Mack 24001727
BREED: Springer Spaniel, male, black and white
AGE: 15 months
LOCATION: Undisclosed
NEUTERED: No, will be adopted with a contract to be neutered once settled.
CHILDREN: 10 years +
OTHER DOGS: Good with other dogs.
CATS: will probably chase.
LIVESTOCK: Untested
STATUS: AVAILABLE, please note, we are not taking new interest for this dog at this time. Approved applicants on the adoption list will be considered.
A little bit about Mack: Mack is a bright, clever boy who can be cheeky if he is bored. He does like cuddles and particularly likes to squeeze up behind you on a big armchair or couch. He loves to fetch balls and likes his chew toys and treats. He will select something out of his toy box or, if he is in a cheeky mood, he will drop his ball under your chair and wait for you to fetch it for him [only to repeat this until something else is found for him to do]. He is very good at finding a ball if you ask him to 'go find' and will bring it for you to throw for him. As he has become more relaxed with us in Foster he will 'find' a slipper or a shoe and if not asked to 'leave' he will give it a bit of chew. He usually is happy to let you have these' treasures', especially if a treat is part of the deal. One of Mack's speciality tricks is opening doors, especially kitchen doors, to do a bit of counter surfing for any left-over food. He has on occasion, opened the back door to access the garden. He eats well and very quickly so we have introduced him to a slow feeder for his Kibble. He drinks quite a lot as his main food is dry. Sometimes he enjoys an piece of apple or carrot, other times that's of little interest.
More about Mack: Mack is house trained, and apart from a wee sprinkle on his first day in foster, he is happy to wee and poo in the garden or on walks.
He can manage being left alone within the house while we are there but needs to be in his crate if we go out [so far this has only been for very short spells of up to an hour]. He is used to his crate for resting and sleeping overnight. We pop him in his crate with a chew whilst we are eating as he is very food oriented and can be a bit of a pest. He whines a bit about the restriction but usually settles. He is happy to settle all night in his crate, rearranging the covers to suit himself and being delighted to welcome you in the morning with a show of exuberant zoomies before hitting the garden to check out for any intruders [birds or maybe cats!] This is his toilet time too, before breakfast.
He is often happy to sleep around our feet although the settee is nice too.
Mack's recall in the garden and in the house is very good but we have not yet had the chance to check it off lead in a safe place. His previous owners felt that his recall needed work.
Mack is a strong boy and although he walks fairly well on a 'Gentle leader' halti type collar he does like to have a good sniffing time. He does pull strongly on a harness. His previous owners also used a training slip lead but he seems a little anxious about that whereas he now welcomes the Gentle Leader as he know it means good walks.
He is quiet in the house, happy to greet visitors but no barking.
Mack doesn't bother over much about most other dogs but is polite and friendly with those that approach him in a friendly manner We feel he could have fun with a dog of similar energy level as himself and would be respectful of older dogs not wanting unnecessary attention. He has previously shared his household with other dog [his litter mate and an older female dog]. Mack has been only mildly interested in our local cats as long as they don't run. He will chase them in the garden.
Mack's big interest is birds, especially big birds and he loves sending them out of the garden. On walks he becomes very alert when he spots them but can sit and wait without lunging and walk on when they move off. He is fascinated by the birds flying overhead and we are sure he would be off after them if off lead and with opportunity.
He has been walks with us where he has seen horses and sheep and doesn't seem interested, more important to be checking out the verges for small furry things!
Visiting the vet: Mack has had his routine health check and is a very fit and healthy boy. He is up to date with his vaccinations. He was fine at the vets apart from wanting to talk to all the other dogs and is also fine in shops where he will happily sit for a treat and take it gently.
Behavioural issues: No issues reported.
Home needs: Mack is the nicest lad, but he can be very determined especially with wanting ball play. He is a gentle soul on the whole, but he is big and when excitement kicks in he will occasionally be a bit 'mouthy', not 'bitey' and with no malice intended. He just needs help to calm down when he gets a bit over the top. Not a boy for a family with small children or elderly adults who are likely to get knocked over by him. He can be inclined to jump up for affection and needs reminded to keep all 4 feet on the ground.
He has been fine meeting neighbours outside, He has had previous training by a Gun dog trainer and it would be worth pursuing that again for him to help steady him and build on his willingness to learn. Mack is a young dog who would thrive best in a household who had time to keep him busy with exercise and brain work. He has the potential to get into mischief if he is bored,
A good secure garden to explore where he could practice his ball skills would also be welcome . He loves being around his people and would be fine in a household with older children.
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.
We are not taking interest in Rennie for the time being. We will be drawing up a shortlist from approved applicants on the adoption list.
