Blossom!!!

Sex: FEMALE (CHOW MIX) Age: 2 Yrs Old

Needs to be an only dog, Kids - 8 and older, NO with cats

ADOPTION FEE: $550 www.unbreakabull.com/adopt

Blossom just finished a 6 week board and train program and we believe she learned a lot and it has improved her behavior significantly. Blossom is great walking with the halti leader. Without it she tries to throw her weight around a bit to get where and what she wants. Considering she probably had 2 years to learn that behavior and only 6 weeks to learn other ways to communicate, we think it’ll just take time and consistency and she’ll continue to improve on the leash without the halti. She LOVES walks. When she wants to go on a walk she’ll grab her leash and bring it to you. It’s the cutest thing EVER. Right now we go on 2-3 walks daily, depending on how hot it is. We start with laps in the alley with her trying to pull a bit and then slowly add more distance as the pulling decreases. She understands that the less she pulls, the more freedom she gets but she does usually start out excited and pulling.

Blossom is definitely stubborn and independent but that is very typical of the Chow breed. This is not surprising just will take an experienced and strong handler to remind her of her boundaries and hold her to them. She is very treat motivated so that helps a ton in redirecting. When she first came to rescue she did display a bit of resource guarding of food but I haven’t seen any resource guarding since she returned from training. This is something that her trainer worked on a LOT. She eats her food when I set it down and doesn’t mind me walking past her or being near while she’s eating. No hovering, no growling, not stiff. I continue to throw a couple treats her way when I’m near her while she’s eating to reinforce what she learned Really huge progress here. She also doesn't play "keep away" as much. Like when she wants to play with a toy it's more genuine playing vs a game of "come try to get this from me". She loves playing tug and can get pretty vocal, but again this is playful instead of her challenging me. Something to be aware of. A big dog growling in your face can be scary. As soon as I disengage with tug she backs off.

I think the biggest thing that she’s going to need from an adopter is a commitment to set boundaries and work with her from the beginning. Setting clear expectations for her that align with the training she went through right away, vs trying to back track later, is going to set her up quickly for success in her future home. Someone willing to train with lots of treats and build a relationship with her is going to have a very fun, loving, goofy dog. I work from home but have her crated most of the work day with the exception of a lunchtime walk/playtime. I don't want her to expect her human is always going to be working from home. She sleeps most of the day after breakfast and morning walk. Sometimes wakes up to chew on a nylabone or work on a frozen kong. She doesn't destructively chew or panic in the crate so I've had no problem leaving these things in with her unsupervised. She caught on to this schedule very quick and happily goes into her crate when I need her to now and patiently waits for me to come het her.

Blossom does need to be an only dog although she has existed outside with other dogs and has kept to herself mostly and just enjoyed the world around her. But in her home she should be an only dog. Blossom also would do best with children 15 and older. She is very much your typical Chow. Stubborn, strong willed but also very loving and loyal. We’d love to see her go to a home with someone that has experience with the breed. Please apply to meet this sweetheart today!!

Added 5.24.2024