Ferguson

This happy guy is Ferguson. He is a happy and goofy 15-month-old Golden Retriever/Bernese Mountain Dog mix who is forever wagging his tail. Ferguson is delighted with life and seems to be smiling constantly. He is what his foster owners refer to as a “floppy dog”. This means once a pet starts, then the leaning begins which often turns into a flop on to the floor for a belly rub. He almost seems to have liquid bones as he flops from standing to immediate belly rub position which is endlessly entertaining. 

This silly fellow looks essentially like a Golden Retriever, only jet black with a white patch on his chest and a big, strong Berner head. He even has the crimped retriever ears. He fully encapsulates the goofiness of a Bernese Mountain dog and the friendliness of a golden retriever, making what we think might be the best mix ever. 

Ferguson came to us as an unclaimed farm dog so perhaps doesn’t have the trauma some of our other dogs have experienced, however, he needed to learn how to be an indoor pet. House training came easy for him as did crate training. He goes into his crate when he sleeps and when we aren’t home and goes in easily to the command “crate”. Since his first night with us, he sleeps in his crate without a sound. What Ferguson does need continued training with is his manners. Ferguson is an excitable and extremely friendly guy who doesn’t quite understand why everyone wouldn’t want him greeting them. He is improving, however is still learning to not put his paws up on his loved ones and pull to meet other furry friends on walks. Ferguson had likely not been on a leash in his previous life and that shows as he is a natural puller. He has responded well and improved significantly in the weeks we’ve had him with leash training, however, that is a work in progress. Luckily, he is completely made up of love, happiness, and excitement and we haven’t noted an ounce of aggression with other dogs, he just wants to play with them! Ferguson LOVES to play, him and his foster brother wrestle and play nicely often. That being said, Ferguson is a moderate energy level pup who also loves a good nap and spends a good chunk of his day snoozing in his favourite spot. Ferguson loves a car ride and happily lies in the back seat calmy or with his nose out the window to smell the passing streets. 

Ferguson hasn’t met a person he hasn’t immediately loved either! New friends do have to know to be calm when meeting him to not get him riled up. This loveable pup has met children and adults and is his same happy, floppy, and tail wagging good boy with everyone he meets. Again, he just needs some manners to not overwhelm everyone who comes in the door! 

Another love of Ferguson’s is toys. We keep a basket of toys in the corner, and I think for the first time since fostering we’ve seen every single toy out on the floor. He doesn’t discriminate either! He will happily chase a ball, tug on a rope with his foster brother, or chew a squeaky toy. Definitely, his favourite toy is whatever one his brother Is playing with so he can initiate play. We have not noticed any guarding behaviour and is equally happy to share if a human or another dog wants the toy he currently has. 

Ferguson has not formally met a cat, but on walks when a cat is in his sights, he very much wants to make them a friend. It is hard to know if that is prey drive or pure-hearted intent. Best for now he go to a home without a cat to be safe for all.   Where he for sure shows prey drive is with the neighbourhood squirrels. Ferguson fancies himself the neighbourhood watch when it comes to squirrels coming for the walnuts in our yard and will dart from front facing window to back door to watch the walnut stealers.  When he’s let outside, him and his brother beeline to wherever the squirrels were last seen. He has not caught one yet, but he is determined to keep our yard squirrel free. Notably, we have not heard his voice yet and only the occasional squeak/ whine when he wants to chase a furry friend or go outside. 

The ideal home for Ferguson is fairly open. He requires owners who are committed to training him to have the manners of a very good boy – especially a strong 70 pound, excitable boy! Ferguson loves all people, including children, but would do best with children beyond the toddling stage as well as elderly persons as he is a bit unaware of other people’s personal bubbles and could knock someone off their feet. Ferguson loves his foster brother and does very well having another dog to show him the ropes as well as another big friend to play with. He would also do very well as the sole dog in the home with all the attention on him. 

Ferguson is a very friendly guy with all the classic personality characteristics of a golden retriever with the addition of a Bernese Mountain dog goofiness. He will require diligent training, and all Pound Dog adopters are required to participate in basic training at a minimum. Overall, Ferguson has been an absolute joy to have in our home and will make an excellent addition to a family or household!