Kid-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in Santa Barbara, CA: 30 Dogs Good with Children

He’s also wonderful with the attention of children, but older, respectful kids who understand giving him his space would be the best fit.Squid has so much love, laughter, and personality packed into one adorable package. He’s had his second chance at life. Now he’s just waiting for someone to make him part of their family.Could that someone be you?

And his list of accomplishments is pretty impressive for a puppy his age!

Crate trained and housebroken

Dog-friendly and absolutely loves people

Walks beautifully on a leash

Knows 10+ commands and learns incredibly quickly

Confident, curious, and adaptable

Loves water, fetch, toys, and car rides

Comfortable with handling, including nail trims

Food-motivated and eager to learn

Moderate energy level with a wonderful balance of playfulness and the ability to settle

For the past several weeks, Bear has also been receiving professional training, giving him a fantastic foundation to build upon.

What makes Bear especially wonderful is his combination of intelligence, confidence, sociability, and trainability. He has so much potential, and he's already demonstrating the qualities that make a truly exceptional companion.

Bear's ideal home?

An active family or individual who appreciates intelligent working breeds and understands the importance of structure, consistency, and continued engagement. Bear will thrive with someone who enjoys being active, values training, and wants a dog who can be both an adventure partner and a loving member of the family.

After everything this sweet boy has been through, he deserves a home where he can continue to flourish and be loved for the incredible dog he's becoming.

Bear is ready for his forever family. Could that be you? ❤️

Please message me if you're interested in meeting Bear, and feel free to share this post to help him find the home he deserves!

Bruno appreciates the simple pleasures: a leisurely walk, a tasty treat, a friendly game of chase, and a comfortable couch beside his people. In true dachshund fashion, he loves burrowing into pillows and blankets. If your idea of a lovely evening includes a cozy spot and a devoted companion, Bruno would be happy to join you.

He has been friendly and nonreactive with the dogs he’s met so far, both large and small. He plays appropriately with his foster sisters and enjoys their company. Found as a stray alongside another dog, Bruno also shared space with other dogs during his shelter stay.

Bruno walks beautifully on a leash, making outings together a pleasure. Toys haven’t caught his interest just yet; for now, people, treats, and his canine companions seem to be his favorite things.

He is still working on his indoor manners and currently marks in the home. His foster family is managing this with belly bands, and his adopter should be prepared to continue patient, consistent housetraining as he adjusts.

Bruno would love a family who will include him in everyday life, enjoy his affectionate personality, and give him the time and guidance he needs to settle in. Another friendly dog could be a lovely match, given how much he enjoys his foster sisters.

Could your home be Bruno’s next cozy place to land? Submit an adoption application through Dachshund Rescue of Los Angeles and tell us about the life you could share with this lovable boy.

I'm crate trained, though I'm still working on house training, so a patient and understanding owner will be ideal. I have a high prey drive, so a home without smaller pets or livestock is essential. I'm reactive to other male dogs or strong-willed dogs but is accepting of submissive females of my own size. I need a quiet place with minimal distractions to thrive, as I can become easily stimulated and is a strong chewer who may try to explore beyond normal fencing. One of my favorite activities is splashing around in kiddie pools—it's my idea of heaven! However, I don't do well being left alone at home for long periods, as my investigative nature leads me to explore my surroundings. With the right environment and a loving family, I am sure to bring joy and laughter to your life. If you're ready to give unique and wonderful me the home I deserve, please put in an online application to meet me. *Thank you to Sharon for sponsoring this wonderful dog at the Burnice Kraemer Sanctuary and giving him the chance for a better life.

Although I'm still working on my house training, with patience and love, I'll have it down pat in no time. With my playful and loving personality, I will absolutely thrive in a home where I can bond with my family and be a part of their everyday lives. I'm good with other dogs and children, but cats are an unknown. I don't like being alone all day, so I'd be best suited for a home where someone is around to keep me company. Since I'm just a puppy, children in the home must be at least 6 years of age. I know I'm cute and everyone will want me, but please be sure you're ready to take on a puppy as it's similar to having a newborn (2-legged kind) in the home. It's a lifetime commitment, not a temporary one where the love and attention wears off after I'm grown. If you're ready and able to give me a lifetime of love and wonderful memories, please fill out an application to meet me.

I am a little athlete with boundless energy and a super playful spirit. I love exploring my surroundings and would make an amazing hiking or outdoor adventure buddy. I am good with other dogs and children, making me a fantastic addition to an active family that enjoys spending time outdoors and having fun together. Although I'm still working on my house training, with patience and love, I'll have it down pat in no time.

One important thing to note is that I don't do well being alone all day. I thrive on companionship and love to play and enjoy life with my furry and human friends. With my confident and energetic nature, I am sure to bring joy, laughter, and endless adventures to my new home.

