Daley

Daley is a large 2-year-old castrated male Golden Retriever. As usual, he was vet checked, castrated and rabies vaccinated to obtain his Pet Passport for travel to the UK where he went into foster with Jane.

HISTORY

He was surrendered because his owners had no time for him. He had never been indoors and had been tied up outside with no shelter.

We were told Daley is, supposedly, good with other dogs but is not great on the lead.            

PERSONALITY

Jane says “Daley is quite a confident lad, full of life as you would expect for a 2 year old. He is alert and inquisitive, playful and happy but, at times, he will give that look as if he is saying “is it ok?” We wondered if he has been chastised in the past but, as the days have passed, his confidence has grown.

Daley is a lovely boy with no discernible vices. He loves to please and has picked up very quickly on the routine in our home”.

HEALTH

Daley appears to be a very healthy boy. He has a good appetite and all functions are normal.

His coat is in need of some TLC as it is very dry and he does itch at times but there are no signs of any skin problems. We think it might just be the transition from outdoor life to being indoors.

When brushing him, I noticed that he is very skinny under all the hair with his ribs and back bone quite easily felt but I’m sure with good food and exercise this will improve.

SOCIAL LEARNING

TRAVEL:  He is happy and content travelling in a vehicle

HOUSETRAINING:  4/5  Although I was informed he was not house trained, apart from the first night, there have been no incidents of soiling in the house. Although he does not give a direct indication he wants to go out, you can tell that is what he wants from his behaviour of pacing the floor.

BASIC TRAINING:  Daley knows some basic commands and will sit and wait for his food to be put down. He is quick to learn and wants to please you.

LEADWALKING and RECALL:  He pulls initially on a slip lead but he settles down once into the walk. He recalls well in the garden but he can be easily distracted (eg by cats) so we would not trust his recall when out even in a secure area.

RESOURCE GUARDING: Daley has shown no evidence of resource guarding.

SEPARATION ANXIETY: He was left for the first time with my bunch on day 3 for 3 hours whilst I did some shopping, I felt confident that there would be no issues and this was confirmed when I returned home. He watched my two Golden girls each pick up a toy to greet me and immediately went looking for one and did the same.

ADULTS:  Daley is very friendly with humans. He does not jump up although he loves attention.

CHILDREN: He has not been tested with children.

DOGS: He is very friendly and gets along well with other dogs. He loves to play bitey face. If overly boisterous, he takes a telling off from the other dogs with no retaliation. Breeze, my youngest girl has taken it upon herself to teach him manners.

CATS:  He does love to chase cats if they run but does not attack them. It would need to be a very confident cat that was willing to put him in his place.

OTHER ANIMALS: He does have a high chase drive as demonstrated with the cats but there is no malice. He has met livestock and initially was very wary but, as they turned to move away, he, again, gave the impression he might chase if given the chance.

DALEY’S DREAM HOME

Daley needs a home with people who have plenty of time with him and who are happy to continue with his reward-based training. He will make a wonderful family dog in a home with or without other dogs but it would be better if the home was without cats. He has a lot of potential and is quick to learn. He is also very athletic so would really suit an active family.

JANUARY 2019

Daley has gone to live in his Forever Home.