Meet Oliver

MEET OLIVER Oliver is a 7-year-old deaf French Bulldog with a BIG personality packed into one very entertaining little guy. He is sweet, affectionate, playful, curious, and always ready for an adventure. Oliver loves his people, loves going places, LOVES the beach, and is happiest when he gets to be part of whatever is happening. But Oliver is also a dog who needs a person willing to understand him, give him structure, and continue helping him learn. And honestly? We think he’s worth it. ABOUT OLIVER Oliver may be deaf, but that certainly hasn’t stopped him from enjoying life. Because he can’t rely on verbal communication, he is learning to communicate through visual cues and body language. He is also learning the importance of checking in with his person for direction. He is very food motivated and highly motivated by play, which makes training fun and gives his future family some great tools to work with. Oliver already knows basic cues like sit and down, and his training will continue to be a work in progress. His future family will need to continue building that communication and relationship with him, particularly because the engagement he has developed with familiar people won’t automatically transfer to a new person overnight. The good news? Oliver is smart, playful, and absolutely capable of learning. PERSONALITY Oliver is: Affectionate and people-orientedPlayful and entertainingVery food motivatedA huge fan of toys and tugAn enthusiastic walking and adventure buddyA serious beach loverCurious and engagedCapable of settling nicely in the houseFull of personality He can also be vocal when he knows his person is nearby and he wants access to them. He may complain initially if he’s separated from his person while they’re home, but he settles quickly. He does remain quiet when left home alone. TRAINING & IMPULSE CONTROL Oliver’s biggest area for continued training is impulse control. He can be an “act first, think later” kind of guy. He has been working on: Paying attention to his person, visual communication, leash manners, remaining calm, waiting his turn, food manners, toy exchanges and releases. Oliver is strong for his size and can pull on leash, so his leash skills will need continued work. He needs a family who is willing to be consistent. Oliver will absolutely test boundaries, and giving him everything he wants simply because he’s cute is probably not going to help him become the best version of himself. He will thrive with structure, consistency, patience and follow-through. FOOD & RESOURCE GUARDING Oliver is extremely food motivated, and we recommend that he be fed separately from other animals. Oliver has not demonstrated food aggression toward people, and he has been worked with around his food to help him understand that people approaching his bowl can mean good things. However, he has demonstrated resource-related behavior involving other animals. For that reason, treats and bones should be managed carefully in a multi-pet household. Oliver also loves toys and is still learning that giving something up doesn’t mean it is gone forever. Trades are recommended rather than simply taking valuable items away from him. OTHER DOGS Oliver has successfully lived with and spent time with several other dogs. He has interacted appropriately and peacefully with all but one larger male dog. Being that this issue has only occurred with one dog, we don’t believe it would be accurate to say that he is not dog friendly, but maybe dog selective. We feel he would do very well with a female dog. If Oliver is adopted into a home with another dog, we will want a thoughtful introduction and careful consideration of the individual dog’s personality, size and temperament. CATS Oliver has been able to coexist with a dog-savvy cat under normal circumstances. HANDLING Oliver can be sensitive about handling around his neck and face. This has improved as his trust and relationships with people have developed, but it is something his future family will need to continue working on gradually and respectfully. When Oliver becomes highly excited or frustrated, giving him time and space to settle before attempting additional physical handling is important. OLIVER’S IDEAL HOME Oliver needs someone who sees the fun, affectionate, hilarious little dog underneath the things he’s still learning. He would love a person or family who enjoys walks, playtime, adventures and including their dog in everyday life. His future family should be comfortable continuing his training and working on visual communication, impulse control, leash manners and appropriate resource management. A home with another dog may be possible, but we will want to carefully consider the individual dog and make sure the introduction is appropriate. We are looking for someone who understands that loving a dog and setting boundaries are not opposites. Oliver doesn’t need to be perfect. He needs someone willing to keep teaching him. THE BOTTOM LINE Oliver is funny. He’s affectionate. He’s playful. He’s curious. He LOVES an adventure. He loves the beach. He loves toys. He loves food. And he genuinely enjoys being with his people. He’s looking for someone who sees the dog he already is, understands where he still needs help, and is willing to keep building on the progress he’s already made. If you’re looking for a little Frenchie with a huge personality and you’re ready to be part of his continued journey, Oliver may be your guy.