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Posted over 7 years ago
| Updated over 7 years ago
I found a new home! Plenty of my friends are looking for one too. Check out other pets at this shelter, or start a new search.
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My basic info
Breed
German Shepherd Dog/Vizsla
Color
Brindle
Age
Adult
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Weight
–
Sex
Female
Pet ID
–
My details
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
Has special needs
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
A very loyal companion and sweet friend!
Our best guess is Sophie is a German Shepherd and Vizsla mix (based on what other dog owners have told us). She would make a really great companion for someone who enjoys the outdoors, hiking, running, just being out! She requires everyday exercise if possible to get out her high-energy nature except if it's raining then she doesn't care much about going out, she's quite the snuggle bunny. Thankfully her most favorite thing in the world to do is fetch! She will do that until she is so tired she flops down to bask in the delight of a good run! The way we best achieve this is by a favorite game using the "chuck it" a handy tool "ball thrower", finding a open field and you're SET. She will love you forever and do that any day of the week. She is incredibly agile and fast, a very precise dog (think Olympic athlete). She blows my mind every time she catches a ball in midair, sometimes even before it ever hit the ground! Would make a great running companion if that's your thing and in general LOVES being outdoors with you.
The following are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what she has to offer:
Crate Trained.
She is crate trained and loves her "den". That's her sacred space and she finds refuge there many times throughout her day. It's where she sleeps most of the time and will go to if a thunderstorm is happening or just anytime she wants to of if you need her to she is happy to so.
Knows the following commands: Sit, Stay, Lay down, Spin, Leave it, Come, Out, and many other human words. You can basically talk to her and she mostly understands what you're saying.
Active: As stated above she loves to be moving and playing.
Affectionate: She wants to be where ever you go/are which makes her a wonderful dog to take with you on trips, she's the perfect pal. Dislikes being left at home and if we are going to work when we can't bring her we leave her with a peanut butter stuffed kong to keep her mind and taste buds busy and she usually does very well.
Loves the water, In the summer it's simply amazing to take her out to a river or stream and just have a ball! She will fetch sticks and swim them back to you. Great for someone who enjoys being at water, rivers and hikes.
Sophie is Very loyal and while can become protective. This is something to be aware of as people come into your (her family's) space. She has the tendency to bark at first and doesn't always do the best with strangers (typically large unknown males), sudden movements or folks coming into her space. It depends on the person and how they sniff out. We've found that greeting new people outside first is always best, and taking it slow. This is a typical dog trait to a degree and I'm certain that Sophie simply didn't get enough people exposure during the critical age and most likely received the negative aspects from certain people in her past. With patience and continued consistent training I'm sure Sophie would improve greatly. We've seen much progress on this front since we've been working with her. This would be a great area of work to continue in order to round out the rough edges and social awkwardness she has with new people. I mention this as I feel it's important to know for hers and everyone's safety. She requires an alert individual. She is a complex animal with many layers to learn as I continually have. She will teach you more about yourself than you may have wanted to know! She gives back in many more subtle ways through your own learning experience of working with an animal who can use a little help/patience and love.
As mentioned above she obviously has had some mistreatment in her past, therefore she is a bit fearful of new people and also does not do well with children (my guess is kids in her previous house were really hard on her). We have never had any serious issues with these things, but it's important to be aware of at all times and to not take chances. Shes good with other dogs most times, but will not be good with cats or any other small-size furry animals in your house. We've learned this the hard way through personal experience. She has a naturally high prey drive that would be better suited not having those temptations for her until proper training has been accomplished.
Contact us at www.augustadogadoptions.org to apply to adopt!
