Jeb 3

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Updated 11/14/05: Jeb Stuart remains a sweet, active puppy who loves a good time! His love of fun is a joy to watch. One of his favorite games is called Helicopter, and Jeb knows how to play it well. For those who have never played Helicopter, Jeb would like to describe it:

• Begin with a Monkeys Fist Knot Rope toy (available at many pet stores).
• Have a moderately strong human at one end.
• Give Jeb the end with the ball attached and make sure he has a good grip.
• Tussle with him a bit and then lift him off the ground so he sails through the air in a circle.
• Continue to play until the human drops dead from fatigue.
• Replace the human and start again.

What makes Helicopter so much fun is that Jeb helps with the lifting part by springing at the same time the human begins the lift-a trick he learned all on his own!

Jeb loves walks and all things active. He will chew a rawhide bone at his foster mom’s feet, but when bored, he will grab the mail, clothes, or anything else in his area of opportunity and chew on that as well. He is learning that such things as chewing, counter-surfing, and garbage picking are forbidden, although he doesn’t quite understand why anyone would want to interfere with his pleasure. He is beginning to recognize that these activities earn him reprimands, and he is adjusting his behavior so that he earns praise and not frowns. His love of people, affection, and praise continue to help him modify many of his puppyish habits.

Jeb is still in foster care because he developed conjunctivitis followed by a secondary yeast infection. The conjunctivitis is gone, and the yeast infection is healing. This yeast infection does not interfere with Jeb’s eyesight since it only affects the skin surrounding the eye. It is currently being treated with a combination of two eye ointments.  The vet thinks it will clear up in about 10 days and should not recur.

Jeb will be ready for his new beginning shortly.  He will bring a lot of laughter and fun to the loving family who adopts him.

Original: Jeb, or Jeb Stuart, as he has come to be known in his foster home came to MAESSR from a shelter in Pennsylvania.  The shelter felt Jeb was 1-2 years old, but when he and his foster mom visited the vet, they decided that he was somewhat under a year old.  His behavior is very puppyish, and he is full of exuberant energy.

Jeb is good with other dogs and cats, but he is still learning how to play and “be gentle.”  He does best with animals who are playful themselves and can tolerate his affections. Like most puppies, he wants to show other animals how much fun it is to play. He is starting to understand that a 13 pound kitty doesn’t always think it is fun to have a 36 pound puppy smother him with love. Jeb clearly doesn’t want to hurt the kitty.  He just thinks playing with him is so much fun!  Under the watchful eye of his foster mom, Jeb is becoming better socialized every day.

He loves people, too.  Although Jeb has not met children since coming to his foster home, with his sweet nature, his foster family feels he should do well with them. He has not shown any food or toy aggression and is a bright, happy youngster.

Jeb is crate trained, though like many springers, he would prefer to be where the people and fun are all the time.  He is successful with his housetraining when crated for up to 7 hours but needs a little more time before he will be reliable in the house without supervision.  Jeb walks well on a leash and only occasionally pulls when he sees something exciting ahead. He loves riding in a car and is well behaved when gently reminded to sit.

Basic commands are part of what Jeb is learning while in his foster home.  He knows “sit” and is learning “stay.” He doesn’t “come” yet, but this will be a very important aspect of his training.  With his inquisitive nature and high energy, he could easily and quickly be at risk if he doesn’t learn to return when called. His foster parents are finding that Jeb loves praise and affection and when he understands what is wanted, he is eager to deliver. This makes him very enjoyable and easy to train.

Jeb is a handsome and affectionate youngster who loves to be with people. He has a great start and much going for him.  Now he needs a forever family to play with, to learn from, and most importantly, to be loved by you?