Baxter — Bichon Mix • Graduate & Gentleheart

 Meet Baxter, our brave little comeback kid! He came to PRBJ after a tough start where he wasn’t socialized with people or other animals, so the world felt pretty scary to him. With patience, love, and a big team effort, Baxter has blossomed. 

He does best with women and may take extra time to warm up to men. Slow, gentle introductions help him feel secure. He will bark at men for quite some time, and not allow them to come close right off the bat. 
 

His Turning Point

Thanks to a 28-day training program with the amazing team at Pet Paradise in Sanford, Baxter learned that people can be safe and fun, and that calm dog buddies are pretty great, too. Their trainers did a fantastic job—he graduated with new skills, new confidence, and even a fresh haircut to celebrate!

What Baxter’s Like Now

• Dogs: Friendly with calm, relaxed dogs (both his size and larger). He’s not a fan of pushy, “alpha” personalities.
• Energy/Temperament: Sensitive, sweet, and eager to please once he trusts you. He thrives with routine and positive reinforcement.

The Home He’s Looking For

• No apartment, townhome or shared wall living for this guy because he is vocal especially as he is looking out the window and sees anything new
• Patient humans who will continue his training and keep building his confidence.
• A quieter home or one that can manage thoughtful introductions to new people.
• If there are dogs in the home, Baxter would do best with easygoing canine companions.
• Adults and older, dog-savvy kids are likely a better fit than a bustling, high-traffic household.
• Owners who are home most of the day to reinforce his training and socialization skills.

Training & Care Needed

• Continue the skills he learned during his 28-day program (positive reinforcement, clear routines, slow intros).
• Grooming: As a Bichon mix, Baxter needs professional grooming about every 6 weeks to keep his coat comfy and handsome.
• Daily walks, enrichment, and calm confidence-building games will help him keep shining.