Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Not good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Not good with cats,
Needs experienced adopter,
House-trained,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Name: Bert
Breed: Australian Shepherd Mix
Weight: 44 pounds
Age: Adult - maybe a very spry senior – he’s not giving away that secret!
Rescue: Albert’s Dog Lounge
Current Location: Madison, WI
Housetrained: yes
Crate trained: yes – I love my crate - I sleep and eat there!
Bert, or Bertski, or Bertrand, had a not so great past marked by neglect, inadequate food, and minimal human/dog interaction. He’s done with that part of his life and is ready to move on to his best life where he can shower his humans with love, go on outdoor adventures, and sleep on soft warm beds!
Things Bert needs/likes:
A human/s with experience with working breed dogs. This is a must. Bert is experiencing a lot of new things all at once. He needs structure and guidance from someone who understands the intelligence and drive of these dogs. Bert is curious, smart, and loving. The effort spent training will be paid back in years of unconditional love..
A fenced yard. Bert’s an active boy and needs some safe space to stretch those legs.
Snuggling. In addition to being an outdoor enthusiast Bert is a master snuggler.
Other dogs after slow introductions.
Adult humans with active lifestyles.
Going on hikes and long walks.
Private dog parks so he can kick out his jams without worrying about those dogs he doesn’t know.
Things Bert dislikes/needs to avoid:
Picking up: Bert cannot be picked up. He turns into a possessed demon if you levitate him off the ground. This is manageable with a basket muzzle. Bert’s fosters are working on counter training so this might be a thing of the past soon!
Kids any age are a no-go. It’s not that Bert doesn’t like them, he likes everybody. But his personality can be too much for the kiddos.
Public dog parks – these are way too stimulating.
Cats are too exciting for Bert. He doesn’t leave them alone and has paid the price for this pestering.
Behavioral considerations:
Leash walking: Bert must be walked with a harness. He had an embedded collar when he arrived in rescue. We don’t want to put pressure on his throat/neck. He also pulls on his walks initially, calming down after the initial excitement.
Car rides: Bert happily jumps in the car. He can’t wait to see where he might be going! Because of that excitement, he paces if left in the back unrestrained. He prefers to ride in style calming in a crate.
“Strange things” on the street: Bert doesn’t seem to know about city noises and activity. He may bark at people on the sidewalk and strange dogs, but he stops when you remind him that his humans will keep him and the house safe.
Taking treats: food is so, so good. Bert gets excited by even the most boring treats (I’ve tried Charlie Bears – trust me, they are not great). He tries to put treats in his mouth as fast as possible in case they disappear. He is learning how to take treats gently and like everything else he is learning, he’s getting better every day.
Impulse control: Bert can get overstimulated quickly. This is most likely from spending much of his life living outside without much human/canine interaction – okay, he had a dog buddy on the property he was taken from, but that is the only dog he ever interacted with before being rescued (he’s a little awkward).
If you have experience with working breed dogs, love to train and build a bond with your best friend, love to hike and snuggle in equal measures, this fun loving, loveable, funny boy might just be the one for you!
Neutered
Microchipped
Housebroken
Crate trained
UTD on vaccinations
UTD on preventatives
Good in a car
Albert's Dog Lounge is a specialty rescue focusing primarily on senior and special needs dogs.
Our process includes an approved application, reference checks, a homevisit, and then a meet and greet with the dog. Adoption fee is $350, ($600 for a pair). Learn more about Albert's Dog Lounge, our mission, and adoption policies by visiting Albertsdoglounge.org.
Begin your application process by copying this link into your web browser: https://www.albertsdoglounge.org/apply
WI Dept. Of Agriculture License Number: 474085-DS
NOTE ABOUT AGING A DOG: Aging a dog, based on looking at them, is unreliable and usually inaccurate. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality and their needs.
Puppy - Under 6 months
Young Adult - 6 months to 2 years
Adult - 2 years to 8 years
Senior - 8 years to 12 years
Golden Oldie - 12+ years
