Entered: 04/28/2018
Status: Adopted
Age: 11 months
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 48 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Spring Grove, PA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for ear infections complete, overall good health
Temperament: Good with people as young as 8 (younger unknown), good with female dogs but has problems with dominant male dogs, not good with cats
Original: “Cody loves to carry things in his mouth, ranging from pillows to socks and even the blanket from his foster parents’ bed! He does not destroy the items but likes to run around with them.”
Cody lived with two Pennsylvania families before coming into MAESSR’s care through no fault of his own. The original owner bought Cody as a puppy from a breeder, after his fifteen year old Springer passed. Due to Cody’s high activity needs and his owner’s own very tough work schedule, Cody was not getting the exercise and attention he needed. Even with family help coming daily to let Cody out, the owner felt that it was unfair for Cody to be cooped up for such long periods of time so he sought to rehome him.
Friends who were smitten by Cody and who were home all the time asked if they could have him; so, Cody went to live with them. Unfortunately, one of his new parents developed a very serious health issue which prevented him from giving Cody the exercise and training he needs. Owners One and Two agreed that Cody needed yet another home. That is when a mutual friend who is a MAESSR volunteer suggested letting MAESSR find a perfect home for Cody.
Although essentially housetrained, Cody has had some marking incidents in his foster home. This has not occurred since he was neutered, though. He is crated when his foster parents are not home and during the night, willingly going into his crate. To signal his need to go out, Cody goes to the door; however, sometimes this signal is used when he just wants to go outside to play!
To see what is happening in the kitchen, Cody will put his feet up on the counter but has not tried to steal any food. He has not tried to get into the trash. Cody loves to carry things in his mouth, ranging from pillows to socks and even the blanket from his foster parents’ bed! He does not destroy the items but likes to run around with them. Cody would like to join his people on the couch or bed but with training he can be taught to stay off.
Cody has been fine with the neighbor children he plays with across the fence, the youngest being eight. He loves people and will bond with his person very quickly. He loves to give sloppy kisses and if allowed get into bed and get his belly scratched while groaning with happiness.
With female dogs Cody does fairly well and he runs the yard with the resident female ESS. That said, there have been several skirmishes over toys, chews, and treats since both dogs are guilty with wanting what the other one has. Therefore, his foster mom cannot play with just one of them if both are in the same room. Cody NEEDS to be played with inside and outside the home. He is not one to be idle and is a very “busy” dog. Because of this and Cody’s high energy, his foster mom recommends that Cody be an only dog.
Cody did stay with a dominant male dog at first and they made a truce after a few disagreements. He would do much better as an only dog or with a female canine companion. Since Cody has such a strong prey drive, there should be no small animals in Cody’s forever home.
At eight months, Cody does know some commands including “sit,” “down,” “off,” and “paw.” He is learning “wait” so he can have his paws wiped when he comes in from outside. Please note that MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience, and they do chew on things! The decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment. To reinforce this commitment, MAESSR requires all adopters of dogs one year old and younger to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. Cody will be at the top of his class!
Currently, Cody pulls very hard on the leash and when he sees a small animal he will try very hard to get to it. His foster family is using a head halti and that seems to be helping so much. He is very friendly to people he meets on his walk but caution needs to be used depending on the other dog. Cody LOVES to ride in the car. He stands by the door into the garage many times a day and runs to the back of his family’s SUV hoping his foster parents will open the hatch so he can jump in. There is a crate in the car and he runs right in! Sometimes, he does not want to come out!
Cody is a very high energy boy and has a high prey drive. He will sight and chase birds and small creatures. He can go for an hour walk and then run the yard for another hour before showing signs of being tired. He would love a job to do that works his mind and body. Loud noises do not bother him, so he may be a hunter prospect. Cody will play with any type of toy provided to him. He loves plastic bottles, tennis balls and almost any household item he can carry in his mouth.
Cody has been to the vet twice since coming into MAESSR’s care and he has done great both times. Everyone at the vet’s office falls in love with this beautiful boy. He is okay with getting his ears cleaned but it is not his favorite activity. Cody was great with the groomer. He enjoyed his bath, did not try to jump off the table, and did not mind having his feet handled or his nails trimmed. Good boy, Cody!
This young Springer needs a family that is committed to training and exercising him. Cody will reward them with sloppy kisses and devotion. Since he is a dog that needs a job, scent training or agility training would be wonderful activities for him. He would benefit from a home with a large fenced yard, too, so he could run unleashed in it.