Brody 5

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Original: “A diamond in the rough, this smart young guy would benefit greatly from some training classes. This will help build his confidence, and shape and polish him into a shining example of a Springer.”

Brody was relinquished from his loving Pennsylvania home through no fault of his own. A strong allergic reaction to pet dander by children in the house necessitated this change to improve the children’s health. Wanting the best home possible for him, Brody became a MAESSR boy.

Brody has settled in nicely in his foster home. He is imitating the resident dog by waiting patiently in his bed for meals and has adapted to the household schedule quickly. He is housetrained and will whimper and stand by the door to be let out. Good boy!

Brody is also crate trained and was crated daily in his prior home. He has not been crated often in his foster home as someone is usually at home. Brody has freedom in the house while his people are home or if they are only gone an hour or so. At night, Brody sleeps in his foster parent’s room, sometimes in his bed and sometimes in the parent’s bed. Sleeping around people is a new experience for Brody.

Brody needs some work on some of his house manners. He is not destructive with toys or other objects he “acquires” and neither have there been any inappropriate chewing incidents. Brody is a champion counter-surfer when curiosity gets the better of him. His foster parents are working on “off” daily. He will explore small trash cans in search of tissues and other soft papers but leaves other items in the can. He will willingly trade his “treasure” for another treat/toy. Brody will get on the furniture, usually where the pet blanket is placed or to sit next to one of the people in the house. He is a very loving dog.

Walking nicely without pulling is a work-in-progress for Brody. He is very strong and strong-willed. Using a harness works best as he learns not to pull the dog walker to the destination of his choosing. Meeting new people or dogs on the walk has been fine. He does not bark while on a walk; he tends to stare at other dogs from a distance. He has been friendly with people who want to pet him and willingly sits for attention. Riding in a car creates an anxious experience for Brody. He is belted into the backseat and tends to “sing” with the music during a car ride. He really likes the Beach Boys.

Brody knows commands for “sit,” “stay” (for a short time), and “down.” He is working on “leave it,” “heel,” and “come.” He can be somewhat stubborn about commands and then routinely follow them on his own time.  It would be very beneficial for Brody’s adopters to take his for a series of obedience classes to reinforce those commands his foster family is teaching him.

Brody is a high-energy Springer and currently enjoys two long walks daily to help release his energy. He loves his stuffed animals, enjoys a good Frisbee toss, and will play ball. Toys can be taken or traded without problem. He has recently started taking the Frisbee or ball from the senior resident dog so she will follow him around to retrieve her toy. This play has been initiated by Brody and has helped him learn to be dog-social. The time in his foster home has been his only time with another dog and he is doing quite well. He has not been cat tested in his foster home.

Meals are served to Brody in the kitchen. He eats there alone and doesn’t have to worry about the resident dog taking his food. His food bowl can be moved without incident. No food aggression has been observed. His first owner mentioned an allergic reaction to chicken and eggs. He is currently fed a sensitivity diet formula food.

Brody has never been to the groomer but loves a quick bath and to be brushed. His nails have been cut at the vet. He isn’t happy with nail trims but is tolerant of them. He is good getting his ears cleaned. His behavior at the vet has not been observed, but he marched right into the building on the day he was neutered and never looked back. No issues were reported.

A diamond in the rough, this smart young guy would benefit greatly from some training classes. This will help build his confidence, and shape and polish him into a shining example of a Springer. Brody would enjoy an active family with older children who want to spend time with him. He may be a great running buddy for a jogger. A fenced yard would allow Brody to run off some of his abundant energy. Another canine companion would be a bonus for him, too. He is affectionate, inquisitive, funny and adaptive to his environment.  Make him yours!