My name is Bernard!

Bernard is a very happy energetic 9 month old Collie/Shepherd pup. His coat is soft, his ears are big and floppy and he runs like the wind. Bernard knows his name very well now and his head will snap up when you say it. He is the most exuberant, quirky, energetic, entertaining, full of life without limitations puppy we have ever known!! He is about 45lbs with maybe another 5lbs or so to add on when he fills out.

Bernard was surrendered to a shelter by his owner. His previous owners didn’t properly exercise, train, or socialize Bernard and he became too much for them . They gave up on him when it was their fault for not training him or putting the time and effort in to raising him to be a happy, well socialized and well exercised dog. Sadly this is not a unique situation. Too many people get puppies for all the wrong reasons and then abandon them when they become teenage dogs that aren’t the cute bundles of fluff anymore. It's for the best though because Bernard deserves a family who is as devoted to him as he will be to them. He needs to belong in a home where he will feel safe and be confident. Bernard is flourishing in his foster home and is ready for his forever home now. Bernard was very shy when we got him from being under socialized. He is coming a long way and has met a lot of people in his time in foster care and he’s much more confident meeting others. He needs to have his socialization continue in his new home and his new family needs to understand that he needs a few minutes upon meeting new people to get comfortable with them. He is extremely affectionate and loving once friendships are made though. In fact, his fosters recently had a gathering at their home and Bernard was a hit with all the people, kids included, and he settled in very well with all the new people in his home.

Bernard likes to be inside and outside, but he is most happy when you are with him. Just to know you are close so he can come and get a short snuggle and off again he goes to chase a leaf or a ball or a foster dog. He loves to play ball and will bring it back to you and release it so that you can throw it over and over again. He is also learning how to retrieve a Frisbee. He LOVES to play and enjoys other dogs as well. As a puppy, he doesn’t always know when to stop, but is very respectful when his sibling fosters tell him enough is enough. He loves the toy box and pulls all the toys out and displays them all over the floor or takes them to a bed to store them. He is not possessive of anything.

Bernard likes to be with you, he will follow you quietly so you have to check before you turn around not to step on him. At the end of a busy day, you will find Bernard sleeping on a big doggie bed. He loves to snuggle close to you and have a belly rub. He is very gentle and tender. Bernard has been a good boy during his stay with us and is housetrained. He struggles with the crate training and we continue to work with him to help him understand that when no one is home, he needs to be in a crate. His new family needs to keep up the consistency of crating him when he is going to be alone in the house as this keeps him out of trouble and he is learning that it is his place. He sleeps beside the bed at night and stays in his crate only when we are away from the house.

Bernard would do well in an active home situation. Since he is still a pup, he is learning proper manners indoors and he is doing extremely well. He only needs to be corrected once or twice and he will obey. He would do well in a home with a big fenced yard to run and play in. He loves his walks and is learning to heel on a leash. He would do great with a jogger or cyclist as he is focused and doesn’t weave about. He will sit for you while you clip on the leash and is ready to go at a moment’s notice. He loves car rides and is up for any adventure as long as you are with him. He is learning the drive through brings good treats. Bernard is being taught basic obedience in his foster home and knows to "sit”, stay, come, down and shake a paw and more. Bernard is incredibly smart and can learn new tricks by the third repetition. Bernard’s new family must commit to continuing his obedience training to bring out the best in this extremely smart dog and to help him socialize with other dog’s and people. He would excel in agility beyond anything you could imagine.

Bernard is good with dogs once he has met them. He has settled in nicely with his foster dog brother and sister. He watches his big brother and tries to copy him. He would enjoy another dog in the home to play with but this is not a necessity for him. If Bernard were an only dog, he would need lots of social time with other dogs. Bernard is not well behaved with the cat (he wants to chase it) and should not be in a home with cats. Bernard is not being fostered in a home with children but we believe with his lovely spirit he would do fine with children over the age of 10 if it is a family experienced with dogs. He is still a puppy and very exuberant about life and could accidently knock small children down. Bernard is not suitable for a first time dog ownership family. He is far too smart for new comers to dog ownership and he is a high energy dog who needs a confident leader. Bernard would excel in an active family that understand and incorporates calm, authoritative leadership. Because Bernard is a puppy still, he can get over excited if put in a stimulating situation or dealt with in an excited manner and this isn’t good for him. He does best with happy play without high pitch excitement and leadership without excited voices or mannerisms. We have incorporated calm leadership with Bernard and it does him wonders. When you have an exuberant pup the last thing they need is more excitement! HA!

Everything is new to Bernard, but he is willing to experience new things with you. He is gaining courage with each new experience. Bernard is looking for a forever home to share his love. Could this be yours?

All Pound Dog Rescue dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, heartworm tested, de-wormed (if required), and micro-chipped prior to adoption. The adoption donation of $400 is applied to assist in the costs of veterinary care and the overall care of the dog. For more information and adoption applications please consult our website at www.pounddog.ca.