Entered: 04/28/2013
Status: Adopted
Age: 4
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 45 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Altoona, PA
Health: UTD, HW-, Lyme-, treatment for coccidia (parasitic infection) complete, overall good health
Temperament: Good with adults, good with children, good with other dogs, reportedly good with cats
Original: “On a few occasions, when he thinks his foster mom is asleep, the little scamp has snuck into bed with her.”
Handsome Harley came to MAESSR from a shelter in Pennsylvania. His owners had surrendered him because there were too many dogs in their small home and too little time to exercise him. Harley was found to be in excellent health, although a parasitic infection was found during his vet exam. His little Mohawk was a big hit with the clinic staff.
A considerate house guest, Harley has not attempted to counter-surf or check out the trash. There have been no accidents or marking indoors, he’s not a digger, and he doesn’t chew inappropriately. Good boy, Harley!
When treats are dispensed, Harley takes them nicely. He does not beg, but will patiently watch and wait in hopes that some people food is shared with him.
Harley signals a need to go out by whining. He is crate trained and is crated during his foster mom’s workday, usually receiving a potty break at lunch time. He might briefly whine about entering his crate, but Harley appears to settle down quickly. He has been crated as long as seven hours without incident. At night Harley sleeps upstairs with a choice of dog pillows or the bare wood floor. He would definitely prefer to sleep in bed with his human, but accepts “no.” On a few occasions, when he thinks his foster mom is asleep, the little scamp has snuck into bed with her.
Someone in Harley’s past has taught this young fellow to “sit,” “shake,” and “get down.” He is aware of these commands but does not execute them consistently. Working with him on a regular basis will be necessary for reinforcement. Harley is learning many new skills for proper behavior, such as sitting for snacks, meals, and exiting the crate. So far, his recall is good. His foster mom is working on reducing Harley’s habit of jumping up on people when excited. Leash skills also are a work in progress. It didn’t take long for his foster mom to imagine that Harley had never been taken on a walk. He may be slightly built, but this boy has the power of those iconic motorcycles of the same name! On his first walk, after two blocks, Harley was quickly returned to the house to become acquainted with a Gentle Leader. After an initial protest, he gave in when treats were offered for cooperation. This walk was marked by much less pulling. The Easy Walker harness has been used with Harley, also, with not quite the success as with the Gentle Leader. With practice, Harley promises to be an excellent companion on walks as he enjoys them immensely. He does get excited by other dogs he sees along the route and gets happily excited when he sees children at play.
Harley’s hour-long ride from the shelter to foster home was upsetting to him as he whimpered, whined, cried, panted, howled and barked in his crate most of the trip. He was an anxious boy for several hours afterwards, but nicely calmed down once he realized he was safe and had a yard in which to run around. The next trip by car, to the vet, was much better; he was restrained in the back seat, but not crated. He likes to keep his foster mom in his line of vision and follows her around the house, lying quietly nearby as she works. Harley exhibits no separation anxiety while his foster mom is at work or runs errands.
Harley has been not been to the groomers, but he was a good boy while getting bathed in his foster home. He did, however, try to exit early before the task was done. Having his hair brushed is enjoyable for him as long as it doesn’t take too long.
Harley can be fed with the other dogs and has not guarded his food or attempted to eat another dog’s meal.
For fun, he enjoys chasing a ball; he returns it most of the time. Chew bones are things he enjoys, as well.
In his former home, Harley lived with a toddler who, reportedly, was knocked down on occasion when Harley was excited. Although he loves children, it would be best if Harley were placed in a home with children beyond the toddler stage. Harley would enjoy a home with other dogs, too. He respects older dogs who guide Harley towards acceptable behavior.
Harley has a very pleasant personality. He’s a loving guy, sweet, intelligent, happy, always enthusiastic, eager to please, and a first-rate provider of kisses. Outdoors, he is moderate to high energy, but he’s more laid back indoors. What more could one ask for in a canine companion? This boy is a diamond in the rough, but he has so much potential! Love, time, and the patience to teach him the behaviors of a well-mannered Springer is all that it will take to help Harley become one fabulous friend for life.