Ernie

Hi! I’m Ernie and I’m looking for a new family to call my own.  
 
APPLICATION PROCESS APPLIES FOR ERNIE 
PLEASE COMPLETE THE BELOW APPLICATION FORM 
https://forms.gle/wQaT7bvW6yUw6USR9

NOTE: You are unable to meet Ernie until/unless you have been notified that you are a successful applicant. An adoption cannot be approved unless you are able to come to the shelter to meet Ernie in person and bring any dogs you currently have with you. 

*** I am DEAF and Have very low vision ***

Ernie is a special needs dog who requires a family that is experienced (or willing to learn) how to train and interact with a special needs dogs, Ernie hasn’t had the best start to life and can be very unsure when meeting new people so he will need a home that has A LOT of extra love and attention for such a special boy. It doesn’t take long to win him over and when you do he is just the sweetest snuggle bug there ever was!
 
What I need in my new home: 
• Daily walks, trips to the park or beach, playtime in the backyard 
• To be allowed inside with my family and not left outside 24/7 with no interaction.
• A doggie companion is a MUST to keep me company and to help guide me through day to day life, teaching me that the world isn’t such a scary place.
• I like both friendly male and female dogs 
• Secure Fencing (6ft Colorbond or equivalent, no gaps or holes.) 
• No Children, because I am deaf and have low vision I am easily startled by sudden movements and touches especially while im getting to know my surroundings.
. No cats or pocket pets, i don't like the smell of them.
• SOCIALISATION is as important for me as it appears I've led a very sheltered life and can be a bit nervous/shy in new situations, my first instinct is to bark at someone I am unsure of so I will do this meeting new people. Since being at the shelter I'm becoming much braver though. Taking me to lots of different places, meeting lots of people (children, men, woman etc) and meeting lots of dogs and other animals will help boost my confidence
• I am still a puppy and will act like one so a family that is understanding of this is a must.
 
My best features: 
• Very playful once I get to know you.
• Highly food motivated 
• Gentle & placid 
• I love attention and having snuggles with my humans once I get to know you.
• Happy to hang out with other friendly dogs 
• Well mannered 
• Love to snooze on the couch 
• I walk well on lead for a young doggo but having daily walks should help me improve my lead skills 
• I am very scent driven and would excel at scent driven games & training. 

 
Where I need to improve / Training required:
• I will require full basic training as I've had no training experience yet, because I am deaf and my vision is low I will require a family that is experienced or happy to learn how to train a deaf dog with hand signals and touch.
• I am shy at first with new people and in new environments so will require a family who will take their time allowing me to settle in and continue with my socialization 
• I love my food so using them as a positive reward should make my training easier as my sense of smell is hightened
• I appear to be quite vocal at times when left alone but keeping me with another dog I am much more content.

Medical 
• I am DEAF and Have very low vision