Pumba is a rough and tumble girl with the face of a comedian. She is a Mastiff cross, born in October 2010. She arrived at Newtown SPCA in February at 4 months old. She spent some time with the puppies upstairs then moved down to the dog run at 5 months old.
The thing that stands out the most about Pumba is her strikingly, twisty face. No one is completely sure what happened to her before being surrendered to the shelter but the right side of her face is twisted up like she may have been in a bad accident.
Although she has a face only a mother could love she is a friendly and dynamic young dog who loves people and games! One of her best traits is that she is so quiet in her kennel, while other dogs may be barking she will only move from the comfy spot on her bed if someone walks up to her door and says hello!
Her training is coming along nicely. The first time I worked with her the first thing I noticed was that she tended to jump up (very common issue) and she had what we call a “hard mouth” that means when I offered 
her a treat she grabbed it as if I might take it away at the last second. As she has gained confidence and practiced a ‘gentle’ cue, her mouth has become much softer and she has learned the beginnings of a very solid ‘leave-it’ cue! She still occasionally tries to jump up for attention but quickly remembers that sitting is the way to all good things!
I would recommend Pumba to a moderate-active family, as she has lots of energy now, but will probably need less exercise than your average high energy puppy. My guess is that she will love to play and run a couple times a day but will happily curl up and be a couch potato as well!
Pumba is a funny girl and loves the water, playing fetch (she is still learning to drop the ball). She’d make such a lovely addition to a family with older children. You only need to spend 5 mins with her to fall in love with that crooked grin
I totally agree! I took her for a walk on Friday and she did great. We used the Halti which she put on easily (and got a tasty treat as a result). Then we practiced Loose leash walking around for about 30 minutes. Again she did really well. Occassionally pulled, but I stopped and clicked when she turned back towards me and it seemed to click (no pun intended)
I had heard she wasn’t a great walker and hated the Head Harness, and she did rub my leg a couple times on the walk but again a quick click and reward when she stopped rubbing, and she decided to stop entirely. I have to admit sometimes my own dogs don’t as well!
Pumba is an amazing dog, my favourite. If I had a home where I could have a dog I’d adopt her in a heartbeat, I love her to pieces. She is so great and so friendly and has so much personality. Great dog to take to the beach, play in the park with, I just cant say enough about her. Hoping I win lotto so I can buy a house and take Pumba into my home!!!
Pumba is a good girl, great to take for walks.