23-096 Klair is an almost 8-year-old spayed Golden-Labrador mix. She likes walking, hiking, and camping, the outdoor kind of life. Due to a divorce situation the owner was living in a town house with close neighbors, a lot of sounds and no yard. Klair was barking a lot and some neighbors complained. The owner felt Klair needed a home where she could have a yard to run in and some space. The owner described her as the perfect family dog, goofy, sweet and affectionate. She just felt Klair deserved better than she could give her.

As recommended by the owner, we placed her in a home with two kids and a large yard. However, after having her for two months, the potential adopter called and asked to return the dog, as her youngest child (age 4) was not bonding with the dog and was acting out from jealousy of the attention the dog was getting. So, Placement tried again and found a great home with a single woman in Sun Lakes. After Klair’s initial vetting, AGR has had to provide further treatment for allergies with Cytopoint injections and suggestions for food changes. Klair also had an undesirable behavior issue of barking at strangers. This barking was the last straw for her original owner, so it was of concern that a way to curtail the barking could be found. We finally suggested a visit by a behaviorist, who assured the adopter that the dog was not aggressive, but just acting out because that behavior had never been corrected. Corrective methods were offered. The adopter commented: 

Klair came to me a perfect lady, well trained and well-mannered except for the barking. Immediately I was concerned how aggressive-sounding her barking was with strangers at the front door, which scared a few workmen who claimed I had a very aggressive dog. So, I hired a behaviorist in how to handle the arrival of family and friends. Worked. Klair loves company, as well as playing with other dogs. I think doggie day care will be something I’m going to look into. Then, again, the idea of should-I-get-another-dog keeps rolling around in my head. I’m wondering if she had in the past another dog to keep her company [as far as AGR knows, Klair had been an only dog]. I have a lot of windows facing the front yard and Klair has full view of walkers and neighbors in their garage. I also have large Rosemary bushes where rabbits live, and they drive Klair nuts. Let’s say there is a lot to see and lot of loud barking. I’m beginning to think her barking is her asking for company. Behaviorist gave me a few pointers to control this problem but they didn’t work well with a determined barker. What I’m finding is a citronella collar has helped me, as well as my “continual reinforcement” to correct and control. Never-ending problem. Next idea how to get the rabbits to move to another location!