Chance

Meet our giant puppy - Chance!

Once upon a time there was a big puppy on death row at a pound.. we tried and tried to find a foster carer for him even though we were so VERY full.. and on the last day, within the last few hours, we did it! And that’s how Chance came into HNE with the most suitable name we could think of ❤️

Chance (Chancey Pants) is a 40kg (and still growing) XL-giant breed, deaf, 9mo BA x Mastiff puppy (yes, puppy!) who has been in care just over a month now. He was very much blank slate (a lovable blank slate!) when he came in but now knows some sign basic commands like: Sit, Down, Stay, Wait (before food), Come Here (still a work in progress but he is getting the hang of it) and is even currently working on some tricks like: ‘high five’ and also knows the sign for ‘dinner’! (Of course!)

Chance is a very big, social lad, loves meeting other dogs of all sizes and ages, though he does get a bit silly and excited easily so someone with patience and large-giant breed experience is preferred. He is untested with cats so best in a home without them unless complete separation is possible and very slow intros can be done cautiously and carefully with an experienced owner. He has been tested with birds (a cockatiel he is being fostered with) and enjoys watching him through the cage but doesn’t show any signs of aggression thus far. He will show interest when the cockatiel is on his foster carers shoulder but unbothered after a few minutes. Untested with other pocket pets but best to be avoided given his breed.

Chance also loves people! He is untested with little kids but we are confident he would be okay with dog savvy kids aged 10+ due to his size and often uncoordinated turning circles!

At the moment Chance has medium to high energy requirements due to being a baby puppy still. This will diminish with age, but often not until 2 years old at a minimum. He is not a fence jumper at all. But at least 6 foot, sturdy fences will be needed.

Being a puppy, Chance needs lots of training! Accompanied with firm boundaries both inside and out and when visiting exciting places, a confident handler, and consistent, ongoing training well into adulthood. He would love to attend group or private one-on-one training sessions! And he’d be a pro at something like noseworks given his love affair with food! He needs general training, lead walking and recall practice each day as that’s what he deserves to be the best boy he can be!

He would absolutely benefit - and MUST HAVE - a resident dog his size or bigger who is well trained and friendly to ‘show him the ropes’ at home. Chance wouldn’t like to be a solo dog as he does have some separation anxiety (which he takes a mild dose of medication for when needed, but the aim would be to be weaned off when consistent training and boundaries are put in place) when left alone - he has a penchant for chewing and digging, which as we know is very common for puppies of his size and age! This will be overcome with lots of separation anxiety specific training, using lots of enrichment toys like licki mats, Kongs, nylon durable chew toys (a must!) even shredding cardboard boxes 📦 would be amazing for him given he is a hunting breed. He’d love some long lasting chews like bully sticks and bones as well to keep him busy.

Chance is crate trained! He is working at spending longer and longer periods of time in the crate and is happy to have the door closed for short periods of time. This needs to be used in his new home and an owner who is patient and willing to put in the work with him an absolute must as if he gets a moment, he will practice his parkour skills on furniture 🤪

He walks well on lead but being a puppy is very inquisitive and will stop and smell everything! He only pulls when there are other dogs around but ‘checks in’ throughout with the use of treats - he is easy to train given he is VERY food/treat motivated! He loves to be ‘scatter fed’ each day and this helps him start the day on a high - any enrichment he has been given has helped him to calm down and settle nicely for the day ahead.

This beautiful boy is also house trained! Yes, he will paw at the door when he wants to go outside - one of his other cute tricks! Chance currently sleeps inside and this must be continued in his new home as he is very comfortable with this routine and sleeps through the night.

Chance loves a cuddle and is a master of ‘puppy dog eyes’ whenever he gets a chance! 🤣 He is very friendly and outgoing And loves other people/dogs/car rides/adventures but also more than happy to cuddle up at home watching Netflix. He’d also love to go on adventures to the beach or hiking with you!

Last word from his foster carer… “Chance is definitely a giant puppy, but his personality is somehow bigger! He loves to ‘boop’ everything with his nose to say ‘hello’ or encourage someone to play with him. He often makes loud Chewbacca sounds at you when he wants something - generally attention or food 😝 His favourite game is tag; he will do giant zoomies around the yard of an afternoon with someone chasing him. He is overall just a fantastic, cuddly, companion dog who deserves the best family in the world”.

We are so proud of how far Chance has come and he is so ready to find his new home! If you have read his detailed profile and think it could be you or your family, click on the link below to apply!

Chance is available for interstate adoption with transport to be paid by the adopter.