Bentley 25-021

Bentley has a wonderful mix of a gentle spirit with loads of energy, curiosity when given an outlet and opportunity to explore, and when he plays,  he does so with gusto. Bentley knows his name and responds when called. He is an incredibly FAST learner. Only once did we show him where he eats his meals, and he heads there right away when we are getting meals ready.  He’s waited patiently when done, until our dogs are done, and everyone has had the chance to eat without interruptions from anyone else.

His bathroom habits are good; he knows to go outside to do all his business and has never had an accident here. We let our​ dogs out frequently, but already know that his signal to go out is pacing around. He sleeps quietly at night in our bedroom on a dog bed with no issues. F​oster dad lets him out at 4​:30 am before he leaves for work, and he returns to our room to rest quietly until I get up with all the dogs for breakfast. He doesn’t seem to have any issues with going out in the rain to do his bathroom breaks. It’s been pouring here for two days, and he would stay out longer if allowed. He LOVES to be brushed gently and LOVES attention, pets, and love. He usually settles down for a quick nap after play, loves stuffies and doesn’t seem to destroy them like some dogs, and enjoys chewing Nylabones too. 

Dog Requirements: Another dog is required as he is still learning to be a confident dog. He’s taking cues from our dogs, big new noises startle him, he’s skittish regarding some things, he didn’t appear to know what a ball was, curious, but very cautious at first. Now he loves balls. He’s very energetic and tries to engage in play with our senior girls who don’t want his exuberance. He gets a bit rambunctious with them, but eventually takes the hint and goes about his business. He takes correction from our oldest Ruby very well. He met our kids’ dogs with no issues on Saturday and made best friends with Winnie and Fin (female & male) right off the bat. We think from the few days of our observation that he would benefit from a confident, established, but playful resident dog. 

​Children Requirements: He interacted with our daughter’s stepdaughters well over the weekend, but we feel kids 8 years old + would be the best fit.

Behavior and Exercise Needs:  He takes our verbal corrections very well, and actually seems to stop immediately what he’s doing, but also seems a bit afraid, comes to us following the correction for reassurance that he’s not in trouble. He loves his​ foster dad, but also seems hesitant at times too. ​Foster dad wore a breathing mask in the garage to avoid dust while cutting wood one evening and came in with it on. Bentley growled at him because he didn’t recognize him. ​Foster dad bent down, took off his mask, and reassured him it was ok. He greeted all our family visitors on Saturday with no issues and loved everyone. He’s walked very limited time on leash and harness, but didn’t seem to have any issues. We feel he needs lots of exercise to burn off his incredible puppy energy and would benefit greatly from a beginner obedience class. We intend to increase walk times in the future. He does not know how to “retrieve” frisbees or balls yet; work in progress.

Fence requirements:  We feel a fenced yard would be best for Bentley. We knew from his previous owner that he got bored in the yard and was digging. We’ve seen no evidence of that here because he’s been active, directed play, and supervised. We recommend no tie-out for Bentley. He is a little energizer bunny/spitfire with a need to burn off energy.

Adopter requirements:  Someone who is home more often would benefit Bentley’s future. A semi-retired person or couple, or someone who works from home (at least partially) would be in his best interest.  We worry that if left alone all day with nobody to direct all his puppy energy and potty breaks, there would be behavior issues to deal with eventually. 

Bentley is truly a gem of a dog.  Some family, person, or couple will be so incredibly blessed to have him.   Submit your application today for this incredibly sweet guy!