Violet is a happy and friendly girl who's always ready to bring some energy and joy to your life. Whether she's chasing after toys or enjoying a treat, Violet's zest for life is contagious. If you're looking for a fun, active companion who's always up for a good time, Violet could be the perfect fit for your family.
Her love for life really shines when she's with her people-especially if there's a walk involved! Sweet and affectionate, Violet absolutely thrives on shared adventures. She might get a little bouncy at first (who could blame her with squirrels to spot and new smells to sniff?), but once that excitement wears off, she happily settles into a nice, relaxed stroll.
Violet is housetrained, knows how to sit, and if there are treats on the line, she's all ears! Playtime is her absolute favorite, and with her boundless energy, she'll zoom around the yard like a whirlwind of happiness. She's curious about other dogs too, and her playful personality is sure to keep you smiling.
Violet recently went on a pack walk with shelter staff, volunteers, and other dogs - and she handled it like a champ! She started off full of enthusiasm and curiosity, and as the walk went on, she really began to settle in and enjoy the journey. She absolutely loved exploring all the new smells and sights along the way. Violet is a confident, independent lady who enjoys the company of people and other dogs but doesn't demand constant attention. She was friendly and social with new faces, preferring polite sniffs over cuddles.
Violet recently went on a Dog's Day Out adventure at Patapsco State Park-and she absolutely thrived. Her favorite part? Running side-by-side with her human, soaking up the sunshine and fresh air with joyful energy. Described as independent, adventurous, and easygoing, Violet is the kind of dog who can keep up on the trails and then chill out like a pro when the day winds down. She walked beautifully on leash, rode like a champ in the car, and handled every new environment with calm confidence.
Whether it's heading out on a hike or curling up at home, Violet seems to do well in just about any situation. She's a balanced blend of spirited and relaxed-a perfect match for someone who enjoys both adventure and quiet companionship.
She's met other pups at the shelter and, while she can be a bit of a rowdy gal, she's always game to meet potential doggie roommates to see if they vibe. Violet is also eligible to come back for socials at BARCS, giving her more chances to make new furry friends along the way!
Violet's playful personality will keep you smiling, and her zest for life is contagious. If you're looking for a fun, active companion who's always up for a good time, Violet could be the perfect fit for your family.
Come to BARCS to meet Violet!
**I'm on BARCS' VIP Urgent List. Why is My Status Urgent?**
A dog's behavior in a shelter can be very different from how they act in a home once they have time to relax. In the shelter, dogs spend a lot of time isolated in their kennels, meet new people constantly and are surrounded by other loud barking dogs, new smells, new sounds and new routines. This environment can keep their stress levels elevated for days or even weeks, which can cause them to act out in ways they wouldn't in a home. Because of this, what we see in the shelter are just observations and not promises of how the dog will behave later. A dog's true personality often shows up once they've had time to settle into their new home-that's why fostering and adopting is so important!
The following are the observations of my challenges in a shelter environment:
Leash Reactivity: Leash reactivity happens when a dog becomes overly excited, anxious or reactive on a leash, often responding to other dogs, people or moving objects. To manage leash reactivity, the dog may need to be kept at a safe distance from triggers, with positive reinforcement for calm behavior, and possibly work with a trainer if the behavior persists.
Dog Selectiveness: Dog selectiveness is when a dog may get along well with some dogs but might have a poor reaction or be avoidant with others. Selective dogs may need carefully managed interactions, intentionally selected playmates to ensure compatibility, supervised play with other dogs, and avoidance of situations where they feel threatened or overwhelmed.
Barrier Reactivity: Barrier reactivity occurs when a dog may bark, growl or lunge when behind a barrier, such as a fence, gate or window, often due to frustration or excitement. If barrier reactivity continues outside of the shelter, the dog may need desensitization by gradually exposing them to the trigger from a safe distance, rewarding calm behavior, and managing the environment to reduce opportunities for reactivity.
Prey Drive: Prey drive refers to a dog's instinct to chase and capture moving objects, such as small animals or toys. If the dog exhibits a strong prey drive in an adoptive home, they may need complete separation or controlled, supervised play with appropriate toys and training to manage their impulses and ensure safety around smaller animals.
