Buster Warr

In 2008, BUSTER was an 8 month old Labrador who was neutered in Ireland. He is a lovely boy and seems to be very well behaved except for barking loudly at strange dogs. He lived with a Husky dog but they didn’t get on and then his owner had a change of circumstances so he needed to be rehomed.

Pauline met the transport and got him microchipped and he had a chance to socialise and play with Rhani and friends before going off to Yeovil in Somerset to be fostered.

FIRST UPDATE ON BUSTER

Hayley says, ” Buster has been staying with us and our two labs Dexter and Roxi for a couple of days now.”

“After initial greetings Buster and our dogs get on great. There is lots of Labrador play and he gets on extremely well with our 5 year old male, who is showing him the ropes and some canine manners.”

“Buster has had only two accidents in the house since he’s been here and seems to be thriving in a routine.”

“He is a very affectionate boy, loves lots of fuss and praise and is also very bright. We taught him to sit in his first couple of days, he loves to please you. Buster seems more toy and praise motivated then food which is something I am used to with my two labs!! “

“On our walk in a safe, enclosed area, Buster was extremely good off the lead and his recall is good. He seems to enjoy taking in all the country smells. We have also been to the beach and found Buster to be a natural swimmer and he loves to retrieve.” “Buster met my 4 year old niece and seemed to be enjoying all the extra fuss and was very gentle for an 8-month-old lab!!”

“His major fault appears to be barking at strange dogs which will need ongoing training and lots of great experiences and he also jumps up a lot but this has reduced in the last couple of days with us ignoring this behaviour.”

SECOND UPDATE

Buster is doing well. He met a friend’s dog today and they got on famously and had a good play, though he does like to hump!! but probably more from over excitement then anything like dominance, as he does it to all dogs. He does still bark on lead at strange dogs, with his hackles up. We have tried distraction when walking, but he is almost fixated and is not as food motivated as my greedy chocolate labs!! 🙂 We will try a toy or maybe some liver treats 🙂

He hasn’t had any accidents in the house since the second night though he has marked 3 times where my dogs are sleeping in a different room so the door is kept shut now to stop this.

He is great with children having met three so far. He is very gentle but still a bouncy lab at the same time!!

He is not too good with cats and will chase. The same applies to any small furries. He kept trying to harass my rabbit in his pen.

He does barks a little when left but he soon settles down after 5 minutes or so. He sleeps through the night with no problems.

FURTHER UPDATE ON BUSTER

Buster is coming on really well, he is such a sweet dog. We have been busy socialising, meeting and greeting dogs, people etc……

Buster seems to be fine with all dogs and people we have met, a little rude with his humping and has had a quick telling off from the other dog, though he has reduced this behaviour considerably since his arrival. The barking at other dogs on the lead is definitely play, and although not as bad, he still does this and is very hard to distract when he does become interested in a dog.

He seems to have learnt house rules and is thriving in a routine; he even has his own little spot in the garden where he does his business.

I think when he is relaxing he is becoming more food orientated, and just wants to please.

He just loves to play, and likes his Kong stuffed with peanut butter.

ANOTHER UPDATE ON BUSTER

Hayley says, “Well Buster seems to have stopped barking at other dogs! I think because he has been socialising everyday he has relaxed a bit and is now more used to his surroundings. He still tends to pull when he sees other dogs and has the occasional whine. Sometimes he pulls like a steam train which we are working on by walking in the opposite direction and using a halti. He has now taken to barking at dogs on the TV, you could tell he wasn’t used to household noises. Other than that he is doing very well, he is starting to become a teenager lol and will try it on just a little bit harder 🙂

Where we walk Buster are a couple of tennis courts, so we pop him in there with a couple of his new doggy friends so he can have a play around and let off a bit of steam.

FIRST UPDATE FROM HIS FOREVER HOME

Hayley said, “As Buster only lives 5 minutes away, I see him on a regular basis and he seems to be a different dog to the boy I met a few months ago….he is turning into a well mannered young man.

Having been recently updated on Busters progress from Mrs Warr, we are putting in lots of time for training and socialising, and his recall is coming along nicely using the whistle, though he does get distracted by his other canine friends now and again, and just wants to play :-).

He goes in his crate during the day for a snooze on his own free will, and new owners have commented on how quiet he is in the house, you wouldn’t know he’s there. Buster also likes to follow them around the house and lie by their feet.

It is plain to see that Buster has bonded very well, looking up to them with kindness and respect, and it’s great to see a strong bond forming.

He is has settled extremely well, they are both very pleased with his progress and he looks in excellent condition. Keep up the good work.”

UPDATE JULY 09

Hayley said. “Buster is a very handsome lab; he is a very well trained boy and has a super character. I am lucky to see him regularly.”