Riley Canaan Dog & German Shepherd Dog Mix Somerset, NJ

Riley was rescued from the country of Jordan and came here between 4-6 months of age. She is almost 2 years old. Fully vaccinated, and spayed. Currently 45 pounds.  She has a chip and a current NYC license.

Riley’s ideal home would be one where she has the opportunity for lots of exercises, is in a home where there is not a lot of foot traffic passing by, and has a yard to explore and play in.  She could likely live with another dog but not a cat. If she is going to be in a home with kids, they must be older and understand how to interact with dogs calmly.

Riley is loving and sweet to her owners and trusted friends.  She presents her belly for rubs, will tap you with her paw when she wants some attention and licks your nose in the morning or when you come home. She is not a big cuddler but loves being pet.
 
She is very smart, and will follow commands to sit, laydown, shake, stay, come, touch, up (onto objects up to three feet high).    
 
She is playful at a dog run or park with dogs of all sizes, and likes to play catch-me-if-you-can with both dogs and owners. She is fast and agile, but has never run away when off leash in the park. She understands when humans want to play chase versus when its time to stop and put the leash back on, especially if you use a play bow to let her know its chase time.  
She gets great feedback from daycare and boarding facilities, and does well in both crated and uncrated environments.    
 
She has herding dog tendencies, strong protective instincts, and barks to alert. Although she barks to alert, she isn't mean or aggressive.
 
When she is on a leash, she responds to confident guidance and will stay in the position most of the time when using a prong collar. On a regular collar, she is less responsive. Given the chance, she loves smelling everything she can and will occasionally insist on stopping for a smell. She needs additional leash training to due to barking at some dogs and people who sneak up on her without warning ( bikers, and runners)
 
She loves chasing balls but prefers to play with them after she gets them over returning them.  She is interested in squeaky toys.  Loves to hide her partly chewed bully sticks on the couch, under pillows, etc. She also loves to take your stick away.   
 
She really loves playing in the snow and makes snowballs with her nose that she then plays with like a ball.  She does not love hot days and gets sluggish if it is over 80.