Geneva

We were pleasantly surprised the other day when we discovered that she is pretty well trained. She is completely housebroken and very responsive (when motivated by treats) with sit, lay down, stay, and speak. There is a possibility she knows shake as well, but that isn't quite as sure of a response from her. She does great in the car and is very much a talker. She has a higher pitched bark that she uses to let you know 'hey, I'm here and I want attention!!'

She definitely thinks she is the dominant dog at our house and wants to make sure that everyone else knows that too. We had a labrador house guest for a while and she would put her head and paw across his shoulders and push on him. Additionally, she attempts to regulate all of the play in the house by snapping at the other dogs and making 'chewbacca' noises. We've found that we can keep this under control by putting her into a submissive position when she starts to get out of hand - we start with a sit and if that doesn't settle her down, progress to lay down and will even put her on her side. She is learning how to let go of that need to show dominance and just play - she can do about 7 minutes of tug-of-war now before she decides it is her toy and no one else can play with it. Additionally, she's perfectly content when everyone has a bone, but is much happier when she has all the bones and has no qualms about taking from the other dogs to make that happen.

On walks and in other public situations (Petco, Lowes and at the Vet) she clearly demonstrates that she has no love for dogs she hasn't been properly introduced to; she barks, snarls, and lunges. Recently in an attempt to desensitize her from dogs on walks, we've begun walking her in an area by our house where the backyards are fenced in chain link so you can see the other dogs. We're currently walking the span of 6 houses in about 30 minutes because we keep stopping to correct her.

She is a good dog with the potential to be an amazing dog if someone spent a lot of time socializing and desensitizing her to the outside world. At this point, she would be a great only dog for someone who doesn't want to go places that might have other dogs around. If you wanted a dog that would hang around the house, go for early morning walks, and be a great companion then Geneva is the dog for you. If you want a dog that you can take to dog beach, dog park, or out on errands then perhaps a less reactive dog would be a better choice.

June 16, 2009
It's time for an intensive Miss Manners training course. Or more accurately, the doggie equivalent of Miss Manners. If you've read about Geneva, you know she is a wonderful girl who has some issues with other dogs to whom she has not been properly introduced. Her foster family continues to work with her every day and makes certain that she gets lots of exercise, stimulation and training. While Geneva is making great progress on her journey toward becoming a happy, well adjusted canine good citizen, we've decided to enroll her in a three week intensive course to deal with her anxiety around other dogs. Let's hope that practice (every day for three weeks!) makes perfect! Since Geneva will be busy with training, she will be unable to attend upcoming Coastal adoption events. But if you have questions about Geneva or would like to make arrangements to meet this special girl, please let us know. In the meantime, Geneva is packing her doggie duds and is getting ready for lots of hard work!

If you are interested in meeting me, please contact Teresa via email at baltao@sbcglobal.net. Don't forget to fill out our online application.

The minimum adoption donation ranges from $400 to $500. This amount only partially covers the cost of veterinary care, boarding fees, and other miscellaneous expenses involved in the temporary care and adoption of our dogs and is tax deductible.

Prior to placement, all dogs will be spayed or neutered, receive current vaccinations, and are usually microchipped. If not, arrangements will be made on an individual basis. Special consideration may be given to those willing to adopt older dogs or dogs with physical problems.

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