Socializing a foster Dog

Ginger, 1 year old Australian Shepherd

Ginger sitting for a treat

By Janne Ruhnke

Janne is fostering beautiful Australian Shepherd girl Ginger. Janne has all these wonderful stories and examples of how she socializes her foster girl. Oftentimes fosters come to us and have to learn to play and just be a dog. We hope you love reading about Janne and Ginger's adventures together. 

Ginger is a little over 1 year old with a lot of energy! When she first came to us she warmed up to us quickly, but we realized she needed some help. She was so fearful and protective of food and her face. We think she may have had an abusive past. We didn’t let that stop us even though it was hard work. We have had a behavioralist come out and train us on how to train her. She has made amazing progress and is becoming more and more friendly by the day!  She actually really loves playing pass/tag with a ball! She love balls, treats, and lots of play time and attention! She knows sit, lay down, and shake.





























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We're still working on "stay." She would really enjoy someone who is willing to work with her to learn even more tricks and even agility stunts! We tried the ones at the dog park today, and she almost went up it. Almost! She is crate trained though she tries to sound sad so you will let her out. She wants to steal your covers and cuddle up next to you on the bed! She is respectful of your stuff and would do well free roaming as long as you don’t leave food out. She will find it and trust me she knows how to open out car food container! We got really lucky because she came to us completely house broken and will let you know she needs out! She really enjoys being the center of attention and getting to go to the park for walks, car rides, to public events like the medieval fair, and especially Starbucks runs as long as you share!

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Ginger riding to the dog park and Starbucks

​Everyone is constantly talking about how beautiful she is! She recently learned what it’s like to be at the dog park! I was super nervous for her at first because I was not sure exactly how she would react. What I noticed is she is just a puppy in a big body. She does the iconic puppy dance moves to try to get friends to play with her. She ran and ran! Even got 4-5 other dogs following her! She loved being the pack leader! I believe Ginger would do well in a home with a yard or even an apartment as long as she go daily walks. She really does best in a harnesses or slip leashes for walking over standard leash and collar. She is a big puppy and just does not realize that cat does not want to play! She does really well with my nephews and the kids she has seen in public but has never lived with children. If you think you have what it takes to give this girl an amazing life please reach out! There is nothing more I want than to get to talk about this dog. I want to help you learn how to train her, and I want you to love Ginger that I have so learned to love.

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Ginger playing at the dog park. What an athlete!

happy girl