Meet Tyson! Tyson is a ~3 year old English bulldog mix and he has all of the loveable and goofy bulldog characteristics in spades. Just watching him exist throughout the day is an endless source of hilarity and he is so much fun to interact with. He's a pretty sleepy boy, but he loves to go out for walks, learn new tricks, and hang with his humans. Tyson is well trained and learns quickly. He's mastered the basic commands (sit, stay, down, break, paw, drop, leave it) and I've taught him some games that we play around the house. He's also very well house trained and very rarely ever has accidents inside (I can really only think of one or two instances in over a year and those were more a fault of mine than his). Tyson gets along well with other dogs and has lived with two throughout his life. He can get a little territorial about toys, but hasn't had any serious aggression incidents. He currently lives with two cats and we haven't had any issues. He is definitely curious about them, but the cats tend to avoid him and he doesn't really bother them. Health-wise, Tyson is in good shape! He is a healthy weight, is neutered, up to date on vaccines/heart guard, and just has a daily allergy pill that he looks forward to every morning after breakfast because that means he gets peanut butter!
Overall, Tyson is a tremendous dog and will make any person or family very happy. But, he was rescued from a very abusive situation and as such has some behavioral traits and needs that make apartment living quite challenging. In reality, Tyson needs to live in a house with a yard or a living situation where he can have his own personal space (both outdoor for play/bathroom breaks and indoor when new people are coming over). Strangers (particularly male) make Tyson feel very defensive. Outside on walks, it's generally not an issue as he has never outwardly attacked someone. But, he is not the dog that a stranger can come up and introduce themselves to. He needs slow and controlled introductions (which we have established a system for with a great trainer) so that he can learn to recognize that a person is not there to hurt him. When we have people staying at our place, Tyson usually warms up to them in a day or so and then they can pet and play with him like any other dog. If they're just coming by for a dinner or a short time period, we usually have Tyson in a separate room and just have the new comers throw him some treats and let him enjoy his privacy. We've established an introduction protocol that we use when he meets a new dog sitter or person that he'll see regularly and have had success with all the walkers/sitters so far. However, living in an apartment where you have crowded and busy hallways, people frequently coming in and out, maintenance crews, etc., he doesn't have time to adjust and we can see the toll it takes on him and the risk it puts him at.
In a friendly and calm environment, Tyson is sure to be your best companion. I truly have loved every second with the little guy and I wish that my living situation could meet his needs. I want him to have a home where he doesn't feel like he needs to be on his guard and isn't being put at risk of having an incident just because of his living situation. Whoever ends up with Tyson will be extremely lucky and will have gained an incredibly loving and fun companion!
https://youtu.be/gq7_pzm7SXs
Dog: Primary Breed:
Bulldog
Birthdate (an estimate is okay):
02/21/2021
Where did you get your pet?:
Milo's Dog Rescue of South Florida
Adoption Day (when did you adopt your pet? An estimate is okay.):
10/27/2023
Size (at full-grown):
Medium
Weight (in pounds, at full-grown size):
55
What are your pet's favorite toys and activities?:
Tyson loves a wide range of toys. He loves to chase and push around balls that are too big for him to pick up. On the quieter side, he loves his lamby stuffed toys. I've played a lot of tug of war with rope toys with him and he loves to learn new tricks and treat finding games.
Has your dog received any formal obedience training?:
Yes
What commands does your dog know?:
Sit, stay, down, break, drop, leave it, paw (shake)
How does your dog react to being left alone for short periods?:
No issues. He falls asleep almost immediately and he's never shown symptoms of separation anxiety.
Are there any specific triggers that cause your dog anxiety or stress?:
Loud noises, strangers approaching him, hands near his face
Is there a daily routine that works well for your dog (feeding, walking, sleep)?:
Tyson loves a good morning walk before breakfast with an afternoon walk around 3, dinner around 5, and then another walk before bedtime. He's been pretty adaptable when we've had to break routine, but this is what he's most used to.
Medical History and Care:
Vaccinations up to date
Spayed or Neutered
House/Litter-Trained
Microchipped
Special Diet
Special Needs
Does your pet have any history of health issues or medical conditions that potential adopters should be aware of?:
He takes an allergy pill, but is generally in good health.
Has your dog ever shown any challenging behaviors, such as biting a person or another pet? If so, please share some context.:
Tyson was in an abusive situation before he came to me and he's very apprehensive of strangers. He has had a couple bite incidents (mostly small warning snaps that made contact) when people have tried to make contact before he's comfortable. We worked with a great trainer to establish an introduction protocol that helps him get acquainted with people he'll see frequently (partner, sitter, walker, friend), and he hasn't had any incidents with people that have gone through a proper introduction with him. However, he will never be a dgo that a stranger can approach and greet.
How often does your dog require grooming (e.g., bathing, brushing, trimming)? :
I clean Tyson's face wrinkles every other day and clean his ears twice per week. He generally gets a bath every 3-4 weeks.
Does your dog have a dental care routine (e.g., brushing, chews, professional cleanings)?:
We try to give him Greenies chew fairly regularly, but no strict routine.
Personality:
Playful
Constant Companion
High Energy
Medium Energy
Low Energy
Stubborn
Timid
Needs Training
Friendly to Strangers
Good with Other Dogs
Good with Young Children
Good with Cats
Bonded Pair
Requires A Fenced Yard
Crate Trained
Purebred
How is your dog with other dogs?:
Friendly: Generally gets along well with other dogs.
How is your dog with cats?:
Neutral: Doesn't mind cats but doesn't interact much with them.
What's the most endearing thing about your dog?:
He's the perfect companion. If you're working at your desk, he's right there next to you. When you get up to go grab a drink or eat your lunch, he'll make sure he's there to keep you company. When you're hanging on the couch, he's laying at your feet (or on the couch if you'll let him). He really loves his people and shows affection in the sweetest ways.
What criteria are important to you when considering an adoptive family or home for your pet?:
Stability and space. Tyson is an amazing companion and will make nay person or family that adopts him incredibly happy. However, in order for him to feel safe, he needs to be in a stable environment that doesn't expose him to strangers often and a fenced yard for him to be able to be outside while feeling safe. Whoever adopts him should understand that his apprehension to people is fear and anxiety driven and needs to be treated with calm and consistent positive interactions.
Is there anything else you'd like your pet's new family to know?:
If you show Tyson love, respect, and affection, he will reciprocate 150%. He's a phenomenal companion and is just looking for a loving family in a safe space so he can be himself.
Why are you rehoming your pet (primary reason)?:
Housing is Inadequate for Pet
Details about rehoming reason (if needed):
Tyson's stranger danger is very hard to manage in an apartment. The thin walls, narrow hallways, and high traffic push him way outside his comfort zone, putting him and others at risk. He really needs a living situation with a private yard and low traffic.
If applicable, do you have the legal right or necessary permission from the breeder or rescue organization to rehome this pet? :
How long will you be able to keep your pet before you may need to consider surrendering him or her to a rescue?:
Not an option, my pet will stay with me for as long as it takes
Who is your veterinarian?:
Old Town Animal Care
What do you feed your pet, and does he/she have any feeding quirks or preferences?:
Limited Ingredient Salmon and Sweet Potato kibble. I've switched brands a few times, but stick with the salmon. He likes to eat by your side.
Do you currently have pet insurance?:
Yes
Would you consider a long-distance adoption?:
How did you hear about us?:
Veterinarian
Service Level:
Tailored Placement: Full Support for Behavioral or Medical Needs
