River is a handsome boy estimated around 3 years of age who was a stray in the Louisville metro area. Due to being a stray we are unaware of his history however given his quirks we can speculate that it hadn't been easy. River has some very Shepherd typical behavioral traits that have made it difficult for him to find a suitable home. River loves his people. Scratch that - River worships his people. He is overly loyal, dedicated, and downright emotional. The River that we know is a fun, goofy, and cuddly dog. He loves giving hugs and playing with the young girl in his foster home. He enjoys getting attention, playing with toys, and generally hanging out with his people. The River that shows up during adoptions will enter a household and immediately begin compensating for his emotions by becoming the "big, bad protector" and this behavior simply cannot be allowed to occur. River has been returned due to this behavior as it will lead to him trying to dictate who can be near who, who can enter the house, and so on. River is fostered by an experienced handler who also has a very active household where River has done wonderfully. River has very clear boundaries on his behavior within his foster home and is not allowed to even begin to "call the shots". River is able to greet new people with friendliness, hang out with the family calmly, and be the fun loving boy we know him to be. River will require an adopter who is able to set these boundaries, stay firm to their boundaries, and be open to working with a positive-reinforcement trainer to ensure his success. River originally showed some very telling signs of extremely poor training. We suspect that he was put on either a shock or pinch collar, or both, at a young age which has contributed to this deep-root fear and insecurity in him. The first time River was given a ball to play with he ran halfway to fetch it and then dropped to the ground as if he would get in trouble. While River has overcome these things within his foster home it is important that his adopters work with a positive reinforcement trainer and are conscious of not re-traumatizing River. River lives with other Shepherds and loves his play groups. He is friendly and playful with other dogs. He takes many of his social cues from the other dogs and does a wonderful job of following their lead. He does well meeting new dogs and has done well when cat tested. River is going to be a project dog and we recognize that not everyone has the time or skill to dedicate to a dog like him. River is a warm, friendly, cuddly, and goofy boy with those who he trusts though. He would walk through fire for his owner which is partial what gets him in trouble but in the right home will make him the best companion you have ever known. If you take the time to invest in River he will return it ten-fold. If you are looking for a dog that will meet you halfway and try to give you the world email us at Tierhavenrescue@gmail.com for an adoption application.