Bubba 3

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Update 03/19/12:

Bubba has been a busy boy. After a “thumbs up” vet visit and completion of his Lyme medication, Bubba was neutered. So far his recovery has been un-eventful. Bubba remains with his cardiac arrhythmia. It doesn’t seem to hold him back nor is it threatening to him. He is a happy, energetic boy who plays, takes walks, and trots, trots, trots! The muscle tone in his front legs is highly developed and that in his back legs will catch up with increased exercise. At this point he can easily jump onto a very high 4-poster bed. Yes, he’s quickly picking up on the perks of indoor life!

His foster parents are patiently awaiting Bubba’s testosterone level to drop, in hopes he will be less distracted as they train him. He still has a lot of “puppy” in him and is impulsive. He is also such a “good kid” and his family has the necessary patience to match his needs. Here are the current highlights……… 

1. Bubba still marks. This differs from housetraining and is expected to disappear with neutering complete.

2. He has learned to pace back and forth to the door in hopes that he’ll get attention so he can go out to the bathroom………………good boy!!

3. He will counter-surf, table-surf and trash-surf. If anything is near the counter’s edge or a trash can is uncovered, it’s fair game.

4. He LOVES, LOVES, LOVES jumping onto the 4-poster bed with his foster parents. A bit of a stubborn streak surfaces when he’s asked to get down. Training in this area continues.

5. Bubba’s been introduced to “off lead” exploration on his parents’ property. So far, he seems to be more interested in the birds, rather than the squirrels or the ducks and geese in the pond. 

6. When his foster parents go out, Bubba reluctantly goes in his crate. As his house manners develop, run of the kitchen and the TV sitting area could be his.

7. He still loves to suck on his blanket or his favorite stuffed toy. It calms him.

Bubba has been introduced to children as young as 3 years old and did well. He is such a “foodie,” though, that his foster mom could easily see him taking food from the hands of little people. At the same time, he was introduced to a large group of loud people in a confined area with 2 other dogs. If you guessed a birthday party, you are correct! Again, he did very well. He was friendly, calm, and there were no inside accidents! 

Your typical Velcro Springer, Bubba hates being alone. He is full of love and his tail is always wagging. The work continues with this intelligent, good-looking boy! Yes, much patience required but soooooooo much potential to see unfolding………………

Original:

Bubba is an energetic Springer. Although he just celebrated his 3rd birthday, he still has very much “puppy attitude” left in him. Bubba was surrendered to a shelter by his Pennsylvania owners due to their relocation. However, prior to being surrendered Bubba lived outside in a kennel, so he was never introduced to inside living. Consequently, he has much to learn! Commands such as “sit” and “stay” are new and unusual to Bubba. He knows his name, but does not know the words “no” or “down.” Fortunately, Bubba’s foster mom has already noticed his intelligent nature. When he focuses, she can see into his beautiful Springer eyes and know that he is processing and problem solving.

True to his Springer nature, Bubba is loving and gentle. He just wants to please and has a wonderful outlook on living. His tail is always wagging! Considering he was an outside dog, his indoor potty manners aren’t too bad. Since he is still intact, he has demonstrated some marking behavior. His foster mom is working on this with him, and being altered will likely help as well. 

Inside manners are new for Bubba, but he is learning daily that counter surfing, furniture jumping, and trash picking are “no-no’s.” He is best in his crate when his foster parents go to work. He voices his objection initially, but does settle in and snuggles with his favorite stuffed toy. He likes to play ball, and has displayed a self-soothing habit of sucking on his favorite blanket or stuffed toy. When home with the folks, Bubba likes to cuddle next to his human foster family, or snuggle in the nearby dog bed. He just wants to love and be loved.

Surprisingly, Bubba does very well on lead. He does not pull and is not aggressive when meeting new people during his walks. Due to his handsome features, he always draws a crowd. As a young dog, he does need a fair amount of exercise. Like most Springers, he is always exploring, with his nose to the ground! Bubba also rides well in the car; he likes to hang out in the back seat and snuggle.

Watch for more on Bubba as his health concerns are treated and he learns how great life as an indoor pet can be!