New Zealand Rescue DOGS Learn to Drive Mini Cooper!

Monty, a shelter dog from Auckland, SPCA learns to drive a MINI Cooper

Can you really teach a dog to drive? The SPCA of Auckland, New Zealand seems to think so. In an effort to change "common misconceptions" about rescue dogs and to increase animal adoption, Auckland SPCA is putting three of their dogs behind the wheel of a Mini Cooper Countryman. 

Porer, an Auckland SPCA rescue dog learns to drive

Can Dogs Really Learn to Drive? SPCA Auckland wanted to make a bold statement about rescue dogs, so pairing up with the makers of MINI and the engineering team of Ikon Engineering they came up with a modified version of the Mini Countryman which allowed three selected dogs from Auckland SPCA by the name of Porter, Monty and Ginny to prove how intelligent rescue dogs can be. 
SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin explains “I think sometimes people think because they're getting an animal that's been abandoned that somehow it's a second-class animal,”  reported the New Zealand Herald.

Ginny, an SPCA rescue learns to drive a MINI 

“...In eight short weeks of training, which really shows with the right environment just how much potential all dogs from the SPCA have as family pets.”



“Driving a car actively demonstrates to potential rescue dog adopters that you can teach an old dog new tricks. The dogs have achieved amazing things in eight short weeks of training, which really shows with the right environment just how much potential all dogs from the SPCA have as family pets.”

The Drivers left to right: Porter, Monty, Ginny

Auckland's own renowned dog trainer Mark Vette and his team from the animal talent agency Animal on Q took on the challenge to train three canines to drive. “Monty, Porter and Ginny are great dogs each with their own distinct personality. You wouldn't believe any dog could learn to drive a car on its own and the way all three SPCA rescue dogs have taken to training really does prove that intelligent creatures adapt to the situation they're in. It really is remarkable,” said Mark Vette.

THE DRIVERS

Porter is a 10-month old Beardie Cross who use to roam the streets of Mangere East, when not learning to drive a MINI, he loves adventure, playing with kids and chasing cats.

Porter

Ginny  is a 1 year old Beardie Whippet Cross. As the only female canine driver in the pack, she was very skinny when she was first brought into Auckland, but during her time there she put on some weight and is ready for a new home.

Ginny

Monty
is a Giant Schnauzer cross at 18 month old. He was brought into the Auckland SPCA in June when his owners had to give him up. With fur that's longer than most, regular brushing is all he needs

Monty

Set to air on live television on Campbell Live, New Zealand's half-hour current affair  program, next Monday, Dec. 10. as Porter drives a MINI live on New Zealand television.

VIDEO: Watch as these three k-9 train to drive a MINI for LIVE television
MORE

The LIVE televised event has been broadcasted! You can now see the full, complete version of the dogs driving by clicking here.
SOURCE: SPCA (Auckland, NZ) Facebook | New Zealand Herald