About Gertie
Hello! I’m Gertie, a kind, gentle, and utterly adorable dog who’s looking for my forever home. I love playing with soft toys, spending time with my humans, and exploring new places. My ideal day can be as active or relaxed as yours – I’ll happily match your energy levels. While I can be trusted to relax on my own, I do prefer to have company and will often stay near you, keeping a gentle watch. I’m crate-trained but equally happy on a comfy dog bed. Im not continuing on in the SED training program as I have a corneal scar on one eye, which may be degenerative later on, but it’s currently unknown.
I’m a high-drive, high-energy dog who’s willing, enthusiastic, and smart. I love training and learning new tasks, engaging very well with my handler and transitioning easily between activities. I’m confident and haven’t shown any environmental sensitivities. My home behavior is excellent, and I settle well once I’ve had a walk. Volunteers who’ve minded me have all loved having me around!
Where I grew up
I’ve been living in an apartment with two adults and two feline friends, so I’m familiar with indoor living and having other animals around. My daily adventures include accompanying my carer to work at a university, where I spend time in the office and even visit classrooms to meet students. I’ve also spent time with children and elderly people and enjoy interacting with everyone I meet. I’ve done relief care stays with other dogs, visited nursing homes, and lived with older kids. I may need support initially to settle into new environments, but I adapt quickly and do well.
A good fit for me is...
I’d thrive with someone who has an active lifestyle and can include me in their daily activities. If you work from home or can take me along to your workplace, I’ll be your loyal companion. Having another pet at home or plenty of space to play would be wonderful, as I do enjoy company and don’t like being alone for long periods. A home with a secure yard for playtime would be perfect, as I occasionally enjoy digging and exploring outdoors. My ideal family would have patience and consistency to help me with my recall, excitement around new people and dogs, and focus during interactions.
If you’re a motivated and engaged handler, I could be a fantastic fit for you! I’m not a low-key, easy, cuddly dog but would be perfect for someone looking for a smart, trainable companion who thrives on activity and learning complex tasks.
My personality traits
- Affectionate and loyal; I’ll follow you around or wait patiently nearby
- Kind and gentle, especially with children and elderly people
- Energetic and playful, but equally happy to relax and enjoy quiet time
- Very responsive to verbal commands
- Excitable around people and dogs; loves belly rubs and meeting new friends
- Engages very well with her handler and transitions easily between tasks
- Enjoys crate time, playing with toys, and using puzzle feeders like Kongs
- Independent, yet loves to be included in family activities
- Alert barks to let you know when something’s happening
- Can counter surf, so I’ll need guidance on boundaries in the kitchen
- Loves exploring but needs a bit of coaxing to move on when meeting new friends
I can be activated easily and tend to get excited around new people and dogs. I’m making great progress with training and age, but I still need support to focus around dogs or to stay sitting if someone pats me. My recall at dog parks can be tricky, especially when I’m exploring at first, but I’m improving with consistent guidance.
If you’re ready for a sweet, high-energy companion who’s eager to learn and will fill your life with adventure and love, I’d love to meet you! Let’s make memories together.