Bernie

Being fostered in Victoria Bernie is a very sweet & shy 8 month old male, handsome brindle, about 70 lb. His mom looks lab mix and weighs 60 lb. His dad is a neighbourhood Dutch Shepherd (see parents’ photos in comments) Behaviour: Super sweet, shy, gentle and affectionate. Loves to be with you and follows his foster mom around. He is curious and clever. And a bit clumsy Needs to be introduced to new people thoughtfully. Quiet in the home, only barks occasionally if he hears neighbours’ dogs barking. Not a begger (hasn't been spoiled by people food) and not resource protective. Bernie is happy to share everything - kibble, toys and beds Bernie will be a very loyal, gentle companion for his new family. Rescue story: Bernie and his 4 siblings were born to a momma who was an outside dog. Mom and pups were kept in an outdoor kennel. Their owner went to jail when they were very young. The neighbours took it upon themselves to look after the dogs – feeding and water, cleaning the kennel and improving shelter from storms and tornadoes, leash training, and looked for a rescue to take them before the owner got out of jail in July - because who knows what would happen to them then. That’s when we stepped in. Good with dogs: Bernie could be happy living without a dog if he had a full time person, and just have dog friends. He does best with playful dogs. Good with cats: Bernie was tested with a cat through a wire fence and was good, but that was his first cat meeting. Would need to be trained with a dog-savvy cat. Good with kids: Bernie has been around a 9 yr old girl and was fine. We expect he’ll be fine living with 9+ calm children. He is very affectionate, but lanky and clumsy so could knock a little person over Housetrained: Yes Training: Bernie had leash training in Texas and is fine on leash. Responds to his name when called. He is learning Sit. He needs to be settled and relaxed to be able to focus on learning commands. Very treat motivated, which helps with training. Crate trained: Good in crate. Sleeps thru the night in his crate. Rests in the crate for up to up to 4 hours when his foster is at work. Car rides: Enjoys car rides (once he is in the car!) Behaviours that need work: Bernie is still figuring out life in a home. He used to counter surf a lot but is getting much better (see video in comments). He sometimes chews things he shouldn’t so needs to be redirected to an allowed chew toy, and crated when not monitored. Is learning Sit to get attention instead of jumping up on his people. Needs more socialization. Ideal home: Patient adults with dog experience who will patiently socialize and train him. He doesn’t seem to need to live with a dog, though would love a few good doggie friends. Children 9+ and dog savvy. Bernie and his siblings are scared by sudden movements, we think they were hit by their previous owner, so no young children is best. As with any dog who lacks confidence, Bernie needs his people to be his leaders and protectors, and have clear rules and boundaries so that he can relax and enjoy life. He needs to be introduced to new people thoughtfully. 5’ fence ideally More photos and videos are in the comments on Bernie's facebook profile (change Most Relevant to All Comments). He is being fostered with Darla, who is also available for adoption. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=942894210973015&set=a.147052423353104 All our dogs are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, heartworm tested, microchipped, and dewormed. Bernie is heartworm negative. To apply: 1) email us for an Adoption Application form and 2) email photos of your yard showing entire fence line, where the dog would sleep, and where it would spend most of its time to [email protected] If you live in an apartment, photos of where you would walk your dog. ** Applications without photos emailed will not be processed. If the name in your email differs from on the application, tell us