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Riker

A few facts about Riker:

He walks well on a leash. Either a harness or martingale collar will work just fine. He has tons of energy, so someone who walks/runs regularly would be ideal. He loves toys, but can destruct a toy in a matter of seconds with those powerful Pit Bull jaws. Kong products and Nylabone toys are probably best for him. He is a jumper! He can jump 5 feet in the air from a sitting position. He NEVER walks down the stairs, he takes them 3 at a time. And does the same thing going up the stairs. So make sure to get out of his way. He rides in the car well. And, he doesn’t get into things in the house. He doesn’t dig in the trash, or counter surf, or potty in the house. He does like to hump things and people. But, he is very quick to correct. He’s a complex dog and needs a ‘super wonderful’ adopter to come along and give him the life he so deserves!

Riker's Biggest Flaw

Riker’s biggest flaw is his aggression when strangers approach his crate. But, let me say, Riker does LOVE his crate. He walks in by himself when asked to do so and sometimes without even having to ask. He’s great in his crate, doesn’t make a peep. If he’s whining in his crate, he needs to go to the bathroom. He’ll lay right down and won’t give you any problems. His crate is his security during thunderstorms. He really hates thunder and doesn’t want to be outside at all when one is brewing. When someone he trusts approaches his crate, he’s all wags. And, he’s very happy to see you. There are times when I walk by his crate and he doesn’t even raise his head. But, when a stranger approaches his crate, he gets very nervous. He barks, growls and lunges; Even biting at the crate walls. It takes him a while to get used to someone new approaching. When he first came to stay with us, we gave him a treat EVERYTIME we approached his crate. It took him about a week to realize that when we approached something good was about to happen. But, he got it and it has been great since. Let me be clear – when he’s out of the crate, he’s not the same aggressive dog. When you have visitors, he will need to be ignored. As if he doesn’t exist. He will need to be the one to approach the new person. He is not the dog that you can walk up to and expect to love all over him. At some point, you will be able to, but you have to let him make that decision. In order to love him, you have to be able to provide him with the security he needs to become comfortable with each new situation. If you can do that, he will thrive in your home. If you can’t provide him with this, he’s not the right dog for you. He’s come too far to start over again.

8/23/2010

As Riker’s foster mom for over a year, I debated on where to start this write-up for him. Should I start with all the good traits that Riker has, or the few not-so-great traits he possesses? I’ve decided to start with the good, since that’s the way I see him through my eyes. The first thing I see when I look at Riker is LOYALTY! He’s one of the most loyal dogs that I’ve had the pleasure to foster. He follows me around the house no matter where I go. He comes over to investigate the dishwasher when I’m loading dishes, but he NEVER sticks his nose in. And, he NEVER licks any food from the dishes. He follows me to the bathroom and waits outside for me to finish. He lays under the dining room table when I’m sitting there helping my kids with their homework. He loves laying on the couch with me and really enjoys a good ‘rolling around’ in the pillows. He sits and watches me fold the laundry. I do believe this dog would go to the end of the earth with me (as long as it’s not storming outside, ‘cause he’s scared of them). The next best trait I see in Riker is CHARACTER and PERSONALITY! He has tons of it. He absolutely adores this flower rug that we purchased and sometimes refuses to move off of it. He’ll roll around on his back on this rug forever if I’d let him. Of all the rugs in our house, he’s picked the most girly looking rug of them all. It makes me laugh to see this muscular Pit Bull rolling around on a girly flower rug. When Riker doesn’t feel like going into his crate or believes he should get a few more minutes, he freezes! When I walk over to him, he rolls over on his back for a belly rub. Silly! He NEVER runs from us, just plops over and exposes his belly. Kinda like he’s saying, “Mama, I know you’re going to take me back to my crate, but before you do, can you rub my belly, please?” It puts a smile on my face every time. And, yes, he usually gets that little belly rub, too. Most of the time, if I’ve put Riker in a sit and start to walk towards him, he’ll throw his left (always his left) paw up in the air. Like a high-five or a shake. We didn’t teach him that, it’s just what he does. Another wonderful trait of Riker is DESIRE! He has a desire to please, a desire to love, a desire to forgive and a desire to be just like every other dog. He’s a little rough around the edges, but once he learns to trust you, he’ll give you everything he has and more. Once he knows that you’re not going to leave him or hurt him, you’ve gotten yourself a new best friend. A true companion! One that would defend you to his death. This dog has tons of love in him for the family that is willing to work with him, be strong leaders for him, and love him no matter what.