09/05/2026
FOSTER UPDATE:
As a breeder release, it’s clear that Julius has never lived in a home environment, so he is learning an entirely new way of life. He will need a patient, understanding family who is willing to let him adjust and build confidence at his own pace.
Julius is not 100% housebroken yet(after 1 week), but we are working on establishing a consistent routine, which has been helpful. He is very timid and shy around new people and can startle easily. He needs plenty of time and space before he feels comfortable with someone. Based on what I’ve observed so far, I don’t think a home with young children would be a good fit. I live near a grade school, and he actively avoids children and does not seem comfortable around them. Older, respectful children may be okay, but an adult home would likely be ideal.
On walks, Julius does really well on a leash and does not react to squirrels or birds. He is still very fearful of unfamiliar people and prefers to keep his distance when we encounter them. Car rides are also very scary for him right now and will be something his future family will need to continue working on slowly and positively.
I’ll be introducing him to my boyfriend’s dog this weekend and will report back on how he does. I haven’t had the opportunity to see him around cats yet, so that is still unknown.
Despite his fears, there is a really playful and goofy dog starting to emerge. Julius gets the zoomies every day and loves running around and playing. A safe, securely fenced yard where he can relax, explore, and play would be ideal for him. He loves squeaky toys and just discovered this week how much fun a ball can be!
He is also a good eater and food motivated, which should be helpful as we continue working on training and building his confidence. As he becomes more comfortable in the house, his curiosity is growing too—and so is a little mischievous streak. He has discovered that shredding towels is great fun, and I’ve caught him nibbling on a few things he shouldn’t. Because he is still learning appropriate house manners, I would not recommend giving him free run of the house when no one is home or able to supervise him.
Julius did really well for his first bath with me, and I brush him regularly without any issues. Physical affection and human contact are still very new to him. I’ve had to slowly earn his trust, and that is very much still a work in progress. He is beginning to learn that human interaction can be safe and positive, which has been wonderful to see.
He currently prefers sleeping on the floor and has not shown interest in dog beds or getting on furniture. I’m continuing to introduce him to dog beds and show him that soft, comfortable places are safe, but we’re letting him figure that out in his own time.
Based on what I’ve seen so far, I think Julius’s ideal home would be a calm, adult household with someone who understands fearful or undersocialized dogs and is comfortable allowing him to progress at his own pace. I think he could be challenging for a first-time dog owner because his needs are different from those of a dog who has already experienced life in a home. A quieter environment and a securely fenced yard would be especially beneficial for him.
Julius has already made progress in just over a week, and I’m hopeful that with time, patience, consistency, and positive experiences, we’ll continue to see more of his personality emerge. There is a very sweet, goofy boy underneath all that fear who is just beginning to learn what it means to feel safe in a home.
Fostered in Elk Grove Village, IL
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