Willow-MAGSR-2022

Willow

(Willow is represented by: MAGSR)

Gender: Female
Breed: German Shepherd Mix
Color: Black & Tan
Date of Birth: 02/28/2018
Date of Birth is estimated: Yes
Current Size: 66
Ideal/Potential Size: 60
Housebroken: Yes
Obedience Trained: Working on it
Living With: Foster
History: Abuse/Neglect

Good With Kids: Unknown
Good with Cats: No
Other Dogs OK: No

Foster ID:
Foster Needed?: No

Represented by: MAGSR
Contact Email:
Contact Name:
Contact Phone No.:

NID#: 11175
Date Added:
Added to DB: Tue, 2022-03-29 23:00
Last updated: Sat, 2023-09-02 12:17

Not Ready for Adoption: No
Commitment Dog: No
Show as New: No
Special Needs: No
Dog Record Archived (1=Yes/0=No): 0

Videos:

Description

Willow was abandoned by her family along with another dog. When it was discovered that the dogs were left on the property, they were brought to a local animal shelter for their safety. Although Willow waited patiently for a family that would commit to her for a lifetime, no one came forward. As shelter staff wanted to ensure that Willow found a safe and loving forever home, they began reaching out to breed specific rescues that would have the ability to move Willow forward. When asked if we could help Willow, MAGSR immediately welcomed her to the family.

Willow is an interactive and intelligent girl. As she has been abandoned and moved around a few times, it does take her a few minutes to adjust to new people. However, given a little time and some tasty treats, she warms up quickly. As Willow moves forward, consistency, routine, and leadership will help her thrive. She is looking for a patient and active household. Although Willow has lived with other dogs previously, she would likely be best as the only dog in the home. Willow, like all dogs, will benefit from training. Not only will training help Willow develop a strong and healthy bond with her forever family, but it will also help her develop into a good canine citizen. If this energetic lady sounds like the right match for your household, ask to meet her today.

Updates

Over the last month, Willow has made some excellent progress. She has settled nicely into the MAGSR family and has been a regular participant at events. As Willow has been working with a variety of handlers and getting out to play on a daily basis, she has gotten in shape and is ready for her summer wardrobe. Willow's sweet and well-balanced personality makes her an excellent candidate for many households. Equally happy to go out and about on a long walk or simply lounge around under a nice shady tree, this girl loves the outdoors and hopes her forever family does too. Treat and toy motivated, Willow is already learning basic commands. She has developed a good understanding of sit, down, and leave it with more commands on their way. When finished working she loves a little time to play with toys particularly the fun-filled ones that squeak. Willow is waiting patiently for her forever family but hopes they come for her soon. Could that family be you?
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Willow has settled into her foster home nicely. She is housebroken and loves to sleep in her crate. She goes in by herself or when asked. She’s very sweet and very affectionate.

Willow loves interactions with humans but is somewhat aloof regarding dogs. She is a bit hesitant when approached by or approaching unknown dogs. She prefers a cautious approach and this can sometimes take several meetings. Jumpy or anxious dog make her nervous and she prefers not to interact with them. For the most part most dogs can sense Willow’s Alpha vibe and will bark at her even if she’s doing nothing but walking down the street. Recommend that she be an only dog, or with a non-dominant male companion dog of similar size (with proper introduction).

Willow is thriving with two 30 minute walks each day. Play time and training time. She’s learning touch and currently understands: sit, down, paw/shake, go find (finding food items that have been hidden by searching for them with her nose), hide and seek (finding humans in the house), go to the crate, go to your bed (she goes to her dog bed). She’s not much of a barker but will protect the house if she hears a strange noise. She’s very good in the car and loves to go out for car rides.

Willow has a very high prey drive (or hunting instinct), therefore, during walks she is mostly engaged in searching for small critters such as squirrels, rabbits, etc. It is not recommended that there be small pets such as rabbits, ferrets, or dogs smaller than herself in the house. Willow tends to bolt when she sees squirrels and other small animals, therefore, it is not recommended that small children walk her due to her size and weight she can get loose and run off. We’re working on leash manners as she tends to be a heavy puller and requires a shorter lead to keep the pulling in check. We’re also working on getting her to pay more attention to the handler rather than to the critters and other distractions she encounters.

She has a few fears that we’re working on: afraid of vacuum cleaners (she’s made a large improvement in the time she’s been here), afraid of hair dryers, and thunder/lightning (slightly)

Willow is very smart, learns fast, is very willing to please and will test boundaries to see what she can get away with. Proper training and correction are advised. Considering all things mentioned she is a sweet girl with a great disposition, she’s past puppy antics and mature. She’s happy playing, working, walking or just hanging around and not needy or whiny and can entertain herself with her toys. She’s also a perfect size for a smaller home or limited living spaces. Most people we meet on our walks think she’s a puppy and are surprised to hear she’s four years old and won’t get any bigger.
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Willow is progressing nicely. We have continued our twice daily walks modifying the times to avoid the excess heat. I’m pleased to report that we are at the five week mark and leash pulling has diminished considerably. We now have a considerably loose leash and a much more pleasant walk. In addition, our ‘critter progress’ has improved as well. Reactivity has lessened considerably. At this point, the critter will grab her attention but she will continue walking and will not try to chase. I would say on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the most intense reaction, Willow is currently at a 4-5 (where she was probably at an 8 or 9 one month ago).

We’re still working on vacuum cleaner fear. She is now able to be in the next room (watching) while the vacuum is going and I have been able to get her to touch the vacuum while it’s off.

Inside the house Willow is very obedient complying with whatever she’s told to do. Outside it’s a little more difficult because of all the distractions but she does well considering. She is also respectful of boundaries and does not go into areas where she knows she is not allowed to go.

The relaxed environment, good food, and increased exercise have done her well. She now sports a beautiful shiny coat, her eyes are sparkly, and she has a much more relaxed demeanor. She has a lovely disposition and makes me laugh every day. She's going to make a fantastic family member for some lucky family. Think Willow might be the right fit for your home? Apply to adopt today!