Harriet is a cute, spunky Shepherd/Retriever mix who is estimated to be 12 weeks old. She came to RAGOM from a shelter in Georgia. She and foster brother Billy and two other siblings arrived on December 23rd --just in time for Christmas! She had her initial vet visit and everyone at the vet office fell in love with her. She is so sweet and a little charmer. She weighs 14 pounds and the vet estimated that she will weigh about 60 pounds when she is an adult. Harriet’s coat will not change a whole lot from what it looks like now. She is healthy, UTD on her vaccinations, and was given a puppy Heartgard tablet. She is scheduled for boosters and will be dewormed again in two weeks. She and her brother Billy get spayed and neutered next week.

Harriet’s brother was diagnosed with pink eye, so I’ve been keeping the pups separated from the two resident dogs. I give them time in the kennel I have set up in the living room several times a day, so they can get used to everybody.

The first night they arrived here, the temperature was below zero, and when I put them out to go potty, they just stood there in shock. I thought, "To heck with potty training," and let them go on puppy pads that first night and the next day. I just put them out for super short periods of time. The second night, they slept straight through and didn’t make a peep--no potty or poop on the pads either—such good dogs! Now that the weather has warmed up, I'm working on their potty training more deliberately, and it is going really well. Harriet is so smart and incredibly responsive. Each time we come in from a potty break, we practice a command. She is getting to be a pro at sit and down, and we are working on stay and shake. She also has to sit before I set her food dish down.

Harriet is a clown and it is fun seeing how animated she can be. The first time I fed the dogs, her brother was in the way, so she stood on just her front two feet (back legs in the air) and walked around him. I thought I was seeing things it was too cute.

I like the snow now!

Here is a video of the puppers playing: http://youtu.be/EDyUmz0jEd0

The two pups have been here several days and now they think that white stuff is pretty fun! They love playing chase. Harriet is so cute—she smiles when she runs and you can see her bottom teeth. We live out in the country and have wild turkeys that come into the yard. The pups just discovered turkey poop, and that trumps balls, training treats, and, of course, my voice. We are working on recall, especially outside, and they are doing better and better with that each passing day.

Here is another video: http://youtu.be/t7yk0-LNMWc

Requirements:
Harriet is incredibly intelligent, and will really thrive if she has an owner who is experienced with dogs—someone who is committed to working with her in obedience and formal manners training. Socialization, including exposure to kids of all ages and different environments, is especially important for her to grow into a well-adjusted and healthy adult dog,

She is an active dog with higher energy so will need lots of exercise and regular opportunities to run off-leash. She does not require a fence if her adoptive family will continue to work with her on recall and on boundary training at her new home. She would love another dog to live with, but that is not a requirement. If she is a solo dog, she’ll be the very best dog she can be if she has regular play dates with other four-legged friends.

Please contact your placement advisor if Harriet looks like a good fit for you! :-)