Vivienne is deaf.

Vivienne’s family moved to a new home, and the change in circumstances sparked a change in Vivi’s behavior toward the other dog in the family. Vivienne became pushy and her family decided to prevent any possibility of violence by rehoming Vivienne. She’s done well in her foster home, showing indifference to the kitty, and she enjoys her time playing with the other dogs in her foster family.

Vivienne has gotten along well with children, but she’s young and can be a little rowdy. The main reason we are asking for kids 12 and older is the absolutely vital requirement with a deaf dog that she be contained within the home and yard. Unfortunately, young children just cannot be trusted to always close doors to the house or the gates to the yard. It’s hard enough for grownups to always remember, so it’s completely unrealistic to expect it of children.

Vivienne will require a family willing to work with her and train her using hand signals. She copes with her deafness by trying to take charge and she will confront dogs who compete for attention from her people, though she really likes playing with other dogs in a no-man’s-land safe enclosure like a dog park.

Here’s what her mom says about Vivienne’s personality. “Vivienne is hilarious. Bounding around, running all over the place. Her worst habit by far is darting through doors. She is still very puppyish and is always getting into something. She loves Nylabones and will chew happily, but as soon as your back is turned she is off to something else. She likes to climb on everything. More than once I have found her on top of the dining room table. I still haven’t figured out how she gets up there. She is very easily distracted. The biggest problem with training is getting her attention, although once the treats come out she focuses without trouble. She is very smart and it is easy to teach her new things, but she is always stubborn and if she doesn’t want to do something she will flatly refuse. She is dominant and pushy, but tries to assert herself in such an endearing way that you can’t help but love her. “ She really will need a firm and guiding hand.

Vivienne is housebroken, and though she doesn’t really like the crate and will carry on for a few minutes if she’s crated before she’s tired, she will settle down. Vivi also knows sit and down.

Vivienne isn’t food or toy aggressive with other dogs, but she is snappy when it comes to sharing her people. She has shown no aggression towards people at all, even when she is corrected.

Here’s what her foster mom is looking for for Vivienne: “Her new people should be strong, loving and patient. Vivienne would do well in almost any home with someone adept at dealing with dominant dogs. She does need a strong leader who can keep her tendency to bully under control. She will also need someone who is willing to learn how to communicate with her. This is a little harder than usual since she is deaf. I don’t think she needs experienced Frenchie owners.”

An apartment might be ideal for Vivienne, since there are usually at least two doors to prevent escape. In a single family home, the property must be entirely fenced or there must be structural barriers within the home (some families use a series of baby gates) to the wide open, since she is a darter. She’s too active to go to an office at this point in her life. She’d be fine alone if her people work outside the home, but applicants must have time and energy to exercise her either before or after work, or both.

Vivienne is waiting and watching for a new family in Kentucky. If you can handle this silly handful, prepare to pick her up there as she will not be shipped.