Hank
Hank 29001685
BREED: Springer Spaniel Cross, Male, Black & White
AGE: 5 years
LOCATION: Edinburgh area.
NEUTERED: Yes
CHILDREN: Yes, older.
OTHER DOGS: Yes, has lived with a labrador.
CATS: No, will chase.
LIVESTOCK: Untested
STATUS: AVAILABLE
Personality & Temperament: Hank is an affectionate but cheeky boy. Likes the sound of his own voice if he thinks you are not listening to him but can settle happily beside us on the settee or in his bed in the living room.
He enjoys his toys for short spells and his sniffing walks. Not particularly interested in ball play but does enjoy his puzzle balls with treats in them and will work with determination to get all the treats out He likes exploring the garden while one of us is working outside but does not like being left outside by himself even for a minute! He is a real 'counter surfer' and we have had to learn to be very vigilant about leaving any food items within his reach. He is a big lad and can reach well back on the kitchen work tops! Hank is part Beagle and has a very distinctive hound howl to alert you to anyone at the door but doesn't persist for very long. He does like to look out the dining room or bedroom windows to see what's happening in the street and will bark a loud alert if he thinks you need to know.
Home Life: Hanks' toilet habits are well established and he likes his routine of getting out to the back garden first thing before breakfast and last thing at night for a final 'loo' stop and to check there are no cats in the garden that he needs to send off.
Hank has not been with us long enough to judge how he is being left in by himself but his history suggests that is not a problem for him. During the day he will rest easily either in his bed, beside one of our armchairs or on the settee. He also likes to snuggle up to you on the settee. He will let you know by softly whining rising to a sharp bark if he feels he needs some 'play time' or that it's his dinner time. He sleeps downstairs overnight where he has access to his bed but seems to prefer his cover on the settee. Once he has checked he can't get upstairs because of the stair gate he settles all night and is pleased to see us when we rise around 7 am.
Hank pulls strongly on his harness (although he is a bit better now he has a front fastening one) but walks well on the Gentle leader or Halti. However, he has next to no recall off lead whether that is in a dog safe play area or in the garden. He enjoys two or three walks a day, easily managing up to 2 miles. His manners towards other dogs needs some working as he can be a bit challenging but he did live with another family dog until recently. Cats are for barking at or chasing but he seems to ignore the birds in our garden and on walks. He travels reasonably well in the car but it is not his favourite place.
Getting Along With Others:
He has met dogs on walks and been fine initially, but he has also been a bit unpredictable maybe due to frustration with being on lead. Similarly, he can be fine with meeting strangers in the street but will on occasion bark at younger children going past on bikes or scooters. He doesn't seem unduly worried about traffic but will bark at horses and seems interested in sheep.
Health Issues: Hank is in good condition and has had his routine healthcheck. He is due his vaccination boosters in November.
Hank lived with a 13-year-old in his previous home and was with his family since a puppy, but he has grumbled a bit at youngsters in the street so older children would be better. He is said to get on okay with other dogs but being on the lead with us seems to set up a frustration that would need work on. Ongoing input on recall and his counter surfing is very important. Although he does sometimes know the command for 'OFF' or' LEAVE' and he does respond to SIT for a treat or to wait for his food he will snatch food if it drops near him. He is a good-natured lad and the only growl we've had from him was when he was ripping up a tennis ball which he wouldn't give up. I would keep those away from him.
He is said to be very sensitive about getting his nails clipped but he has been fine about having his feet touched. He does have very prominent dew claws on his hind legs which may need clipped at the vets and he may need help for that.
He does enjoy a good rub down with a doggy towel if he comes in wet..
Home Needs: Hank would thrive in an experienced home with someone around much of the time. He has lived with a labrador, and would be fine with a calm, friendly dog. No cats, as he would chase them. Older children, as Hank is a big boy and can be quite boisterous. With patience and a bit of consistent training, Hank will be a loyal, affectionate companion with a big personality.
Ongoing support: Springer Rescue for Scotland will be available for any support with your new dog and can offer behavioural support in case of any problems that may arise on adopting a dog.
Please do not express interest in Hank if you are going on holiday in the next 4-6 weeks.
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