Denali

Spunky. That’s the word that comes to mind when you really get to know Denali.

Denali can be a little slow to warm up to new people. Introductions take some time, and yes, treats definitely help! When she first arrived at our house, she was sad and stressed. But then she met our resident dogs—and almost immediately, we saw a different Denali emerge. She still needs time to build trust, but once she feels comfortable, this girl is all-out spunky, playful and fun!

We’ve been working on training, and Denali is beginning to discover that those new skills can be pretty useful. Sometimes she’ll come over and give us a very deliberate sit to let us know she wants to go outside. And after watching our resident dogs, she has learned to offer her paw when she wants her morning treat. I hate to admit it, but she may learn even more from watching the other dogs than she does from our training sessions!

Denali’s beautiful golden coat does require some regular attention. During a recent trip, we made the mistake of leaving her harness on for several days, which resulted in some mats on her chest. Her groomer had to trim away those lovely curls, and now she’s sporting a gorgeous coat that feels like soft, golden velvet. We’ve learned our lesson—her harness now goes on only when it’s time for a walk or a car ride.

Denali is also quite the little hunter and loves chasing small creatures in the yard. For her safety, we’re looking for a forever home with a securely fenced yard.

And because we know how much she loves to chase, we’ve even added a little fun to the backyard—a lure course! We’ll share pictures of Denali trying it out just as soon as the rain gives us a break.

Denali is a special girl who needs a little patience while she gets to know you. But once she decides you’re her person, you’ll get to see the happy, playful, spunky girl we’ve come to love.

Goodness—this girl is happy! Denali wakes up each morning ready to take on the day, is absolutely delighted when breakfast arrives, and then spends her day doing what she loves best: playing with her canine friends, learning new things, and soaking up life.

And when it’s time to slow down, Denali is an expert napper. She can nap just about anywhere—on your lap, at your feet, or stretched out on a dog bed like the proper young lady she is. After dinner, she’s happy to settle in for more naps and cuddles before heading off to bed. She has a wonderful balance of playful energy and the ability to relax.

Denali lives in the country, where she has a large fenced yard to run and play in rather than neighborhood walks. She gets plenty of exercise and loves a good game of fetch! A fenced yard will be especially important for this girl because she has some strong hunting instincts.

Denali joined us at Goldzilla last weekend, and what an adventure it was! She experienced all kinds of new things and handled them beautifully.

She took her first elevator ride—and absolutely aced it! She tackled her first set of commercial-building stairs, which were a little scary at first, but she did well. Best of all, she made progress with something that has been a work in progress: meeting new people.

Denali is still a shy girl, and she isn't going to rush up to a stranger and jump into their lap to say hello. Instead, she does best with slow, gentle introductions and no pressure. Given time and the opportunity to approach people at her own pace, she's learning that new people can be pretty wonderful, too.

And then there was the Goldzilla lure course.

We already knew Denali had strong hunting instincts, but WOW! This little girl was a star. She took to the lure course like a total diva and was absolutely amazing to watch. She clearly had a blast!

Denali is looking for a family that will appreciate her happy, playful personality while giving her the patience and guidance she needs to continue building confidence.
Her ideal home would include:

• A securely fenced yard where she can run, play, and safely indulge some of those hunting instincts
• Another dog-friendly canine companion to play with and share adventures
• Dog-savvy children age 5 or older
• People who enjoy training and want to help Denali become the very best dog she can be
• A family willing to let her take her time with new people and new experiences

Denali is a joyful, curious, affectionate, energetic young dog who is discovering the world one new adventure at a time. She may need a little patience when meeting new people, but once she feels comfortable, her happy personality shines through.

If you're looking for a playful young dog who will make you laugh, keep you moving, happily curl up beside you for a nap, and enthusiastically join you for a game of fetch, Denali might just be your girl!

Denali is a young dog but she's making great strides in putting some of her puppy behavior behind her. We've been working on helping her to stop jumping and mouthing people when she's excited and instead she's learning that 'sit' is the way to get attention - and she can do a beautiful sit! We're working on 'down' and 'shake' and she's an eager student!

Denali had her first professional grooming appointment this week and she's stunning! The groomer said that Denali was a bit timid and uncertain which we expected but overall she did really well!

We've also learned that Denali doesn't get car sick if you sit in the backseat with her so we're doing more of that kind of thing so that eventually she can be in the backseat by herself and enjoy the trip.

