Kiki

Kiki is a gorgeous 1 year old Golden Retriever. He was vet checked and had all the necessary inoculations in Ireland to obtain his Pet Passport and be able to come to the UK where he went into foster with Louise and her family.

PERSONALITY

Kiki has the most beautiful face and a temperament to match. He is affectionate, energetic, alert and inquisitive, playful and happy and has taken everything in his stride.   

This boy is perfect so far. He is very pretty and has a hugely expressive face – he really does smile!

ON ARRIVAL AND EARLY DAYS

Kiki settled into the house and my pack within moments of him arriving. His behaviour is that of a slightly younger puppy. Kiki doesn’t show any of the usual rescue dog traits and is confident in all he does. He will certainly make a stunning addition to any family.

He is quite immature both in behaviour and looks. He still has a puppy coat though he is getting some feathering on his tail which seems to wag merrily all of his waking hours.

He is incredibly curious and inquisitive and can often be found exploring the back of the flower beds or under bushes. He loves to play , the wetter and messier the better, he adores pools and rivers but we’ve yet to try him with the sea.

He sleeps through the night, by the side of our bed surrounded by my dogs, and doesn’t stir until he hears someone has got up then he’s awake, tail wagging and asking for love. He craves human touch and actively seeks out a hand to tickle his ears.

He is so eager to please. He has learnt several basic commands already, though his preferred position is flat on his back chewing a toy in his paws.

AFTER A COUPLE OF WEEKS IN FOSTER

This darling boy just gets better and better! He really is the most gorgeous pup. He comes with very little of the ‘baggage’ we usually see. He’s a typical curious, enthusiastic puppy who just loves life and isn’t afraid to show it!

He is incredibly quick to learn and picked up the routine here immediately. He eats and sleeps happily with our dogs and takes their lead in all he does.

I think he will be happiest in a family where he has a human around most of the time. He is always within arms length of me and wakes up to follow me if I move.

HEALTH

Kiki is very healthy as you would expect of a youngster.

He is very puppy-like in a lot of his movement so he often trips over something he is carrying or mis-times a jump but I don’t think it’s anything other than physical immaturity.

SOCIAL LEARNING

TRAVEL: He is happy and content travelling in a vehicle

HOUSETRAINING: Housetraining is almost there

BASIC TRAINING: Kiki hasn’t had much training so I’m treating him as I would a younger pup. On arrival, he seemed to be operating at about four or five months old.

He has learnt to sit and sits for anything and everything in the hope he’s done the right thing. I imagine jumping up will be a thing of the past very soon.

He can sit on command … what ever command! His default mode is sit so I’m assuming someone has done some training with him and he knows that sitting is ‘right’ – and, of course, it is some of the time. So he will need to be trained to understand there are more commands than sit and putting his bottom on the floor isn’t always the answer

LEADWALKING: He was not lead trained at all and was very inquisitive when we were out. We didn’t do any long walks as it was far too hot. He now, walks well on a front leading harness (after some initial ‘excited to be out in the world’ pulling)  and he is already less erratic walking within these few days

He is worried by cars passing when we’re out walking but he is happy to sit and focus on me as they go by.

RECALL: He has excellent and immediate (very happy) recall.

RESOURCE GUARDING: There has been no sign of resource guarding

SEPARATION ANXIETY: Kiki has only been left with my dogs so I have no idea how he would be truly alone but he would probably not be very happy.

ADULTS: and CHILDREN:  He is very friendly  and everyone who has met him is smitten. He has met humans from weeks old to pensioners and has won all their hearts.

He is still inclined to jump up at passers by and new visitors. This is already getting less regular just by turning our backs when he jumps and he no longer jumps at people he knows. He sits (default mode)  as soon as he is told to get down.

He adores children but he may be a bit over friendly for small ones!

DOGS: He is great with other dogs, although he hasn’t met any very small ones yet.

CATS: He has met our cat. He play bowed and tried to engage Edward in a game. Edward wasn’t impressed and I was able to call Kiki away easily.

KIKI’S DREAM HOME

Kiki would love a home with people who are around most of the time and who will be able to carry on with his positive training. He adores other dogs so he would love to be able to live with one or more. He is a bundle of fun and, for sure, he will reward forever owners by showering them with love and filling their lives with laughter.

AUGUST 2018

Ben has gone to his forever Home.