Ralph - Reserved
Ralph 30001664
BREED: Cocker Spaniel, Black & Tan, Male
AGE: 4 years
LOCATION: Berwickshire, Scottish Borders
NEUTERED: Yes
CHILDREN: Yes, older.
OTHER DOGS: Yes, good with other dogs.
CATS: No cats, will chase
LIVESTOCK: Will chase deer. Should be on lead around livestock.
STATUS: RESERVED
A little bit about Ralph: Ralph is a gentle, playful, affectionate, and curious dog who chooses when to come over for interaction. He’s calm and has a soft mouth when hand-fed. He enjoys ‘brain’ and physical games, on-lead walks, zoomies, and relaxing on the sofa with his foster mum. He likes being stroked and often gives lick-kisses (though these aren’t encouraged!). Ralph barks at visitors and unfamiliar sounds but settles quickly. He may occasionally jump up at people indoors. Overall, he behaves well in other people’s homes, including those with dogs.
Energy Requirements: Ralph loves his walks but was previously under-exercised. Walks have been gradually increased so every day he now enjoys short walks in the early morning, before his dinner, and the last toilet walk before the fosterers go to bed. His longer walk has been between midday and early afternoon. He walks well at heel in familiar areas but can be easily distracted in open spaces. If he’s had enough—especially in the dark and/or wet—he’ll stop and want to head home. He pulls on an extended lead, particularly when following a scent, but walks nicely on a shorter lead and stays close-by when his fosterer stops.
He loves to chase birds and cats, shows mild interest in livestock, and can be redirected immediately he is becoming focused.
Training: Ralph will need ongoing training in most areas. Although he will 'go to bed', he isn't consistent with ‘sit’, ‘come’, and ‘heel’. He will 'sit' for his food and will wait for a few moments for the release 'yes, yes'. Because of the recent weeks of rain, play and training has been mainly indoors.
Visiting the vet: Ralph was anxious at the vet but, in a calm setting, allowed himself to be examined. He is gentle-mannered and enjoys playing with other dogs, though he can be a little over-enthusiastic at first and responds well if another dog tells him to back off. He is fit and well, and is due his next vaccinations in June.
Ralph does not like being on the table at the vets or groomer. He gets upset and agitated.
Travelling: At home, he prefers going out through the back door into the garden, especially if his lead is kept out of sight. He doesn’t like wearing a harness and would rather not wear a coat, though he’ll tolerate one if it’s put on just before going outside. Ralph travels well, enjoys visiting new places, and gets excited at the sound of car keys. He can stay in the car and at home for short periods.
Food: Ralph is currently overweight and has a sensitive stomach, with an intolerance to chicken. He is fed AVA Optimum Health Sensitive Skin & Stomach dry kibble, with a vet-recommended total of 120g per day (60g at breakfast and 60g at 5pm). He eats quickly.
Ralph enjoys vegetables (mostly cooked) and a little fruit, including carrots, peas, kale, broccoli, green beans, and raw apple and pear, which he has with his evening meal. He also like natural yoghurt and nut butters - both with no additives. He is food-motivated in training, and his fosterers use homemade vegetable-based dry biscuit treats as rewards.
Sleep: Ralph is house-trained and sleeps in his crate on a bed with the door open. Although he initially wanted to sleep on the human bed, he quickly settled into his crate. He appears to have been allowed on the sofa and may nap there, but he gets off when asked. He’s also happy to sleep on the floor, a mat, or another dog bed.
Behavioural issues: Ralph has occasionally counter-surfed and has taken items from the recycling bucket.
Home needs: He enjoys company and would ideally like a home where his humans are around most of the time, preferably with a garden. As he still jumps up occasionally, a home with adults and older children would be most suitable. He hasn’t been around young children while in foster care. No cats. He would probably be best as the only dog in the home but may be fine with another dog if carefully introduced. He seems to have issues with golden retrievers.
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 Ralph if you are going on holiday in the next 4-6 weeks.
If you have been home-checked or approved by email then please complete the interest form below.
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