Since I'm just a puppy, children in the home must be at least 6 years of age. I know I'm cute and everyone will want me, but please be sure you're ready to take on a puppy as it's similar to having a newborn (2-legged kind) in the home. It's a lifetime commitment, not a temporary one where the love and attention wears off after I'm grown.

If you're ready and able to give me a lifetime of love and wonderful memories, please fill out an application to meet me.

At seven years old, Sombra has moved beyond the demanding puppy stages, making her a wonderful candidate for someone interested in adopting an adult dog. Her individual personality is still being evaluated, but she has the opportunity to build a loving bond with a family who will give her time to settle in.

About the Dachshund Terrier Mix

Dachshunds and Terriers are known for their intelligence, determination, loyalty, and curious personalities. Originally bred as working dogs, both breeds can have strong instincts to explore, investigate interesting scents, and engage with their surroundings.

As a Dachshund Terrier mix, Sombra may display some of these characteristics:

Loyal and Affectionate: Many develop strong attachments to their families.

Intelligent and Curious: They often enjoy exploring, scent games, and interactive activities.

Independent: Their determined personalities benefit from patient, consistent guidance.

Playful: Even mature adults may enjoy toys, games, and daily adventures.

Alert: They can be observant and attentive to their surroundings.

Because Sombra is a mixed breed, her individual temperament and energy level may vary from these general characteristics.

At 16 pounds, Sombra is a manageable size for many households. Her ideal home will provide appropriate exercise, companionship, and a comfortable environment where she can feel secure.

Training, Adjustment & What to Expect

Although Sombra is seven years old, adopters should not assume she is fully house-trained or familiar with household routines. Rescue dogs may arrive with basic training at best.

Her future family should be prepared to reinforce house training, leash manners, basic commands, and appropriate household behavior using positive reinforcement.

Dachshund Terrier mixes often benefit from daily walks, scent-based activities, and mental enrichment. Exercise should be adjusted to Sombra's individual energy level and physical condition.

Sombra is considered suitable for homes with dogs and children, with proper introductions and supervision. Her compatibility with cats is unknown.

Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule

Every rescue dog needs time to adjust:

3 Days: Decompress and begin feeling safe.

3 Weeks: Learn household routines and build confidence.

3 Months: Develop trust and become more comfortable in the family.

These are guidelines, not deadlines. Patience, consistency, and a predictable routine will help Sombra settle into her new home.

Owner Responsibilities & Veterinary Care

Sombra's current spay and vaccination status have not been confirmed. Her adopter should review her medical records and arrange any necessary follow-up care.

Dachshund Terrier Health Considerations

Because of her breed mix and age, Sombra's future family should be aware of several potential health considerations:

Back and Spinal Health: Dachshunds are predisposed to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). If Sombra has inherited a longer back, limiting repetitive jumping and maintaining a healthy weight may help protect her spine.

Joint Health: Smaller dogs may develop kneecap instability or age-related joint discomfort.

Dental Care: Regular tooth brushing and veterinary dental examinations are important.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy body condition supports mobility and overall health.

Age-Appropriate Care: As Sombra gets older, regular wellness examinations can help

Meet Estella, an adorable 3-month-old Terrier mix weighing just 6.5 pounds! This precious little girl is at the beginning of her life and searching for a loving family who will help her grow into a happy, confident companion.

Her beautiful name is associated with the stars, and Estella is ready to become the shining star of someone's home!

At three months old, Estella is experiencing the exciting world of puppyhood. Like most puppies her age, she is expected to be curious, playful, and eager to explore her surroundings. Her individual personality is still developing, giving her future family the wonderful opportunity to watch her grow and discover what makes her special.

Currently weighing only 6.6 pounds, Estella is a petite puppy with more growing to do. Her adult size will depend on her genetics and development.

About the Terrier Breed

Terriers are known for their intelligence, lively personalities, curiosity, and determination. Originally developed for various working purposes, many Terriers are energetic little dogs who enjoy exploring, playing, and spending time with their families.

As a Terrier mix, Estella may inherit characteristics such as:

Intelligence: Terriers are often quick learners who enjoy mental challenges and interactive activities.

Playfulness: Many enjoy games, toys, and opportunities to explore.

Affection: Terriers can develop strong bonds with their families and enjoy companionship.

Confidence: Their spirited nature can make them entertaining and engaging companions.

Independence: Some Terriers have a determined personality and benefit from consistent, patient training.

Curiosity: They may enjoy investigating new sights, sounds, and smells.

Because Estella is a mixed breed, her temperament, appearance, adult size, and energy level may vary from these general breed characteristics.

Estella's Ideal Home

Estella would be a wonderful addition to a family prepared for the joys and responsibilities of raising a young puppy.

Her ideal home will provide a safe environment, plenty of companionship, appropriate exercise, and consistent guidance as she grows.

