About Greta

Greta is a heeler mix that is estimated to be between 3-4 years old. She's spayed and 38 lbs. We adopted her about a year ago and I am heartbroken to have to find her a new home, but she has gone after the other animals in our house a couple of times now (2 cats and a dog that is larger and older than her). This has caused a constant underlying level of stress that is only getting worse. She does love to play with other dogs after she gets to know them, but I think that once she gets settled into a place, she sometimes feels territorial. While she has some challenging behaviors (as many heelers do,) she has some great qualities: - she is a clinger - she needs someone to be 'her person' and she loves to snuggle next to you on the couch or bed -She's full of energy and LOVES running off leash through the woods (she always stays close, although due to unpredictable behavior with other people, we only do this when there are not others around) - She can entertain herself with toys (plush, squeaker, or crinkle toys are her favorite) - She feels safe in her crate and often voluntarily takes toys in there to play (although if left for too long she will bark and try to escape) - she currently has a strong metal crate (not just wire) that she cannot break out of. - She is very smart and learns new tricks within a couple of hours. She knows sit and wait, shake, down, and even 'go potty' & 'Kennel up'. Her challenges: - Reactive (to strangers, cats, other dogs, worse when on leash. I think she has barrier frustration). - Can be unpredictably food aggressive with other dogs/territorial over treat dispensing toys - We have never tested her freely in the house when leaving due to issues with the other animals, so I am unsure if she would be destructive or have accidents in the house (she does not have accidents in her crate, although she did when we first got her) - She is currently on Reconcile (prozac) for anxiety and has been on this the majority of the time I've had her. Unless she becomes a true 'working dog,' I do think it's a medication that she should stay on daily. Greta would do best in a home as the only animal with no other dogs or cats/small mammals, as well as no small children. She would thrive with someone who is active that can take her on walks/hikes/runs, and can be patient with her and work on her reactivity. She may even do great having a job on a farm (as long as she still gets to come inside and snuggle) or doing something like agility challenges. We are currently working on basket muzzle training as we had planned to try to counter condition her reactivity to people/dogs in public. Unfortunately the most recent fight she got into with our other dog put a pin in this plan. She is truly a sweetheart and such a fun dog. If she was our only animal, I wouldn't consider rehoming her. Keeping her just is not fair to our other, more senior animals, and it's not fair to her that we cannot give her the attention, dedication, and exercise she deserves. She will come with any/all supplies you want: - Bed - Toys - A very sturdy crate and wire crate if wanted - Basket muzzle - Leash, collar -Slow feeder bowl and stand - What's left of her flea, tick, heartworm prevention, as well as a prescription to refill it until her next annual exam/vaccines/heartworm test are due. - what's left of her medication (reconcile) as well as a prescription to be able to refill it. She is up to date on vaccines & heartworm, flea, and tick medication, and had a dental cleaning at the beginning of the year I want her to end up in the best possible home for her. No rehoming fee as long as you are a great match. Bonus points if you want to stay in touch and send picture of her every now and then. I'm also open to anyone interested taking her for a trial period to ensure she's a good fit.

Knox County
Knoxville, Tennessee 37920