A dog that checks all my boxes

Yesterday, I received a great update on Zola (fka: Gladys, Essex/Regina).

Zola is now just over a year old and growing into the most loyal and devoted dog for her loving family with two young boys.

Here’s what her owner had to say about Zola’s continued progress:

“Zola is so so SO incredible. I have found myself just in awe of her especially recently as she just gets more and more comfortable with our family and now our extended family/friends. I’ve been meaning to write you an update and finally have some time! She went to a few puppy classes this spring, and that was enough for her to get the idea. We pulled her out due to stress, knowing she had given it her best shot and improved over the course of a few weeks. No need to keep making her attend a class with 50 other dogs in a loud warehouse if we don’t have to. I was concerned for several months about her in new situations. Her timidness made me nervous to take her places, but we’ve been more intentional about it and it has made a huge difference. I commented to my husband the other day about how once she understands a situation, she’s totally fine. Our other dog on the other hand will experience something scary and then tremble for 20 mins. Zola visited the fire department with us on Sunday and when the engine came in the bay, she sat down and shook for probably 10 seconds. As soon as it turned off and I told her it was okay, she stopped and was fine! She also went to Michigan with us for a week of family vacation and did amazing! She has finally come to love my parents and my best friends, who are most frequently around. Everyone is so excited when she finally decides to let them pet her. They all understand what a privilege it is to be trusted by her. She sleeps next to me while I work during the day and loves to run and play in our backyard with our ol’ girl, Stella. Recently, she’s really taken to our boys (she’s always loved them but now even more so) and will stay in Kylar’s room with him some nights until he falls asleep. Pics above of her under his bed  Then she’s ready to come down and hang with us  Thank you for your work in breeding these dogs. I never thought it was possible to have a dog that checked all my boxes: cat-like, huge, and healthy. And you’ve done it!”

We are so proud of the beautiful Zola!

This report illustrates how emotionally sensitive and attuned to their human family our American Dirus dogs are.

There has never been an entire breed of dog with this specific kind of calm, mellow, gentle, devoted, intelligent large breed companion dog temperament.

And because it is so unique, it is hard to explain unless you experience for yourself.

I spent time with Shiloh (fka: Monstro, Essex/Razar) and his owner today about 1.5 hours from Dire Wolf Project headquarters.

She mentioned to me just how devoted he is to her already after four months.

He automatically knew to check on her health by sniffing her breath, which gives his incredible nose all kinds of information we humans just cannot even comprehend.

He taught himself how to play fetch so that he could develop a closer relationship with her. He will not fetch with anyone else, including me.

He is goofy and silly with a kind and generous personality.

It is almost human-like in its complexity and rich depth.

So many American Dirus owners who have taken the time to really listen to their dog’s emotional communication know an intimacy between human and canine that is  literally beyond comprehension.

Until you own one, you can only imagine.

There are three gentle, sweet, loving and emotionally sensitive fourth generation American Dirus puppies for sale OFF THE WAITING LIST now.

Find out more about them at the link below:

https://direwolfdogs.com/dogs-for-sale/puppies/

P.S. Socialization in our breed requires a specific type of training.

The following link will help you understand the best socialization training for the emotionally sensitive American Dirus dog breed:

https://direwolfproject.com/direwolf-guardians/puppy-training/puppy-behavior/

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Jennifer Stoeckl is the co-founder of the Dire Wolf Project, founder of the DireWolf Guardians American Dirus Dog Training Program, and owner/operator of DireWolf Dogs of Vallecito. She lives in the beautiful inland northwest among the Ponderosa pine forests with her pack of American Dirus dogs.