It’s time to officially introduce the first of our northern babies, Herby! Herby is a six-month-old lab x from a remote community in northern Manitoba. His community was under mandatory evacuation due to the wildfires, but thankfully Herby got out just before the first fire began. Despite being just a baby, Herby is one fully-loaded pup. He’s already aced so many puppy milestones and is ready to keep growing with his forever family!

Learning the basic commands has been no sweat for this smarty pants. Sit, stay, come, heel – he’s nearly mastered them all! Part of Herby’s ability to learn so quickly comes from his confidence. Even if he’s unsure of something, he doesn’t let it bother him! He occasionally barks at new things, or if he hears another dog barking elsewhere, but nothing that couldn’t be corrected in the long run. Herby loves his backyard time and would be thrilled if his forever family had a yard where he could run, sniff and fetch, which is his current favourite activity! We are classifying him as a higher-energy guy, but a lot of that has to do with his age: as a puppy, Herby is go, go, go. He receives three 20-30 minute walks per day, along with several backyard breaks and a few rounds of fetch. And despite having lots of beans that need burning, Herby is actually quite a calm guy!

Socializing with both humans and dogs has been a lot of fun for Herby! So far, he hasn’t met any humans or dogs that he doesn’t like. When meeting other dogs off-leash, he sometimes gives “annoying little brother” vibes (jumping, pawing, etc.) but is very respectful once corrected by his canine peers. With humans, he tries really hard to be polite and is able to show his excitement while keeping all four paws on the floor. Herby would be a great fit for pretty much any family – dogs, kids, cats, no dogs, no kids, no cats … whatever! He’s not been kid-tested while with his foster, but we are confident he’d make a wonderful companion for any child!

As with any puppy, Herby has a few behaviours that his family will need to keep an eye on! If left alone, Herby’s mischievous side comes out. He’ll sniff around and try to pull objects from higher surfaces onto the floor. He’s also a fan of checking out the garbage and is not afraid to get onto the table to explore. His adoptive family must be committed to keeping all food out of reach for the rest of their lives because Herby is a lab, and labs will stop at nothing for a snack! He’s also in his “loves to chew” everything phase, likely due to teething. That said, it’s hard to stay mad at his cute little face for too long, especially since he is such an affectionate and obedient boy!

Herby is potty trained, crate trained, microchipped, and has received his first round of puppy series shots. His adoption fee will include his neuter and remaining puppy shots. He is currently finishing up treatment for hookworm and coccidia (all associated costs will be covered by MUTTS).

With summer fully underway, what better time to welcome a new pup into your life! Sweet Herby has already earned his “good boy” badge, so don’t let this one get away!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults; not kid tested but would definitely be fine!), dogs and cats (met a cat and was playful – a little too playful for the cat!)
ENERGY: High – puppy energy!
QUIRKS: When he is happy, his whole body wags!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic puppy obedience and leash skills
MEDICAL NEEDS: Finishing up treatment for hookworm and coccidia
WEIGHT: 15lbs (for now!)
FOSTER LOCATION: Guelph