Cruz Boxer Mix Stanwood, WA

This handsome Boxer-mix boy is Cruz. He's just about a year old, has a natural tail, is current on his vaccinations, and is being fostered by one of our trainers in Vancouver, WA.

Cruz is very high energy and fun. He has fantastic house manners, is happy in a crate, and gets along well with other dogs IF he has a toy in his mouth. Cruz gets over stimulated very easily and will use his mouth when he's overly excited, this includes biting dogs and not letting go. He is not trying to hurt them; he is just so orally fixated that he needs something in his mouth at all times. Cruz will carry around a hard toy if one is available and be happy chewing on that. He also enjoys playing "keep away" with the other dogs in his foster home, teasing them to come try to get the toy from him.

Speaking of toys, this boy could easily be nicknamed the mighty toy destroyer! The only toys that survive at all are hard plastic types like a Nylabone or the super chewer options through Bark Box - he loves them! Cruz's favorite toy is a large hard egg-shaped plastic one that he chases around the yard. If the lucky adopter who welcomes Cruz into their life doesn't mind barking, his foster mom is happy to send this toy home with him - but he DOES bark at it non-stop!

Cruz is very sensitive and will discontinue any unwanted behavior with a calm "No" from his person or handler and will redirect easily if you catch him before he gets over the top. The only issues that he's had while in foster care is that when he gets overly excited over a toy, he starts to jump. Other than that, he's a very typical, enthusiastic, young male Boxer-mix.

When out on walks, Cruz can be vocal and mildly reactive when he sees other dogs, but he does recover quickly when redirected. He loves to be walked on a long line where he can run and play.

Even though Cruz gets along well with other dogs (with a toy in his mouth) his ideal forever home will be one where there are no other dogs. He could possibly live in harmony with a strong female dog, but his adopters will need to be able to control the chaos that could ensue. He did great with another MLBR foster dog, Rainy, who he resided with until she got adopted. She was able to show him who the boss was a few times, and they completely understood each other. However, as stated before, he had to have a toy in his mouth, or he would have put her leg in his mouth and not let go. Also, it would be best for Cruz to live in a home where there are no small/young children and no cats.

Cruz LOVES to train and learn new things! He is a very willing participant and would make a great dog for someone who likes shaping and clicker training. When shown a trick or command 3 or 4 times, he will offer to do it again and again. Cruz would be really good at doing agility or participating in any other types of dog events that are out there.

If you're ready to welcome some puppy energy into your life and are looking for a training partner, then Cruz is your boy! Please submit an application today - https://www.mustluvboxersrescue.com/adopt. 5/1/24 9:02 PM