Gizmo Shih Tzu & Yorkshire Terrier Mix Scarborough, ON

Gizmo is an adorable but odd little guy, doing his best in a life that's been difficult to date.

He was left in a high kill Canadian shelter when his owners couldn't manage his behaviour. We welcomed him last year and he was adopted 8 months ago, but now his "forever family" is moving out of country and are returning Gizmo. Poor dog. He didn't deserve this.

He's no older than 3 years old and weighs in at about 12 pounds and could likely lose a couple more pounds.

Gizmo is a really good dog. We have to preface this with that, because he really is. He can be super fearful with strangers, and can be reactive; barking and lunging, but other times he's a perfect gentleman.

I've personally never had an issue with him and he's been a champion at our veterinarian.

So he'll need a confident handler that doesn't have a lot of strangers coming and going from their home.

He does come with a bite history, from people trying to nudge or wake him when he's sleeping. He is easily startled when in snooze mode and will bite. You have to ensure you wake him up by voice first, before making a move for him or around him.

Gizmo's adopter will also need to work with a professional trainer to help Gizmo grow more confident so this anxiety of new people and spaces becomes lower key. He needs to learn to grow his confidence, and a professional trainer will be able to guide his new person and Gizmo to help him overcome.

Gizmo also has stranger danger and proper introductions to any humans is a must. He also has barrier aggression at the front door and will bark, lunge, charge and nip strangers entering his home.

Gizmo doesn't guard any items. He's fully housetrained. He does well with other dogs.

He can be stubborn and doesn't like to be forced to do what he doesn't want to do, and will air snap as a warning if you push him too far.

He will need an adopter that works from home, and has a backyard. He is a velcro dog and separation anxiety is a thing for him. He also loves to hang out, outside, so with both these traits, a condo will not be a fit for Gizmo.

Because of his insecurity, we won't place him in a home with kids 16 or under.

If you're looking for a really loving dog, that just needs a chance at doing better, Gizmo is your boy.

Please ensure you are looking to commit to this dog. He's life has been turned upside down and now having to start all over again and it's absolutely heartbreaking. So please, adoption is a commitment not to be taken lightly.


FROM HIS FOSTER MOM PRIOR TO ADOPTION:

Gizmo is very well potty trained. Always goes to the back door when he needs to go out. Not one accident.

He loves to goes on walks. We go morning and evening when it’s cooler. He pays no attention to other dogs or people. He prances along adorably.

Gizmo will bark and charge at first when new people come into the house. But after about a half hour he settles and becomes friendly. Even lays down at their feet.

He hates a crate or pen. Barks constantly. But we work on it everyday to be a positive experience.

Gizmo does have lots of love and will follow you to the end of the earth. He loves to take naps with me. His favourite position is flat on is back snoring away along my side. Loves a belly rub.

He will startle and try to bite if you wake him up too abruptly.

Haven’t been able to find a toy he shows any interest in. Treats he will take when he feels like it. Peanut butter and oatmeal cookies are his favourite.

With my two dogs there has been no issues. He has never show any reaction to them at any time. If anything he is a bit intimidated.

-----------------------
To note: the above description is relevant to this dog in his current & previous setting. Home changes & adopter personalities can bring out different behaviours not previously seen. We also do not claim, endorse, suggest or hint at, that any of our dogs are hypoallergenic, low shed or no-shed.

Adoption fee includes: spay/neuter, deworming, defleaing, vaccinations, food, nose to tail health exam, dog beds, toys, leash|collar, go home preventative based on season, custom dog tag.