Benny Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler Andover, NJ

If interested please contact the foster home. Petfinders profiles doesn’t always work.

Benny is a real ride or die kinda cattle dog looking for his furever person to match that energy. Unfortunately, Benny had a rough start in life. The details are unknown, but when he came to rescue his back leg required amputation. As a result, Benny displays fear-based reactivity to new people in his home. Outside of the home Benny is cautious with new people and not typically open to new people touching or petting him. For these reasons, applications with small children and/or no cattle dog experience will not be considered.
If you are lucky enough to be deemed Benny’s person, though, LOOK. OUT. The untapped potential and bull-in-a-china-shop young cattle dog energy are strong with this one. While in foster, he’s been enrolled in Basic Obedience and Intro to Rally classes and at home, he’s been enjoying learning nosework, puzzles and how to stack rings. His foster mom is always surprised by the speed that he picks up on new concepts. She’s sure it’s not her training skills but more so Benny’s intelligence and drive to find his job.
And here’s more good news: With appropriate management and positive reinforcement, Benny has shown improvement in all aspects of his “negative” behaviors. It is vitally important that Benny’s furever person understand their role as his advocate in triggering situations - by ensuring he feels safe, keeping Benny at a distance and instructing new people how to behave and not letting Benny tell them instead! Positive reinforcement and time have only shown him to be more trusting of more people more quickly. But to be clear, this is not behavior that will be resolved within weeks of being adopted, or even months. Benny’s behavior will require a lifelong commitment, and if he is set up for success and feels safe, Benny will continue to shine in your care!
Benny is dog friendly, good with dog savvy cats, and would do well with a well-trained companion dog to help him learn the ropes in his new home. One of his favorite things to do is play with his cattle dog foster sister.
Benny is estimated to be about a year old, is up to date on vaccines, neutered and current on flea/tick and heartworm preventative. He's medium sized at 35 pounds. His person will need to be committed to his care and any additional support that might arise due to his condition, like joint supplements, weight maintenance and activities that are safe for his condition. He is most recently recovering from a broken elbow, and will require continued physical therapy and attention to his health.
Benny is such a sweet and silly guy who has been through too much in his short life. His foster mom wants to be sure his next home is his last home. His ideal home is a quiet suburban or rural neighborhood with lots of space to sniff and play with a person or people who are going to give him the chance he deserves at a safe, fun and love-filled life.

Please contact acdranicole@gmail.com.

Complete an Application:
https://www.acdra.org/adoption-application