Update for Ruby

Ruby’s foster family describes her as an extremely sweet dog who loves to curl up next to them on the couch and thrives on affection. They have noted that she can also be a little dominant and guards items that are of high-value to her such as toys. Her fosters are working with her to learn to trade, give, and drop items and they are making progress! They hand fed her to break her of her food possession and also play games with Ruby to show her that it’s ok to “give up” a toy because it’s a shared item.

Ruby does seem to not like other dogs too much, she has growled and tried to lunge when she’s out for a walk. In the dog park, she seems to ignore other dogs and tolerates them running around, but if a dog comes over to greet her she gets very upset and barks and lunges. There have been a few scuffles and her fosters have decided that Ruby doesn’t need that type of stress and have stopped taking her. It seems that Ruby can tolerate another dog but prefers to be alone. She would rather be around people.

Her foster mom, Kristin, told us that Ruby is an alert dog and barks when someone approaches the door. She has great natural instincts to protect her pack. She also likes to play fetch and loves squeaky toys. Kristin also let us know that Ruby is learning manners and no longer tries to jump up on the counter to steal food but still opens the refrigerator. Ruby’s never stolen any food out of the fridge, merely just wants to see what’s in there.

Ruby jumps on people when she is happy to meet them and has a tendency to try and bolt out the front door. Kristin and her family are working to curb these behaviors. Overall, Ruby is doing well and in a great home. Her foster family is extremely attentive to helping Ruby to learn what it means to be a “perfect” pup.