Princess is an approximately 2-year-old female dachshund mix who was surrendered to us in June. Her former owner described her as sometimes protective of her owners, but indicated that Princess had never bitten anyone and was good with children, other dogs and cats.
Unfortunately, however, Princess bit guests to her foster’s home and growled at everyone, and we had to move her to a boarding situation. (Note: the bites did not break skin.) After the biting and growling at her foster’s home, we were not sure whether Princess could be adoptable, so we obtained a behavioral assessment of Princess from a Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed. The trainer believes Princess is an under socialized, traumatized dog whose behavior can be managed and modified.
He thinks that Princess is “resource guarding” the primary person to whom she attaches, resulting in her growling or even biting others who come near that person. The trainer described this behavior as “defensive aggression,” rather than offensive aggression. With patience and gentleness, he thinks that Princess could be properly socialized. (See the full report from the dog trainer here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jnS2IR2pSDx7WEixkbJdldqtgm8a3TL_/view?usp=sharing.)
An employee where we boarded her volunteered to take Princess to her home, to expose her to the type of environment in which she would live upon adoption. Princess has been living with her other dogs and cats and has not shown any signs of aggression. Her temporary foster “mom” says, “She honestly is a good dog. She just needs to be with someone who can let her take her time getting used to them.”
Princess loves to go on walks and is young and still playful and active. She is spayed and microchipped. She is currently located in Valencia County. Because she is considered a special needs girl who still needs to become better socialized, her adoption fee is $125.
Princess needs an adopter who is patient, kind and willing to work with her. Ideally, the person would have experience dealing with a dog who resource-guards, and with training and socializing a dog. A home without children would be best. We hope that someone out there wants to give Princess a chance. Once she feels safe and loved, we believe that Princess will in turn make a good pet. If you are that someone, please submit an application here: https://newmexicodachshundrescue.org/adopt/adoption-process/adoption-application/.
