Vitals

• Gender:  Male

• DOB:  March 20, 2020

• Neutered: Yes, Sept 2021

• Dewclaws: Present

• Tail:  Not docked

• Markings: Fur tuft, right shoulder

• ID:  Tattoo and Microchip

• Weight:  Approx 65 pounds

• Height:  24-28 inches at shoulders

• Breeder:  Known to the VSO

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What We Know / Have Learned About Bentley

Bentley is a 4.5-year-old neutered male Vizsla relinquished to the VSO in May 2024.  He was in a loving home but experienced a traumatic experience that resulted in extreme anxiety issues associated with separation and crate confinement. This resulted in a rather serious bite while he was in a near panic-state and led to the difficult decision to surrender him because of a vulnerable individual in his household.

 

After being placed in a foster home, a program of environmental modifications (primarily no crating and his own space for sleeping and eating), behavioral modification and counter conditioning training was implemented.  With adherence to this management protocol, Bentley has evolved into a near-model dog.

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• ​Relinquished to the VSO late April 2024.

• Fostered with experienced dog owners since May (4.5 months).

• Extreme fear of being crated (due to a trauma situation), means he should NEVER be forced into or confined to a crate.  He is fine with a gate across a doorway and generally respects its purpose, although he can jump over them easily.

• Displays resource guarding with his food bowl and anything he has in his mouth.  While these behaviours can be reversed, they take time and should only be dealt with by an experienced owner/trainer.

• Has not been left unattended for extended periods (over three hours) while in his foster home.

• Good self-regulation; will even put himself to bed once he is in an established routine.

• Experienced and effective practical field hunter, although not trained for field competition.

• Force/aversive training practices must NEVER again be employed with Bentley.

• Indifferent to loud noises such as thunder, lightning, gunshots or motors. In fact, original owner used a shotgun blast or the revving of an ATV motor for recall cues – Bentley has a major case of FOMO – fear of missing out.

• 98% recall reliability (ear-to-brain disengagement when locked onto a bird or squirrel or swimming after waterfowl). When younger, on several occasions he did run off to follow running game, returning on his owner after a period of time.

• Friendly with people, including teenagers and children. He is quite adaptable and has behaved impeccably on trips to baseball tournaments, family-reunion picnics, cottages, hunt camps, riding stables and dog parks.

• Well-behaved with other dogs: sometimes engages in play, sometimes indifferent – Bentley prefers finding squirrels. He generally minds his manners, though.

• In his original home, Bentley lived with a younger Vizsla “sister”, whom he adored and slept curled up with every night. He was prone to rough housing and a bit of resource guarding with her, though.

• Accepts strangers happily (i.e., dog-walkers and sitters, repair persons, etc.).

• Travels well in cars, trucks and boats. Totally comfortable wearing a safety harness while in a vehicle (not a crate please).

• Good general health. Current on all vaccinations.

• Has a lump on right shoulder, but a recent biopsy shows it is benign.

 

Ideal Home For Bentley

 

• People who are comfortable with lots of tactile behavior. Bentley loves giving and receiving affection, especially while in someone’s lap.

• Household with a physically active lifestyle. Bentley is used to being extremely active, winter and summer. Whether running, hunting, cross country skiing, swimming, playing (with other dogs or people) or frequent excursions, he is the ideal “adventure” dog.

• Bentley may never be able to be kept in a crate, although it might be possible with patient, long-term counter-conditioning training.

• Must be comfortable in allowing Bentley a certain amount of self-agency and decision making. Bentley is extremely cooperative and listens well, and he wants to do the right thing – especially for treats. However, forcing him to do something will be counterproductive and possibly risky. The new family must not physically try to take something away from Bentley or try to get him to move. Trades, lures and rewards are the safest way to interact with Bentley. (Susan Garrett’s “It’s Your Choice” shaping methodology is perfect with Bentley.)

• A home where Bentley will not be left alone for long periods of time (i.e., the workday). If a longer separation is unavoidable, a visit from a friend or dog-walker for a break is mandatory.

 

Requirements

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• Consistent daily dosage of anti-anxiety medication, Fluoxetine, an SSRI anti-depressant.

• Absolutely NO forcible confinement in a crate.

• Positive, non-aversive training methods ONLY. (Absolutely NO force training – a major contributor to his reactivity and fear aggressive behavior.)

• NO removal of his food bowl while he is eating or toys he has in his mouth.

 

Foster's Commentary

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A note from Bentley’s current foster mom:

 

• When he first came to us as a foster, Bentley was already impeccably trained in all the commands and has kept up his good behaviour. His athleticism and agility are remarkable. Even when he is off leash, he returns to us when called and can hear us from far away. He is happiest when chasing birds through the forest or snuggling on the couch after a long walk. He also enjoys carrying his toys around in his mouth, looking for a human to play tug of war.  

 

• He has been affectionate with everyone in the family and has even jumped into the laps of strangers who invited him onto the couch. He enjoys curling up beside his human after a walk, living up to the Velcro nickname.  He is also friendly towards the various visitors to our house, such as the plumber or housekeeper, who he greets with a wagging tale. 

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Adoption Fee

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• $400.

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