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Posted over 8 years ago
| Updated over 8 years ago
I found a new home! Plenty of my friends are looking for one too. Check out other pets at this shelter, or start a new search.
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My basic info
Breed
Whippet
Color
Black - with White
Age
Young
Size
Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Male
Pet ID
43310
My details
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
NOW RESCUE ONLY!
Will be euthanized if no rescue group has made a commitment by 4pm on July 15th!
Learn More About Me and See My Pictures Here: http://www.athenspets.net/portfolio/43211-ernie/gallery/available-dogs
Update 6/19: Ernie loved playing in the swimming pool today. He’d hop in and out and play with toys. He was so cute, and it was a great way for him to have fun and get his energy out!
Trainer Evaluation 6/15: Patricia Hall of Bone-A-Fide Dog Training had this to say about Ernie: Ernie is a goofy boy full of energy and must be managed to channel his energy in to appropriate behaviors. He would do well in a home that provides him plenty of exercise so he will be less likely to nip. Patricia Hall is willing to give one free training lesson to the person who adopts Ernie to help with nipping. It must be within 10 miles of Athens.
Update 6/8: Ernie was so happy to be able to play in an interaction pen today. He still loves to play fetch and sit for treats. We had a great time, and it was so much fun being with Ernie again. He has, however, become mouthy, so that was something we also worked on. The ASPCA has a great article, Puppy Mouthing, that describes one technique that can be used to address mouthy behavior. I’ve used it before with success. Ernie really is a great dog. He’s sweet, fun, and affectionate. He just needs someone who’s willing to help him learn that mouthiness is inappropriate with humans. He’s a smart boy and can learn. In just the amount of time that I spent with him today, he was learning that he could earn treats and praise by not mouthing my hands when I reached to pet him. Of course, he needs continued practice to stop being mouthy, but he can do it. I just hope someone will give him that chance.
Update 6/3: Ernie was adopted a couple of days ago but returned for nipping. It was just playful puppy mouthing, not a bite – something lots of puppies do until they’re taught otherwise. It’s how they play with their dog buddies, so it’s only natural for them to do it with people. Also, none of the original volunteer comments below mention mouthiness, so it can’t be too bad! Unfortunately, Animal Control has to put Ernie in rabies quarantine for 10 days, where he can’t be walked or played with. This breaks our hearts, but it’s no doubt harder on him. His quarantine will be over on June 8, and he will be available for adoption/rescue then.
Update 5/20: Thanks to donations to the Spay/Neuter Fund, Ernie has been neutered and is up to date on his vaccinations! He’s heartworm negative and ready for his forever home!
Update 5/17: Oh, boy! Whoever is lucky enough to take Ernie home is going to love him so much! Now that his initial shyness has worn off, he has blossomed into a sweet, playful goofball. Today we worked on some basic commands – he seems to have a good understanding of both “sit” and “down,” at least when treats are involved. It was a little hot outside, so after playing with a few dogs through the fence, we settled in for some quiet time in the shade, just hanging out and enjoying attention. This bundle of fun can definitely cuddle when called for!
Update 5/3: Ernie is shy no longer! He is a funny little puppy who bounces around and loves to run and play. But you can stop this boy dead in his tracks if you whip out a treat! He’s much smaller than he looks in his pictures, and still fits easily on a lap or in your arms. He can’t be much older than six months, so he’s bound to grow a little bit more, but he’ll always be a thin, lithe little guy. With his aerodynamic body, quickness and treat motivation, Ernie would make a fantastic agility dog! Or you could just let him run around your yard and make you laugh.
4/30: What a handsome pup! Ernie was a little shy as he had just come in the day before we took his photos. Once he was in the interaction pen, he warmed right up. He’s very friendly and was pretty good on a leash. He was curious about the dogs in the next pen in a friendly sort of way. Ernie is going to make someone a great companion. He even sits for treats!!
Learn more about how you can adopt or rescue me!
http://www.athenspets.net/portfolio/43211-ernie/gallery/available-dogs
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