Meet Jack. ❤️

Jack is a young Lab/Malinois/Border Collie/Heeler mix who is still looking for his forever home.

Jack originally belonged to a senior family who loved him very much, but as he grew, it became clear that they simply weren't physically able to meet the needs of a large, energetic, adolescent working-breed mix.

This wasn't anyone's fault and it certainly wasn't Jack's fault.

He's a big, enthusiastic boy with a huge zest for life, and that kind of energy doesn't always pair well with older, more fragile owners who can't safely manage a strong, excited young dog.

So I stepped in to foster him temporarily while we search for the right long-term fit.

Over the past few months, this boy has come a long way.

Jack is now neutered, fully vaccinated, kennel trained, and has been putting in a lot of work. While he is still very much an enthusiastic, high-energy young dog, he is regulating more easily, recovering faster from excitement, and making better decisions every day.

And honestly? He's a really fun dog to live with.

He's affectionate, cuddly when he's settled, incredibly intelligent, and genuinely happy-go-lucky. He loves being involved in whatever is happening around him and wants to be part of the action.

Once his exercise and enrichment needs are met, he's more than happy to curl up beside you on the couch or settle down for some affection.

Speaking of settling — Jack is kennel trained and does beautifully in his kennel. It's become a safe and calming space for him, and he settles very nicely with routine and structure.

One of the coolest things about Jack is how quickly he learns. It often only takes a repetition or two for him to understand a new concept, and once he understands what you're asking, he's surprisingly consistent with it.

His biggest challenge isn't intelligence — it's that the world is just really exciting to him.

Jack is naturally very environmentally driven and can become distracted by all the interesting things happening around him. Building engagement, reinforcement history, and a strong relationship with his handler will be important for his continued success, but the progress he's already made in these areas has been incredibly encouraging.

He also does well with other dogs when introductions and play are managed appropriately. He enjoys social interactions and play, though like many young dogs he can still get overexcited at times and occasionally needs reminders to slow down and read the room a little better.

Jack would likely thrive with:
• an active individual or couple
• someone who enjoys hiking, training, camping, or outdoor adventures
• people familiar with higher-energy breeds
• a home committed to continuing his training and structure

I want to be transparent that I cannot keep Jack long term. Between my own dogs, my family, and running a dog training business full time, I simply don't have the capacity to permanently add another high-drive working-breed dog to my household.

The good news is that whoever adopts Jack won't be doing this alone.

As a professional trainer, I am more than happy to continue supporting his future family free of charge for as long as they need. I will gladly help with training guidance, transition support, management strategies, engagement building, and ongoing coaching because I genuinely want both Jack and his future family to succeed together.

At the end of the day, Jack isn't a problem dog.

He's a smart, affectionate, goofy young dog with a huge personality, a lot of potential, and a whole lot of love to give to the right person.

And for the right home, he's going to make an incredible companion. ❤️

Please text 587-600-4720 for more information or to set up a meet and greet!