It’s anyone’s guess what Johnny’s life was like before he arrived at the BC SPCA’s West Vancouver branch in mid February. All interim shelter manager Krista Unser knows for sure is that this goofy six-month-old craves the kind of structure that seems to have been missing in his last home.
“Johnny is a surrender from Quesnel who was transferred to us through the Drives for Lives program, which moves animals around the province to different BC SPCA shelters in order to give them a second chance at finding their forever home,” says Unser. “We believe he was a high-energy puppy who was failed, in that he didn’t get the attention he required from the people he lived with. He may have been kept primarily outside, either loose or tied up. He still needs to learn good doggy manners: how to stay calm and focused, how to meet new people and dogs politely, and how to discover the world around him without being so frantic.”
Though he may not have a mean bone in his body, this black-and-brown Doberman-hound mix lacks the discipline needed to engage with the world in a safe and non-reactive way. Unser calls him a “stunted puppy,” who was not given the chance to learn the things most dogs are taught at a young age. Happily, the SPCA has picked up the slack, with staff starting to teach Johnny the skills and behaviours he needs to be a great companion.
Much of the work, however, will likely be up to his adopter. “We see a lot of possibility with Johnny – he’s super playful and loves his stuffies and chew toys. He’s also very curious and loves to engage with people,” says Unser. “Right now he’s the only dog at our branch, which makes him somewhat of a celebrity, and the more we get to know him, the more friendliness and affection we see. But he does require a home with someone who’s wanting and willing to work with him through positive reinforcement-based obedience, lots of mental stimulation and plenty of outdoor exercise.”
Though an experienced caregiver would make the ideal adopter for this dog, an active first-timer, with the desire to train and build a strong and lasting bond with this handsome boy, would be fine. Johnny would also do best as the sole pet in an adult-only home. (Older children are likely OK.)
Barking, for now, may also pose a bit of an issue. “He can be a very vocal dog – that’s the hound in him – and so wouldn’t be suited to an environment where barking could really cause a disturbance,” says Unser. “He’s also highly social, and plenty of interactions with other playful and friendly dogs will go a long way in teaching him the doggy skills he’s been working on building up.”
Unser adds that anyone who is thinking about, or actively looking to rescue, a puppy should not be deterred by Johnny’s temporary shortcomings – he is, after all, still young, still impressionable and still learning. “Johnny’s a ‘project’ or a ‘fixer upper,’ and that’s nothing to be intimidated by,” she says. “He’s a blank slate who simply requires good guidance from the right person. I know that once he finds that person, a lifelong bond will form. It’ll be an interesting journey, for sure, but he’s going to learn how to be a dog – and a great one at that.”
Are you the special adopter who will help Johnny reach his full doggy potential? For more information, search for the West Vancouver branch at spca.bc.ca.
