Blue is a wonderful healer puppy that was owner released from a working ranch to our local shelter. Our family decided to foster her, to give her the best chance of finding a forever home. She has been in our home for almost 4 weeks. She had no leash experience when we picked her up, she was frantic and anxious. Now, Blue does very well on a leash and she is kennel trained. Blue is “mostly” house trained. She seems to only have accidents in the home if she is anxious and left home alone to wander.
I do not let her wander our home without someone present, in which case, she is at our heals at all times. We have avoided “bad” habits like being on furniture, beds or in the kitchen. Although I am sure she would love a home that allows all three of those things. She is quickly learning sign, I am positive with the right parents, she would excel. Blue absolutely loves children and other dogs, she seems to have very little interest in cats. Blue is gentle and playful. She was obviously well socialized as a small puppy.
She has no food aggression, she takes turns with treats and eating with our other dog. I can easily remove a bone from her mouth without even the slightest bit of resistance. Blue loves her tennis balls, long walks, car drives and play dates with other dogs. Blue does not like to be left home alone in her crate for an extended amounts of time, I do believe this will improve with more practice. Currently, her separation anxiety has lessened dramatically, but I suspect there will be some setback when she is re-homed, but it will lessen again over time. I am very fortunate that I can spend all day with her at my job. I feel Blue will do best in a home with another dog to help train her and keep her company. A home with children would be a huge bonus for her. On the other hand, if she is the only child, I think she will do just as well. She will not turn down the extra attention. We have been using the vibration collar recommended by deafdogsrock, she responds very well to it. She wears it when we are out of the house on walks, in our car or on play dates. It takes very little usage to help her understand she is in a situation where she needs to be focused on me.
We had her out on a ranch, once she understood her limits (using the collar and positive reinforcement aka treats), she was allowed to play with the other dogs off of a leash. She checked in with me often, and seemed to have no desire to run off. Blue loves to dig holes to bury her bones, and make nests under bushes. A beautifully landscaped backyard may see some changes with this sweet one around. I would like to find a home for her soon, although I love her dearly, I can only foster at this time.