River

My name is River.  I’m a 3-4 year old black flat coat retriever mix.  Most say I’m mixed with Border Collie or Australian Shepherd which like my age, is of course, educated guess work.  Like any river most of my life I am relaxed and go with the flow.  Other times I’m babbling, like when I play fetch with my foster mom.  Once in a while, I get overstimulated and I show my rapids!  At home, I’m calm waters.  I am a dream in my foster’s home, excelling at lounging, relaxing and sleeping. I am gentle, love pets and love to follow my foster mom from room to room.  When she leaves, I behave myself. I am a gentle soul, self-soothing and house broken. I love walks, but I’m a bit out of my comfort zone out in the world.  That is to say, my leash training is a work in progress.  Most of the time I walk beautifully at heel.  Then something, typically a yippy dog, just stimulates me, and I pull and bark like they activated my river rapids.  Luckily, my foster mom is training me with the help of experts to minimize my leash reactive behavior but continuous commitment to training is needed in my new fur-ever home.  I have made significant progress, but need consistency from my alpha!  Because I like to graze and not eat a lot at once and because I’m a bit protective of my home space (bed), I’d prefer to be an only dog.  If you are looking for a endearing, loving, chill companion and appreciate the ebb and flow of a beautiful River, I’m your dog!