and children, and is doing wonderfully. His foster mom is a sucker for his soulful eyes, and he is a sucker for kid snuggles. A win-win.

Hugo is one of those great dogs who will thrive in almost any home that will provide good leadership, basic obedience and lots of love. If that sounds like you, please submit an application for this big hunk of love.

Don’t let that dusting of grey peppering her pretty face fool you, Lulu still has some spice in her yet! This senior pittie golden gal is a loving, loyal and devoted companion who will be the perfect fit in nearly any home lucky enough to have her!

Lulu is a dream dog for a laid back family that enjoys couch snuggling and hiding under blankets, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t still up for some major play! Lulu is great with cats and dogs, but shows some signs of not wanting to share her food when another four-legged friend is lurking about, so feeding her separately from other pets is best.

Lulu is an independent gal who does just fine on her own as long as you remember to cover her with a blanket before you leave for work (face and all!) Not a morning person? Perfect! Lulu’s a deep sleeper who resists an early start unless tempted by treats or a short run, but beware, she snores like a trucker.

Lulu knows the basics (sit, speak, shake-a-paw) but could use some work on developing her command repertoire. She is, however, an expert at wiggling around on her back to get her belly rubbed. Lulu gets easily excited at the thought of food which makes it hard for her to focus, so a patient teacher who can provide consistent and positive training will surely get the job done. Her sad puppy dog act is pretty convincing when she wants to get her way, although she knows the answer is probably “NO”, she’ll continue sulking in the hopes that you’ll give in and indulge her.

Lulu is a very, very smart girl whose love of tug-of-war, friends, and FOOD keeps her young. If you like coming home to a butt-wiggling, hoover-mouthed snuggle machine, fill out an application today.

Lulu is sponsored in memory of Daisy, by her family Delaine, Werner and Sweetheart.

Bess is a sweet and mellow three-to-four year-old Cane Corso mix who appears to be part dog, part couch potato : ) This huggable girl loves to just hang out on a comfy chair and dream her doggy dreams until someone wakes her to go for a walk or run, which she’s very happy to do! Outdoors is where Bess gets to stretch her long legs and get some exercise but once things wrap up she likes to head back indoors for cuddles, belly scratches and kisses.

Easy-keeper Bess is very polite and quiet in the home and would do very well in a household with an equally laid-back attitude. Her ideal family would pay her a lot of attention and play games with her daily. Bess has interacted well with all the dogs she’s met so far but will need coaching on how to ignore the smaller animals. This funny girl is somewhat squirrel-obsessed: she’s fascinated with the little creatures with the fluffy tails who move bounce across the lawn! A handler who is willing to work with her on a strong “leave it!” would help Bessie learn to disregard all small four-leggers when out and about.

Bess’ foster family is working with her on appropriate leash manners and they report improvement every day! House and crate-training have not been a problem for this well-behaved girl; she has been left alone for up to six hours and as far as anyone can tell, she spends all that time snoozing on her favorite chairs without ever moving! Children are as yet an unknown but aside from the smaller kids being uncertain on their feet around Bess’ taller frame, we don’t foresee any issues with this mild-mannered sweetheart!

Bess is pretty well a ready-made dog who will bring much joy into any home lucky enough to have her. First-time owners would find Bessie a perfect companion who’s both loveable and easy-to-care-for. If you are interested in meeting Bess fill out an application with us today!

Simba is an all around kind of girl. She brings energy and enthusiasm to her walks but also loves to hang, happy to curl up, relax and snore with her pack. She’s content alone but can also kick it with another canine or two. Her eyes and face hold the wisdom of age but don’t let that knowing look and white muzzle fool you, she’s likely only around 5. She is as clever as she looks, though, and has shown real aptitude for obedience work. With a little more training, she could be competitive contender for obedience trials. Such dogged focus and bright intelligence make her a pleasurable companion in the country or in the city. She has a wide doggy smile and matching body wiggle that radiates happiness and striped joy. Her color patterns too are extraordinary, marking her off as one of a kind.

Like any young dog, she needs exercise. She makes a great playmate as she loves to fetch anything that you can throw (balls, sticks, snowballs, toys) and deposits them happily so you can throw them again . . . and again. She is also a big fan of swimming. A little shy, Simba can find it difficult to meet new dogs—especially on leash—so needs a firm companion who can give her confidence and control. But she rewards this attention with trust and great loyalty. She’s a quick learner and eager to please. She’s super with kids, older adults, and thrives on love. In fact, she believes herself to be a lap dog in disguise.

Simba takes glucosamine to stay fit and is fully up to date with shots. Her vet says she is in superb shape.

Simba’s HugABull Hero sponsor is Lynette from Vancouver Island and her dog, Thunder. Thank you Lynette!

Sweet Bella is as easy-going and laid back as they come. This Oreo-colored beauty is ready for anything: hiking, biking, or ball-chasing outdoors? Sure! A nice warm cuddle by the fire indoors? Definitely! Bella absolutely adores her humans and is perfectly happy to do whatever you want because her number one priority is to spend lots of quality time with her people. Upon coming home you will be greeted by the world’s most animated full-body wiggle and a somewhat familiar gift—a shoe (probably yours), a toy (most likely Bella’s) or maybe even a doggy bed (guess whose?)—whatever happens to be nearby will be brought to you as a welcome-home present!

Bella is incredibly adaptable and goes with the flow wherever she is. She could thrive in either a busy household with children and other dogs or a quiet home with just adults. Cats and small animals need not apply though; Bella’s one determined canine when it comes to little creatures that move quickly!

Charming Bella is completely house-trained and very comfortable in her crate. She has a little bit of separation anxiety when her foster family initially leaves the house but she settles in for a quiet snooze soon after. On-leash walking with a flat collar will allow Bella to show off her excellent leash manners and proper introductions to new doggy friends will make sure everyone gets along well. Bella’s sensitive ears are not yet used to high-traffic and noisy, crowded areas but a confident handler who will guide her through the throng will keep this happy girl on track during her daily walks.

Bella is ready to be matched to a forever family looking for a loyal, loving and mellow girl. Fill out an application today to meet this wonderful sweetheart, she might just be the ideal match for your family!