Bernie

QUIRKY HOUND SEEKS FABULOUS FOREVER FAMILY

Despite not being a deaf dog, while he was in the shelter and when he initially came into care, Bernie wasn’t able to properly process sounds and responded only to signed commands. After decompressing from his shelter experience and learning that the ‘real’ world doesn’t involve just spending months and months alone in a concrete kennel surrounded by the 24/7 noise of barking, howling and whimpering from countless other dogs, Bernie finally began to use his ears to process the world around him. He still has his quirky moments where he responds better to signed commands than verbal commands, but that’s just our Bernie…

Bernie has all his basic training in place with both verbal and signed commands – he can sit, stay, drop and come and his foster family are continuing to extend these basics. He’s also learning a few tricks including roll over and crawl.

Bernie is toilet-trained, mat-trained, is progressing with his crate training and is very respectful of boundaries. He has lovely leash manners.

Bernie travels well in the car. He likes to stare out the windows or have a snooze. And speaking of snoozing, if there’s a patch of sunlight anywhere – inside or out – then more often than not Bernie can be found curled up in that patch, dreaming about his next adventure or next meal.

Our gorgeous boy absolutely loves other dogs and adjusts his play style to suit any canine companion. He’s currently living with a blind senior blue heeler and he’s very respectful of his older four-legged housemate.

When it comes to managing his energy levels, it’s all about mental stimulation. Add in a daily morning walk where he can have a potter around and check out all the smells and he’ll sleep away most of his day. He will of course add in a play session or two between naps. If his foster brother won’t play with him, then he’ll happily entertain himself.

Bernie is a simple creature at heart. He doesn’t need fancy things – just his family’s love and some cardboard boxes to shred. Whilst he enjoys the variety of toys on offer in his foster home, his weakness is boxes.

We adore all our dogs, but some touch our hearts in a way that makes them extra-special. Bernie is one of those dogs. The lucky family who decides to welcome Bernie into their hearts and home will have the most amazing, loyal companion anyone could dream of.

The following is Bernie’s list of non-negotiable requirements in his new home...

- A family committed to his ongoing training. Bernie is a clever boy who is eager to learn. Whatever you’re prepared to teach him, then he’s prepared to learn it.

- A family who will allow him to be an inside/outside dog. Bernie loves his outdoor time and if the weather suits him he will often choose to sleep outside at night. But he’s not suited to being an outdoor-only dog.

- A family who will include him in their daily life and their adventures.

- A medium/large dog with a friendly and calm temperament to share his home with. Someone who is happy to play, but not all the time!
- No cats, pocket pets, poultry or other birds.

- Any kids must be aged 8 or over. Bernie loves kids, but is best suited to a home where he can’t inadvertently knock over a small person in his general enthusiasm for life!

- Secure 5 foot colourbond or paling fencing. Bernie has shown no inclination to go over/under the fences in his foster home, but we don’t want to tempt fate! Rural fencing is unsuitable.

- A family prepared to ensure that along with receiving regular physical exercise, that Bernie also receives a lot of mental stimulation. The HNE team can provide you with endless options for mental stimulation!

- Bernie is located in Melbourne, Victoria. Whilst interstate adoption is available, our preference is to find Bernie a home somewhere in the wider Melbourne area so that meet and greets with his potential adopter/s and potential canine sibling can occur.