Liesel

Liesel is a 5 month old puppy, surrendered by her owners to a veterinarian when they could not afford the surgery necessary to remove the collar embedded in her neck because it had never been adjusted for her growth. It appears that the imbedded collar was removed in time, avoiding long term throat or voice box damage, though the fur pattern on her neck may be permanently disrupted. She is also recovering from underfeeding, and mild, tick-induced anemia. At 40 pounds, with good sized feet, she promises to be a handsome big girl when she is all grown up.

Liesel is very affectionate, attentive to her human, smart, and trains easily. For her age, she is comparatively calm and well-mannered, but a more spunky, confident kid is emerging as her health improves.

She seems fully potty trained, and has had no accidents in the house. She is quickly learning sit, and is polite, even hesitant, about going through doors. She is in the chewing stage of puppyhood, so shoes, socks and other floor level items should beware. However, she redirects easily, and with a good supply of toys and bones available is learning quickly what is acceptable to chew.

Liesel has had little exposure to this big interesting world, but is doing well learning about it, with calm introductions to a wide variety of situations. When presented with something new, she will bark, including at her own reflection in the mirror, other dogs, cats, and even stuffed animals, but then explores and accepts things calmly. Going down stairs is still a scary test of gravity, and she needs to be lifted in and out of the car, though rides well provided she is not too far from her human.

With other dogs, after initially barking, she is soon trying to coax them into playing, and plays nicely, including with small dogs. She is doing well fitting in with the three resident German Shepherds at her foster home, and is learning manners towards other dogs. Cats are a pretty weird surprise for her. She hasn't figured them out, barks, but doesn't chase if they don't run, and respects a hiss and swat. With time and training, she should be able to learn to live well with cats.

It will be some time before Liesel can wear a conventional collar for training, and she will have to wear a harness for now. She waits patiently on leash when her foster dad is busy, but walks are anything but linear. She settles well for a puppy her age, and has been going to work with her foster dad, chewing bones and sniffing around in between long, deep naps, though a careful watch is needed over files and books at mouth level.

With continued exposure to a variety of situations and people, and socialization with other dogs, Liesel will be a wonderful and devoted family member for the lucky adopter of this cutie.

This is a Level 2 Dog

Added September 2013