Mitch
MITCH’S HISTORY
Mitch is a very young neutered pure bred Golden Retriever (possibly less than a year) who came from Meath Pound having being found as a stray and not reclaimed after his 5 days were up. He travels well in the car and gets on well with other dogs and is much more handsome than his photos show.
FOSTERER’S INITIAL REPORT – NOV 2011
Mitch is being fostered in Lancashire with Paula together with another IRR dog Jake, who Paula also fostered at the same time.
After settling both dogs down with a small feed we left one in the utility room and one in the kitchen. There seemed to be a lot of scratching and banging around then everything went quiet. I came down the next day to find both dogs in the kitchen: they had managed to open the adjoining door! Mitch has so far been a lovely natured dog as well as being very handsome, he gets along ok with our 3 cats in the house but – typical puppy – wants to chase after them outside! He sits quietly while you put on his lead and pulls initially but calms down about half way becoming more manageable. On our walks he is friendly towards other walkers, children, babies in pushchairs and bikers. He gets on great with other dogs (so far our own two dogs, also dogs we meet outside) – he’s a real softie! He has had the odd accident in the house but I don’t think he will take long to housetrain. He has got some issues about being left alone even with other dogs, and would need some help with this separation anxiety. He has met the various pets in our managerie, including our macaw, poultry and ponies showing little interest, and has behaved quite well, although outside he has always been on the lead. I haven’t tested his recall off the lead and although very obedient in the house I wouldn’t want to risk letting him off on a walk until he has had some basic training – obedience classes would be great for him as he is very willing to learn. He is not possessive with food or toys 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 family pet (he loves everyone). He is due to meet my grandchildren any day but I am confident he will be fine.
FOSTERER’S 2nd REPORT – DEC 2011
Mitch met the grandchildren (aged 3, 6 and 10 yrs) and was delighted, being quite gentle around them although thoroughly enjoying the fuss. He is much better around the cats now and only shows interest if they run across the kitchen so I think he would be fine with a “dogwise” cat. Outside he barks at the chickens and geese although this is due to excitement and not at all threatening. He had a trip to the vets and was well behaved and very polite while being examined. I’ve not had the chance to test his recall yet but sadly I suspect once he gets his nose to the ground he will be off, so dog training needed!!! His house training has improved slightly although he doesn’t seem to differentiate between the flagged kitchen floors and outside, but we are working on it! I left both dogs in the kitchen for about an hour while I did some shopping and everything seemed fine when I came home. Walking on the lead is much better now and Mitch is not at all possessive with food or toys. He would make a perfect dog for a family with children of any age in my opinion. Although he seems to like all dogs he has become best buddies with Jake so it would be really good if they could be re-homed together.