Fernando

My story

Meet Fernando! Fernando is a striking, high-spirited pup with a big personality and an even bigger heart. He was surrendered to us as a baby alongside his sibling and, while he’s had a loving start, he’s never had the consistent structure and guidance that dogs truly need to thrive. As a result, Fernando is still learning how to navigate daily routines, and while he knows some basic commands like “sit” and “down,” he’s looking for a dedicated adopter who can continue his training with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. He’s incredibly intelligent and food-motivated, which makes him a fantastic candidate for ongoing obedience work and enrichment activities—but he’ll need someone who is ready to invest the time to help him become the best version of himself. Fernando is full of energy—ranging from moderate to high depending on the day—and needs plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and balanced. He’s not the kind of dog who will be content just lounging around the house all day. A home with a securely fenced yard is highly recommended, not only to give him space to burn off that energy, but also because it gives him room to engage in one of his all-time favorite activities: water play. Whether it’s a kiddie pool or a garden hose, Fernando absolutely lights up when water is involved—splashing, chasing, and soaking are among his greatest joys. Daily walks are also a must, and the good news is he walks well on a leash and enjoys being out and about. Fernando gets along with other dogs, but he tends to do best with friendly, confident females. He’s shown that he can be selective in his interactions, and he’s still learning some appropriate social boundaries, so careful introductions are key. In a multi-dog household, it’s important to note that Fernando does have food-protective behaviors around other dogs and must be fed separately to avoid any resource-guarding issues. He’s not aggressive, but he is serious about his meals and needs clear, respectful boundaries to feel secure during feeding time. He also has special dietary needs that his future adopter will need to manage thoughtfully. These needs aren’t overly complicated, but they are important to his overall health and comfort, and should be discussed further before adoption. Currently, Fernando is not house or potty trained, so he will require a consistent schedule, lots of positive reinforcement, and a bit of patience as he figures things out. He’s never been given the chance to learn these skills in a structured environment, but he’s incredibly capable and eager to please once he understands what’s being asked of him. With the right guidance and clear expectations, Fernando is more than ready to learn. At his core, Fernando is a fun-loving, affectionate, and wildly entertaining dog with so much to offer the right person or family. He’s not a plug-and-play pup—he’ll need time, training, and someone who understands how to support a dog with both energy and sensitivity. But for those willing to put in the work, Fernando will reward you tenfold: with his loyalty, his goofy antics, his joy around water, and the bond that forms when a misunderstood dog finally finds his place in the world.

If you have any questions or would like to adopt Fernando, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.