05/01/2026
Chilli is fostered in the Burlington area. Apply to adopt at rebeldogrescue.com*All adoptions with Rebel Dog Rescue have a 15 day probation period. Read about our adoption process on our website.
Meet Chilli! This sweet pup was found abandoned, tied to a bench at a park. He’s a sensitive, observant dog who prefers to take life at his own pace. For now, he is more “cat-like” in nature, as he chooses when to seek affection and does best with people who respect his boundaries. Once he feels safe, he enjoys quiet companionship - curling up nearby, following his people from room to room, and soaking up gentle pets on his own terms (especially during couch time). He would thrive in a calm, experienced home, ideally with another confident dog to show him the ropes. A fenced yard is important so he can safely burn off energy, as he may try to flee if startled. A quieter household suits him best right now.
Despite his cautious side, he’s a cheeky, intelligent, food-motivated pup who loves chewing, puzzle toys, frozen Kongs, and shredding cardboard. He learns routines quickly, picks up cues easily, and already knows a few basics like “lie down” and nose targeting. He’s curious, playful in his own way, and full of personality once you get to know him.
He’s still building confidence and can get nervous with pressure or overstimulation, so patience and understanding will go a long way. In the right home, he’ll make a deeply rewarding companion for someone who appreciates a dog that bonds quietly, but genuinely.
Name: Chilli
Breed: Shepherd mix
Age: ~7 months
Weight: ~30lb and growing
S*x: Male, neutered
Colour: Black
Medical: No concerns
Good with men: Fearful but warms up with time
Good with women: Fearful but warms up with time
Good with kids 0-6: Unknown, not tested - suggest no
Would you be comfortable placing this dog in a home with children? I wouldn't advise it as he is flighty and nervous around fast movement and kids are generally fast, loud and predictable. Even when he does get comfortable, he so far anyway still moves away / evades any approach with intent. When he does get comfortable and playful with his people - he does have a hard mouth and nips you along in play, it's a work in progress but needs balancing with fixing the behaviour while not affecting his positive outlook on people that children may not fully understand.
When the dog meets new people he...Will not approach, Shy, Tail tucked
Good with dogs: Yes, enjoys being around and playing with other dogs
How does this dog react to meeting new dogs? Fearful/nervous, Submissive
What type(s) of dogs does this dog prefer/be best with? He would benefit greatly from a happy go lucky confident adult dog that won't push him too hard in the beginning but can lead by example when meeting new people, going to new places etc.
Do you suggest this dog has another dog in the home? Yes, I think he would benefit greatly from the right mentor dog.
Good with Cats: Yes, lives with cats successfully
Crate training: Enters crate willingly, Settles after some barking/whining
House training: Almost perfectly house trained - about 90% there
Resource Guarding : None seen
Walks on a leash: Nervous and needs coaxing, but walks well. He walks beautifully currently in a natural heel position, possibly out of a desire to be near someone he knows for safety, however does much better when moving. He scans as he walks and can spook at noises etc however it's when you stop moving that he appears more nervous - his tail tucks and he may stop eating. Appears to do better when walked with my confident dog. He has been more consistently able to eat and do his easiest of cues, as well I was able to get mini bouts of play when in the field which is promising!
Energy level: Medium - enjoys regular exercise and adventures as well as relaxing calmly in the home. Currently I think there's a lot of mental brain busting going on as he walks and experiences new things so as he gains confidence, we may find his energy levels also increase. He LOVES to play and outplays me in the back garden, however can also overstimulate to barky/nippy play quickly - teenage brains! He does need help settling in the house - more from FOMO than anything else, but if crated / x penned and given a chew project, he will often fall asleep. Sleep is encouraged!
Areas to work on: Needs confidence building, Fearful of loud noises, Touch sensitivity
What type of environments would NOT be suitable for the dog? Condo/apartment, City
Any noted separation anxiety? FOMO when you first leave, some whining / crying. Quietens down when things calm, either you leave and the house is quiet or every settles in the room or in another room when he can't hear or see other commotion in the house.
Barker: Average, Dog can be vocal, but not necessarily barking - While playing - occasional spook bark at my partner when surprised. FOMO whines
