Tonka

Tonka is a striking looking boy, and once he is comfortable with someone he is super affectionate, sweet, loving, and fun. He is also very obedient, easily trainable with treats, and has learned lots of commands and tricks while in foster care.

Unfortunately Tonka has had a pretty horrible life prior to coming to Homeless Hounds. This has caused him to be scared of strangers. Tonka was prone to reacting to this fear by protecting himself however, given he can be so affectionate, he was still a favourite of many of the pound staff who initially cared for him. Through many months of behaviour rehabilitation from his foster carer and vet behaviourist, along with behaviour medication, he is learning to manage, and not react, to his fear.

Tonka needs a loving person who has experience with anxious dogs and who can read dog’s body language. Tonka responds well to positive training, and, given his fear, he will not respond well to punishment. His new owner will have patience and the commitment to invest time and love into continuing Tonka’s rehabilitation using positive reinforcement, with the support from his trainer and behaviour vet. This special person will realise the joy of gaining the trust of a dog like Tonka and the rewards of seeing the outcome of investing time, protection, and love into a dog who is still on his journey to being relaxed around strangers. In return, Tonka will reciprocate, and also provide his special new owner with love, loyalty, and protection. Once Tonka is comfortable with his new owner their bond will be strong and binding.

Tonka has progressed very well with his behaviour rehabilitation. He has grown from a fearful boy who didn’t want any attention from anyone to a dog who loves affection from his foster carer. He now takes any opportunity to lie across his foster carer’s lap and get a head massage and a scratch behind the ear.

Despite Tonka’s progress, his new owner will need to continue his rehabilitation. Within the adoption fee we have included two free behavioural training sessions with Tonka’s trainer (worth $240). We will provide significant education and assistance to his new owner to help them gain the confidence to continue his rehabilitation.

Tonka is highly motivated by treats which makes him extremely trainable. Once he understands what you are asking he will do anything for a treat! Since coming into foster care Tonka has learned lots of little tricks that help him feel more comfortable when he sees strangers while on walks, when he meets new people, etc.

Tonka is very well behaved at home. Although he prefers to be by his carer’s side, he doesn’t complain if he needs to stay outside for a while and happily sleeps alone in the laundry. He is a cruisy, quiet dog who doesn’t bark unnecessarily. He walks beautifully on-lead and loves to sniff. He generally ignores other dogs while walking around the streets, even dogs who are barking at him. Once he has a bond with a person he has a strong loyalty and a desire to please. This, combined with his love of treats makes him highly trainable.

Tonka is super friendly with other dogs, although he can be quite boisterous with his play. He has shared his foster home with three other dogs. Ideally he would love to live with another dog (this isn’t mandatory), although this dog would need to like playing at a high intensity!

Tonka’s new owner will be signing up for a journey of knowledge (Tonka will teach a lot about dog behaviour and communication), patience, trust, loyalty, and, most of all, love.
We realise it may take some time to find Tonka’s special new owner but we encourage anyone who has the above attributes to take Tonka into their lives and their hearts.