Navy

Meet Navy!

This handsome young man is 2 year old Navy and he is deaf. Navy's journey in foster care started 536 days ago….. It has had MANY ups and downs, including one failed adoption but Navy has proven he is not a dog that easily gives up.

Even before coming into care Navy was shunted from home to home but it was only after his failed adoption that it was realised that he had a condition known as CCD or canine compulsive disorder. CCD is similar to OCD in humans. In dogs, CCD often manifests in seemingly normal behaviours that often become so extreme that it inhibits the dog's ability to function normally. In Navy's case, he would chase shadows and spin in circles.

While in care Navy has been on a combination of medication and behaviour modification and with routine, boundaries, understanding and a whooooole lot of love and hard work by his carer Navy has made INCREDIBLE progress. You can read more about Navy's journey in more detail here:

https://deafdogrescue.com.au/2023/01/navys-foster-care-journey/

But for now his CCD is under control and he is ready to for the next chapter of journey.

Navy is not a "perfect" dog but he does do his very best to be a good dog. He aims to please and he is always so willing to learn. He has all his basic commands down pat plus loads more. He walks to heel on and off lead. He has come a very long way in his reactivity on lead. He can now walk past the neighbours dogs at a distance but can be reactive to dogs he doesn't know. He does best with very slow introductions. Navy is motivated by food, toys and affection. His training includes all three.

Navy loves to fetch and return a ball. He loves to play tug with rope toys and he loves to play with YOU. He loves water and swimming and he absolutely loves to roll in all the good things nature has to offer. He enjoys his food puzzles and enrichment toys.

Navy needs to be able to trust you and to know that you will keep him safe from all the scary things he encounters. Navy needs you to be in control. He needs to be told 'no', but also learn what he IS allowed to do. Left to his own devices, he will find his own form of fun.

Navy is an outdoor dog and is outside day and night. He is learning how to be a good boy inside but he is much happier in his own special enclosure which includes a shaded area, water to play in, sand pit, trampoline, a variety of kennels, plus toys and bones. Navy loves being up high and just observing the world. He often sleeps on top of one of the kennels or trampoline.

Navy, like all our dogs, has a non-negotiable ‘must have’ list for his forever home. If you don’t fit the following criteria then this isn't the boy for you….

No kids - they are too unpredictable for Navy. He would prefer someone who likes to stay at home and where the environment is quiet and relaxed. He would love a bit of space where he can follow his person around helping out with the chores.
Although, Navy loves his foster sister Minka (also in care with us) he is very selective of his friends. His ideal home would be where he is the only dog!
He adores people who give off a friendly vibe. His people must be ready to advocate for him at all times. He needs to feel safe and that you have his back in every situation. They also need to embrace his cheeky side.
He loves to learn so continuing his training is vital in keeping this boy happy. Navy has done some Nosework classes and loved it and is currently learning agility.
His people will need to ditch the food bowl and come up with creative ways to feed him. He loves Kongs and puzzle toys- These and regular exercise helps bring his energy level from high to medium.
Navy is not a cuddly dog, although he likes being shown affection when he has done well. A thumbs up or a scratch behind the ears is enough for him.
His people MUST be patient. His new family must reside on the west side of Melbourne through to Torquay in Victoria as Navy will require a number of meet and greets and will take longer than your average dog to settle into his new home. His new family must also continue with his medication.
Lastly, his people must promise to not take Navy to off-leash dog parks or busy dog beaches. EVER. He is not that kind of dog. He does, however, enjoy long leisurely walks in the country.
If you think handsome boy Navy may be the dog for you and you meet ALL his criteria then please click the button below and contact us.

Navy is located in Inverleigh Vic (near Geelong).

* Local adoptions only West side of Melbourne through to Torquay.*