She is considered suitable for homes with other dogs and children, provided introductions are handled carefully and interactions are supervised. Her compatibility with cats has not yet been established.

Because Estella is currently very small, young children should be taught to handle her gently, and playtime with larger dogs should always be supervised.

Estella doesn't need a perfect family. She needs a patient, committed family who will love her through every stage of life.

Training, Adjustment & What to Expect

At just three months old, Estella is beginning to learn the skills she will need throughout her life.

Puppies are not born knowing household rules, and rescue puppies may arrive with little or no formal training. Her future family should be prepared to teach her through positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency.

Essential Puppy Training

House Training: Establish a regular bathroom schedule, offer frequent potty breaks, and reward successful habits.

Crate Training: Introduce a comfortable, secure resting space using positive experiences.

Basic Commands: Begin teaching sit, come, stay, and leave it through short, engaging training sessions.

Leash Training: Help Estella become comfortable wearing a properly fitted harness and walking safely.

Bite Inhibition: Redirect normal puppy mouthing and nipping toward appropriate toys.

Socialization: Introduce her gradually to peop

❤️ Personality & Breed Information

Meet Pirata, an adorable 3-month-old Terrier mix weighing approximately 9.7 pounds! This handsome little boy is just beginning his journey through life and is searching for a loving forever family who will help him grow into a happy, confident, and well-adjusted companion.

With a name like Pirata, which means pirate in Spanish, this little guy sounds ready for a lifetime of adventures! From discovering new toys to exploring the world around him, Pirata is at an age when everything is new, exciting, and full of possibilities.

Like most puppies his age, Pirata is expected to have a playful, curious personality. At three months old, puppies are busy learning about their surroundings, developing social skills, and discovering how to interact with people and other animals.

His individual personality is still developing, and his future family will have the wonderful opportunity to guide him through these important early stages.

Currently weighing 9.7 pounds, Pirata is still growing. His final adult size will depend on his genetics, nutrition, and development.

Whether he's learning his first commands, discovering a favorite toy, enjoying a little playtime, or settling down for a well-deserved puppy nap, Pirata has a whole lifetime of experiences waiting ahead of him.

Pirata may be a little puppy today, but he's ready to begin the biggest adventure of all — finding a family to call his own!

About the Terrier Breed

Terriers are known for their intelligence, curiosity, determination, playful personalities, and lively spirits.

Originally developed for various working roles, many Terriers are energetic, observant, and enthusiastic about exploring their surroundings.

As a Terrier mix, Pirata may inherit several common breed characteristics:

Playful and Energetic: Terriers often enjoy interactive games, daily activity, and opportunities to explore.

Intelligent and Curious: Many learn quickly and benefit from positive reinforcement and mental stimulation.

Affectionate and Loyal: Terriers can develop strong bonds with their families and enjoy companionship.

Confident and Spirited: Their lively personalities can make them entertaining and engaging companions.

Active and Athletic: Many enjoy activities that challenge both their minds and bodies.

Independent Thinkers: Their determined nature means consistent training and patience are especially important.

Naturally Inquisitive: Some Terriers have strong instincts to investigate, dig, or chase moving objects.

Because Pirata is a mixed breed, his individual temperament, appearance, energy level, and adult size may differ from these general tendencies.

His ideal family will understand that raising a Terrier mix puppy requires time, patience, consistent training, and plenty of positive experiences.

What Makes Pirata Special?

Only 3 Months Old: He's at the beginning of his life, with so many milestones ahead.

Adorable Puppy Personality: He's at an age filled with curiosity, play, and discovery.

Still Growing: At approximately 9.7 pounds, he has more growing and developing to do.

Early Veterinary Care Started: He has received deworming, a blood test, and his first reported puppy vaccination.

Wonderful Learning Age: His family can begin teaching positive habits, basic commands, and household routines.

A Li

Despite everything he has been through, Darwin is a very sweet and gentle soul. He loves being around people, enjoys playing with other dogs, and is always happy to take a cozy nap. He would make a wonderful companion for someone who appreciates the simple joys of having a loving senior dog by their side.

Darwin is looking for a special home that will love him for the rest of his life. He has already experienced the uncertainty of ending up in a shelter, and we want to make sure he never has to go through that again. He deserves a family who will cherish him, care for him, and give him the safe and loving home he has always deserved.

Could you be Darwin’s happy ending?

If you are interested in adopting Darwin or offering him a foster-to-adopt home, please contact Melita’s Dream Animal Rescue.

Please share Darwin’s story. His forever family may be just one share away! ❤️

I'll be ready for my forever home soon. If you’re looking for a sweet, loyal girl who’s learned what it means to be loved, I’d be so happy to meet you. ADOPT ME!
*This is a courtesy post. If you're interested in adopting Princey, please fill out an application with Big Love Animal Rescue https://bigloveanimalrescue.org/