Size
(when grown) X-Large 101 lbs (46 kg) or more
Details
Good with kids,
House-trained,
Story
Introducing Willow!
Smart Playful Sensitive Energetic
Personality: Willow has a love for routine. She learns quickly and will pick up on her family's routines in no time. She can be a little stubborn when she has her mind set on something, but underneath that independent streak is a fun-loving girl who wants to be part of the action. When she's happy and excited, Willow has a serious case of the zoomies, especially when her foster family comes home. She loves her toys and will bring them to her people when she's ready to play.
Willow is an active girl who needs regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. She enjoys neighborhood walks, running through the sprinkler, playing with her toys, and even watching TV. She has strong opinions about some television characters, though. Apparently, the Minions are not on her list of favorites!
Socialness: Willow loves her people and enjoys getting attention. She will often come over and nudge her humans when she's ready for some pets. She also has a particularly adorable way of showing affection by going between her people's legs. We call these her "leg hugs!"
Willow is affectionate with people she trusts, but she needs slow, controlled introductions with new people. She can be reactive toward people at times, particularly when there is a barrier such as a fence or window. Once she feels safe and has had an opportunity to approach at her own pace, she can warm up nicely and enjoys receiving pets.
Willow's foster family has noticed some barrier frustration. For example, she may bark at the neighbor through the fence, even though she has met the neighbor outside the fence and happily accepted pets from her. Now, Willow may bark until the neighbor comes over to say hello. She also barks out the window at people and dogs.
Willow does not enjoy the company of other dogs and must be the only dog in her forever home. She can become reactive when she sees dogs, particularly if they are barking at her, and may bark and pull on the leash. There are some dogs she simply ignores, and her foster family has not yet identified a consistent pattern. Her adopter will need to be comfortable continuing her training and helping her learn to navigate these situations safely.
Willow does not have experience living with children, but based on her personality and reactivity, she would not be a good fit for young children. Older, Dane-savvy teenagers may potentially be a better match.
Willow has barked at the neighbor's cat and would do best in a home without cats due to some prey drive instincts.
Likes:
Giving “leg hugs" between her people's legs
Playing with toys
Running/zoomies
Neighborhood walks
Running through the sprinkler
Watching TV—although she has strong opinions about some shows!
Having a predictable routine
Exploring counters and investigating garbage when given the opportunity
Dislikes:
Other dogs
Cats
Loud noises
Being behind barriers when she can see people or dogs
Drinking from a traditional dog dish - she prefers the faucet!
Training: Willow is housebroken and is not crate trained. She has been trusted with free roam of the home and has done well when left alone for up to 6 hours. She knows sit, on your bed, shake, and is currently working on leave it. She is a smart girl who learns household routines quickly and will benefit from an adopter who enjoys continuing her training.
When there are no distractions, Willow walks well on leash. However, seeing another dog can be a significant distraction and may result in barking and pulling. She will need an adopter who is willing to continue working with her on leash walking, dog reactivity, barking, and appropriate introductions to new people.
Willow can also be a bit of a counter surfer and may investigate the garbage if given the opportunity, so good management and keeping tempting items out of reach will be important.
Health: Willow came into rescue with allergies and a skin rash, but she has stabilized with her new allergy medication and is doing much better. Her adopter will need to continue her allergy medication and monitor her skin as part of her ongoing care.
Forever Home Wishlist:
A physical fenced yard is required
A house rather than an apartment setting, as Willow can be a vocal girl
A small-to-midsize yard is perfectly fine as long as she receives plenty of daily exercise and mental enrichment
A family who is committed to continuing Willow's training
A predictable routine. Willow thrives when she knows what to expect
Willow must be the only dog in the household
A home without cats
No young children; older, Dane-savvy teenagers may potentially be a good fit
A family who will use slow, controlled introductions and allow Willow to warm up at her own pace
A pet fountain or another creative solution for a girl who would much rather drink from a faucet than a dog bowl!
Fun Fact: Willow has invented her own version of fetch! She loves to grab a toy, throw it herself, and then chase after it. She also loves running through the sprinkler and apparently considers it both a water park and a drinking fountain. Just don't expect her to appreciate a regular dog bowl when a perfectly good faucet is available!
If you think Willow will be a great addition to your family, please reach out to us by following one of the options below.
1. If you have already completed the adoption or foster application process and have been approved by UMGDR, please contact Willow’s Placement Coordinator at courtney@thegreatdanerescue.com to express interest.
2. If you have not submitted an application, you must complete our application process before you can be considered to adopt a dog through our rescue. Please visit https://www.thegreatdanerescue.com/adoption-application to complete an application. After you have been approved, please reach out to Willow’s Placement Coordinator by emailing courtney@thegreatdanerescue.com to express interest.
This lovely girl is located in Minneapolis, MN.
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