Harry

HARRY’S FIRST DAY (7 February 2018)

Dad, Gary, and Mum, Claire, sent us a quick update on Harry’s 1st day with them.

“We introduced him to Ruby on a short walk then came back home. They were both a bit wary at first (which was only to be expected) but they soon settled down and started to play. They had a good chase round in the garden and tired themselves out.

They both fell asleep in the evening while we watched TV and, at bedtime, Harry preferred the rug in front of the fire to his mat, which is ok with us. Today, he has spent birdwatching in the garden and having another chase with Ruby. He is now giving his paw on request and seems happy with his new pal”.

A FEW DAYS ON

His folks tell us “Harry is doing fine. He is learning to stop at kerbs when crossing the road, and to roll over when asked. He loves his walks although they do seem to tire him out and he sleeps for England (or should that be Ireland?).

He and Ruby are getting on really well, and it is so nice to see her playing with another dog again. Harry enjoys his walks and likes to take his rabbit for a spot of bird watching. He also very much enjoys a spot of relaxation.

We are going to training with him once a week and we have now managed to get his attention when he sees another dog. He still tries to pull towards them and barks if allowed. He doesn’t like to be pulled back, which we try not to do, but, once he has met them, he is fine and will carry on walking. We do think that we can get him to behave with time and the trainer says that he will be a lovely dog once he gets over this.

All in all, we couldn’t have wished for a more suitable dog for Ruby’s new brother and, despite his little foibles, we love him to bits. Thank you for everything”.  

HISTORY 

Harry is a rather gorgeous, castrated, 4yrs old Golden Retriever with a very distinctive dark-coloured flash on his face. As is normal, he was vet checked and received the necessary vaccinations to obtain his Pet Passport for entry into the UK.

He went into foster in the UK with David & Alison and their two female Golden Retrievers.

PERSONALITY

David says “This lovely handsome boy is fit and lithe and will need plenty of exercise and stimulation but he is happy to settle and be left alone. He has made a welcome addition to the family. He is very different inside to outside

He is unsure in certain situations and can overreact to noise, movement and other dogs, causing him to lunge and bark.  It may be he is not fully socialised but he does learn quickly.

Harry needs time to assess situations.  He is not fully confident without reassurance but he is willing to investigate if encouraged.  He can change from a calm dog to an energetic one very quickly, acting much younger than his given age.

He can get himself wound up pretty quickly so he will need experienced handling”.

HEALTH
Harry is an extremely fit, healthy young dog,  He does have an unusual black mark on nose.

SOCIAL LEARNING
This gorgeous boy is a dog of 2 halves.

Indoors – He is a lovely dog to have about the house and is very nearly perfect. Respectful, obedient, clean, settles well, can be left, likes attention but is not pushy and he likes being groomed. He has a tendency to flinch or lie down to raised voices or hands. He is a tiny bit submissive and needs reassurance that all is ok and he is doing the right thing.

He is respectful at doors and his recall around the house and garden is good especially when there are no distractions. He has made no attempt to move the child gates.

Outside – he will approach strangers quietly and gently in his own time.  He can over react to noise, movement and other dogs, causing him to lunge and bark and he can get wound up very quickly going from 0 to 10 in 2 seconds. 

TRAVEL: Harry is happy and content travelling in a vehicle
HOUSETRAINING: He is house trained
BASIC TRAINING: Harry is fairly well socialized and trained in basic commands. He understands sit and down but he is unable to hold these positions.
LEADWALKING:  He is improving on a slip lead and body harness RECALL: Harry is very responsive to his name and has the makings of a great recall. He is very willing to please.
RESOURCE GUARDING: The toys are down sooner than usual as we are aware he could be possessive with his toys, wanting all of them, so a close eye is being kept but there have been no signs of  resource guarding or aggression.
SEPARATION ANXIETY: There is no evidence of separation anxiety. He settles extremely well and is quiet as a mouse all night and he can be happily left on his own once he is exercised and fed.
ADULTS: Harry is friendly with adults once he has been introduced to them.
CHILDREN: Unknown DOGS:  He greeted our girls well and plays with Daisy (who is quite boisterous and rough if allowed) whilst being respectful of  Bonnie.

He has mixed reactions to other dogs and we are in the process of learning what affects him.  He can ignore some dogs but lunges towards others barking. We are trying to work out if it is breed, temperament or their sex that affects him.

We think training will help and suspect he has not been fully socialised or has been attacked whilst on the lead. Progress is being made but it will take time and an experienced handler.

He quickly accepted a black bitch walking with us on a walk today. 

CATS: Unknown cats

HARRY’S DREAM HOME

Harry needs an experienced owner who has plenty of time and is willing to continue with his socialisation and positive training. He will need regular exercise and stimulation. He acts much younger than his age and seems to be quite immature in his behaviour.

He would probably be better in an adult home with a steady canine companion who can help him to settle into his new life and who will show him the ropes.

This boy is so handsome and a pleasure to have about the house so the person who offers him a forever home is going to be very lucky.

FEBRUARY 2018

Harry has gone to live in his Forever Home.