RTK1 JEMIHILL'S ALONG WITH SUNSHINE

                                                                                 female, b. 8.1.2022

                                                                                        HD/ED: A/A, 0/0

                                                                                        BACK: LTV1,VA0

SHOULDERS CLEAR 

 EYES OK AS PUPPY

                                                                                  SCISSOR BITE                                                                                  

LONG TAIL

Eira's background picture © ReetaHoo photo's

Dogs have a way for finding those who need them the most. They fill a void we didn't even know we had.

Eira came to me in March of '22 from Sweden. I went to Gothenburg to pick up what was essentially a "pig in a poke." When I arrived at the puppy pen, Eira was among the first ones to greet me. She jumped straight into my arms as if to say, "You're my person now" and from that moment on, she never left my side. Her breeder even noted that she hadn't acted that way with other visitors. I guess it was soul-to-soul sympathy from the very first meeting.

With Eira, everything felt incredibly easy during her puppy and adolescent stage. However, after she grew up, she didn't make things quite as simple for me, as she mirrors my emotions with an almost frightening accuracy. She is my barometer—if I'm tense, I can be sure that Eira is too. She is the most loyal dog I've ever known. Eira will wake me up if any of the pack's dogs are unwell during the night. She'll also nudge me awake if I'm sleeping restlessly. Eira often senses things about me before I'm even aware of the feeling myself. Thanks to Eira, though, I've learned great and important things about myself. Eira has taught me so much about both people and dogs.

She is incredibly fast, spirited, and intense, yet she has an excellent "off" switch. At home, Eira is the most invisible and easiest member of the pack. She's satisfied with very little—as long as she can snuggle up in my lap and get her meals, all is well. "Eikku," as I call her, craves contact and is always ready to work with me. She's accustomed to traveling, having accompanied me on several work trips, and she adapts well to almost any environ

Eira is striking when she's training. She learns best through offering behaviors, picking up both good and bad habits in nearly one go. She has a relatively strong prey drive, great herding instincts, and can work independently with impressive confidence. Eira doesn't get stuck or freeze in training; she keeps trying until she solves the task. She has more than enough energy and, in my opinion, a solid drive. At the same time, she's highly sensitive to her handler, reading even my smallest gestures. Her favorite reward in training is a toy, with food as a close second. Social rewards needed to be built up over time, though now she often chooses a good bum scratch as her reward. She's had no food issues, allergies, or itching, and I can feed her just about anything without concern. Eira is the most serious of the pack, but she also has a funny side. She sleeps pressed up against me every single night and is incredibly loyal to me.

Eira's a spirited girl. Sometimes she "talks back" when I remind her of certain boundaries. Yet despite this, she remains very sensitive to her handler. Underneath her tough exterior lies a softer side… or maybe it's the other way around? Eira has both aspects in equal measure—a package of iron and feathers.

Eira is not really a dog-park kind of dog and prefers to get to know new friends at her own pace. She doesn't tolerate overly eager canine friends getting too close too soon. Nonetheless, she lives harmoniously in a pack with three other dogs. While she is somewhat protective of her resources, I haven't observed any over-the-top reactions.

Eira has a slight guarding instinct, but at home, she generally views most visitors as potential ball-throwers or bum-scratchers. She will often greet people with a bit of flattery, get a feel for them, then either enjoy the attention or settle down for a nap. Outside on a leash, I don't let her greet strangers, as I doubt Eira (neither I) would enjoy it much. She does, however, love familiar children, people, and dogs.

Eira's main discipline is definitely obedience, where she shines brightly. She's also pretty skilled at using her nose, and I'm considering entering her in tracking trials in the lower classes someday. Eira also herds quite regularly. When she's herding, she's fearless, intense, and bold. She uses her gaze effectively and reads the flock well. She'd make a fantastic herding dog if only I could reach her level! She also uses her body well, showing excellent body awareness even as a young pup. Any muscle tension is easily worked out with a massage, and she doesn't tend to get tight easily. Plus, she's completely silent while training, which I find a very nice quality.

In my opinion, Eira is a gentle dog who certainly remembers bad experiences. She needs an experienced, calm, and confident handler. I would love for her to have a bit more social ease with other dogs and a bit of a "Goofy" vibe—everything doesn't always have to be so serious.