Sex: Female

　　Age: 16 months

　　Weight: 65 pounds

　　Energy: High

　　Drive: Moderate

　　Location: Sacramento County, CA

　　Isas high energy and eagerness to work make her a good candidate for dog sports or real work requiring vigor and engagement with her handler. Everything motivates her and shes a joy to train, albeit shes still a distractible puppy ready to bounce over to whatever interesting thing pops up next. Speaking of bouncing, shes not the best bet for families with young children, for although she is friendly she doesnt always put the brakes on appropriately. Her eager bouncing around can keep grownups laughing, but little ones might not think shes quite so funny.

　　The second Isa feels the human touch she craves, she enters into doggy zena state of calm attentivenessand stops wiggling around. But ignore her at your peril; if pushing her head into your leg doesnt work, shell fix her lovely brown eyes right on you and gaze longingly until you cant resist. Shes learned that eye contact will get her everywhere.

　　While Isa does great with people, even strangers, both inside and outside the house, she has prey drive and is not recommended for homes with cats or other small pets. Running horses and other livestock rev her up, but this might be manageable with more exposure.

　　Introductions to new dogs should be handled carefully and play should be supervised, as Isa doesnt take well to corrections from other dogs, even though they might be well deserved since she comes on strong and is easily over-stimulated. A Hey! from her foster quickly stopped the one scuffle she had, but Isa would likely be best with a calmer, lower-energy dog who doesnt push or play rough. All that aside, Isa has already gained considerable social skills with other dogs and has done very well with new friends during supervised playtimes.

　　Although Isa doesnt settle readily in the house, she is house trained and doesnt jump on counters, seek out trash, or destroy things wantonly. A verbal correction usually works, but she needs stronger correction for rude manners around dogs. Shes trained for the crate and will sit, lie down, or get on a surface on command. Loud noises dont seem to bother her. Chasing a ball is fun, but shes still working on bringing it back and letting it go. She also needs work on not jumping, rushing through doorways, or getting nippy with dogs.

　　Isas wild and crazy side should diminish somewhat if shes in a home where she gets LOTS of exercise and mental stimulation. The traits that make her a good candidate for sports and work also make her a bit of a handful, so her person should be willing to correct unwanted behaviors consistently and praise good choices generously so Isas bouncy energy is channeled in rewarding ways.

　　WEST COAST ADOPTIONS ONLY

　　Must have previous or current, purebred Malinois experience OR other high drive working breed experience

　　Our adoption process includes- completion of an application, followed by a telephone interview. If that goes well, we will arrange for a home visit.

　　Adoption Fee: $375.00. Transport along Interstate 5 (Bakersfield, CA to Bellingham, WA) is available but cost not included in adoption fee.