Jake Hughes
SADLY, NOT AN UNUSUAL HISTORY
Jake was surrendered into IRR’s care as his family could no longer look after him.
FOSTERER’S INITIAL REPORT
When we collected Jake and Mitch from Irish transport he threw himself on the ground refusing to move. We carried him into the car eventually where he buried his head in a blanket. When he eventually left the car, down on the floor he went again!
After getting him indoors he tried to get on my husband’s knee and seemed very fearful indeed, poor soul! He was made to stay on the floor but leaned in very close and growled at the other dog. After settling both dogs down for the night with a small feed we finally got to bed.
There was lots of scratching and banging around intially from the dogs, then everything went quiet. The next day both dogs were in the kitchen, they had somehow managed to open the adjoining door!
Since that first night, Jake has completely transformed and has so far been a lovely natured dog who is very handsome and, although supposedly a Cross, he looks very much a purebred with a beautiful head.
He is getting along OK with our 3 cats. He will “go lie down” when told and sits quietly while you put on his lead, then pulls initially, but if you correct him he responds and comes back.
He has been friendly towards other walkers, children, babies in pushchairs and bikers.
His reaction to other dogs is improving day by day and I can only think his earlier behaviour was due to the trauma of the journey.
He has had the odd accident but I don’t think it will take long to get him housetrained. He has got some issues about being left alone, even with other dogs, and will need some help with this separation anxiety.
He has met the various pets in our menagerie, including our macaw, poultry and ponies. Although he shows interest, he has behaved quite well, although outside he has always been on the lead.
I haven’t tested his recall off the lead but he is very responsive and I do not see this as a problem (he is just happy to be with you).
He is not possessive with food, he grumbles a bit when he has a toy but lets me take it off him, and has not tried to steal off the worktops.
Up to now he has been a fantastic dog who I think will make a great pet and loves everyone. He is due to meet my grandchildren any day but I am confident he will be fine.
FOSTERER’S 2nd REPORT – NOV 2011
Jake greeted the grandchildren aged 3,6 and 10 years with delight, being gentle around them thoroughly enjoying the fuss.
He now has no interest in the house cats at all so I think he would be fine with a “dogwise” cat.
He had a trip to the beauty parlour and was well behaved and polite whilst being bathed and groomed.
His recall so far is excellent: even when chasing one of the chickens he stopped in his tracks and came back when told!
He is very obedient and his house training has improved slightly. I left both dogs in the kitchen for about an hour while I did some shopping and everything seemed fine.
He is much better walking on the lead now and greets other dogs politely although I don’t let him linger too long as he sometimes seems nervous when other dogs get too close.
During the week I have noticed he has some issues over food, only eating if I stand with him and he is alone in the room. The slightest noise or distraction causers him to immediately walk away and he refuses to go back to his dish. Yesterday he refused to eat altogether and this morning although he has eaten it was out of my hand: perhaps some advice is needed on this one!!
JAKE’S DREAM HOME
Jake would be happy in a home with another dog that has the right attitude (Mitch has been perfect for him) as he becomes unhappy when another dog gets too close to his owner, although the more he gets to know the other dogs the better he has become. He would probably be better in a home with older children if another dog is present.
JAKE WENT TO HIS FOREVER HOME (DEC 2011)