River
With a forgiving heart and a briefcase packed with updated training, River is ready to put his past in the rear-view mirror and move forward with hope and devotion. Smart and eager to please, River seeks a dog-experienced human and loving companion to help him chart his next course.
- A true rescue tail; four-year-old Field Golden who was once a house dog before spending years in a small outdoor enclosure.
- Loyal and loving, he has worked hard to fill in the gaps created by years of isolation.
- Aced his foster visit; house trained with good house manners; Well-behaved on Doggy Day Outs; Takes treats nicely; no resource guarding
- Has learned Sit, Down, Wait, Come, Leave It, and Loose Leash Walking; Can be excited when he first greets but settles down quickly; Can pull hard toward critters or reactive dogs
- Lacks experience with other dogs but shows future potential; Best as only dog in the home for now; Prey Drive – No Cats; Best with Adults
- Smart and aims to please; seeks reassurance and returns it with a willingness to work and devotion.
His time at foster proved to us that River was once a house dog. Which makes his story even more heartbreaking. Years ago, someone moved River to an outdoor 4×6’ kennel and essentially threw away the key. This four-year-old boy came to us matted, filthy, weighing only 46 lbs. and completely unsocialized. He was understandably stressed in the kennel and over-the-top with people and dogs. First and foremost, River needed to know that we would always show up for him and that his days of isolation were over. We did; and they were.
For the past two and a half months, River has had a consistent schedule of daily training and play. He has gone from desperate and needy to mastering a long list of commands, acing doggy day outs, and earning an A on his foster stay. River is a smart boy who learns quickly and aims to please. He is house trained, able to settle in the home, rides well in the car, and greets strangers happily. He loves the outdoors and his doggy pool, and while the big pool is still a little intimidating, he’s a water boy that would probably do well in a lake or river where he can see the entry and exit. He loves his toys and will trade easily for treats.
River lacked exposure to other dogs. As a result, his approach is very puppy-like; something that is not always appreciated. He needs more experience reading dogs’ body language and taking cues from them. River is good with nice dogs at the fence and on leash and has shown the potential to be with other well-matched dogs given a slow introduction; but he will react in-kind to reactive dogs. He also thinks that small critters are toys that need to be conquered, otherwise known as prey drive. He needs dog-experienced and sturdy humans who understand the bond built by training and who are able to re-direct him when necessary. Given his prior imprisonment, he is not a fan of the crate or kennel.
This active, fun-loving boy with a forgiving heart bonds tightly to his person. River has worked hard at re-writing his story. He asks that you not see him for where he has been, but for what he has accomplished so far and his potential for more. He has more than earned his second chapter and is ready to make someone a loyal and loving companion.