Riesling (F) is a 4yo Hound mix. She is currently living with her foster parents and no other animals in a detached home. 

Riesling is house and crate trained. Initially she would whine in her crate, but has now learned that it is her safe space to relax. She may whine again during the first few days in her new house, but once she adjusts she is happy to be crated. 

Riesling has met a few other dogs in care and has been happy to calmly coexist with them, but did not have much interest in playing on intake. She would do best with calm and well balanced dogs, but can be a bit overwhelmed and become nervous if they are too playful and bouncy with her. She wasn't a fan of the bully-mixed breed she met, that just isn't her play style! Riesling has been cat tested and is not good with cats or small animals, she just has too high of that hound prey drive! 

Riesling can be nervous when meeting strangers, but if they do not pressure her and allow her to come to them, she warms up quickly. She can be uncomfortable and insecure if affection is forced on her, and has growled when being forced to move from her dog bed. For this reason, we are looking for a home without kids under the age of 15 who may not understand body language or the concept of pressure.

Riesling has also growled at her people over a Kong and snuffle mat, although she did exchange her high value treats for other treats to be able to safely remove her from things she did not want to share. Her foster parents have gone back to building more engagement and trust through training and hand feeding, avoiding Kongs as treats and not putting pressure on her while eating, and have not had any issues or escalating behaviour. 

On leash Riesling likes to follow her nose like any hound mix! She pulls for the first 10 minutes of the walk, and then calms down and walks better. She would do best with more training on her leash skills, and bringing food on walks to reward focus on her person. She can fixate on other animals on walks, but is working on her handler focus. Riesling is not a candidate for off-leash adventures, as she tends to listen more to her nose then her handler! She needs a yard with a secure fence going underground, or a tie out system as she has tried to dig under the fence.

Here is what Riesling's foster parents have to say about her: 

"This little lady is gentle, curious and very sweet! She loves her people but is independent. She isn’t that dog that will cuddle with you, but she shows you how much she loves you by resting her face on your lap for scritches or for belly rubs. She would be suited for a family who will provide structure and enjoys going on walks. Walks are her favorite part of the day, next to laying on her bed watching tv with you! She is a people pleaser and LOVES training. She is very smart and learns quickly. She has come a long way and will continue to grow. 

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