She's a lovely girl who is building her confidence and learning the joys of being a young doodle!

Denali has been enjoying this weather - she's out retrieving every morning, sniffing and exploring the yard and sometimes breaking into a playful round of zoomies. She thrives on exercise and a chance to learn and use her inquisitive mind.

Miss Denali is still a bit timid when meeting new people but she's getting the hang of going to the farmer's market where she's been exposed to bikes, strollers, the sound of generators and lots of intriguing smells. This week she's going to the groomers for some pampering and to get ready for Goldzilla!

This little girl is a retrieving rock star! We start each day by going outside and throwing the ball for her and she absolutely loves it! She brings it back with gusto and has some great moves running after balls and leaping in the air to catch them. We sneak in a few training moments (she has a pretty good 'sit' so now we're working on 'down') and she is so excited about all the praise she gets!

She's also a huge fan of lick mats and we always have one in the freezer ready to entertain her and a supply of toys to keep her busy. She is such a smart little girl and very eager to play - with you or with a dog buddy!

She's going to farmers market again this weekend - she gets lots of attention and it's a great opportunity for her to learn and socialize. She's still a bit timid with strangers so we make sure she feels safe and take things slow.

Denali is a learning sponge right now and very excited about every day. This is one happy little girl!  

Denali is an active girl who needs exercise. She is a much happier, calmer girl when she gets plenty of exercise! Walks are good, throwing the ball is good – she definitely needs to be active.

She must have a dog buddy – a confident dog who can handle all her young girl energy! She would love a doggie playmate or a dog who can share her enthusiasm for a good treat and household routines. Without a buddy dog, she is miserable.

She’s ready to learn more and experience more – she loves a routine and she’d also like to be included in activities. She’d be a good candidate for a training class where she can use her sharp mind and inquisitive spirit.

She is very cautious about meeting new people and introductions take time. She warms up to women faster than she warms up to men.

She barks excitedly to talk to you so she’s not a good candidate for an apartment. She barks less when she has a lot of exercise!

She is affectionate and a very quick, eager learner.

What we’re working on:

• This poor little girl gets car sick – we’re asking her vet to help us with options.
• This week, we’re going to get her out into new situations where she can meet new people. 

She is a sweet girl and she has so much to learn!

Meet Denali!

Denali is a 13-month-old doodle, a sweetheart with a happy spirit, a curious nature, and an eagerness to learn. She loves being with her people, pays very close attention to them, and truly wants to please. Every day she continues to impress us with how quickly she learns and with encouragement adapts to new situations.

Since joining our family, Denali has seamlessly settled into our multi-dog household. She absolutely loves the company of other dogs and would thrive in a home with a canine companion. Whether it's sharing toys, playing games, or enjoying zoomies around the backyard together, Denali is happiest when she has a dog friend by her side.

Denali is crate-trained and has also done very well with free roam of the house when we're away. Because she gains confidence from the dogs around her, a crate may still be helpful in a home where she is the only dog.

One of Denali's favorite activities is racing around the yard in joyful zoomies. The regular exercise has helped her build muscle and stay healthy, and she certainly enjoys every minute of it!

She has a gentle approach to her toys, especially squeaky ones. Remarkably, she hasn't destroyed a single toy—or anything else in the house. Denali responds beautifully to guidance and learns quickly. She is eager to please and often only needs a simple reminder to make the right choice. When she's not playing, she's perfectly content chewing on a favorite toy, relaxing on the couch, or curling up at her people's feet.

Denali is currently working on her leash manners. She's enthusiastic about walks and sometimes weaves back and forth, so she'll benefit from continued practice and guidance.

She has previously lived with children, but we believe she would do best in a home with older children who can respect her sensitivity to sudden movements and loud noises. Denali cannot live with cats due to her prey drive.

When she first arrived, Denali experienced some car sickness. With patience and short practice rides, she has become much more comfortable and is even beginning to enjoy car trips—especially when one of her dog buddies comes along.

Denali is a wonderful young dog with so much potential. With her loving personality, intelligence, and affection for other dogs, she's ready to bring joy, companionship, and plenty of smiles to her forever family. Denali is house-trained, up-to-date on her shots and was just spayed. She will be ready to find her forever family as soon as she has healed from her surgery.