King 2

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Updated 3/3/07: The sad and pained look on King’s face is gone with the eye correction that was done during his neutering. He has recovered well and didn’t even rub his eyes while the stitches were in. He did appear a little ghoulish but looks and feels so much better with the results!

King’s socialization is progressing. He has settled into the routine of a quiet household well but requires close supervision. When given too much freedom, King may nibble a shower curtain, settle on a bed for a nap, or have an accident in the basement. He is still comfortable in smaller spaces and is easily contained where ever his foster mom is with baby gates. He is mostly past his fear of reflections in glass and is a little braver when the “quiet” vacuum is in use. Electric clippers are still a “no-no.”

With growing security at home, King has ventured out to new places. He has visited a dog park several times where he met other dogs well. With each visit, it’s gotten a little easier for him to join in the games of chase that go on there. He spent time one Saturday afternoon watching the busyness and hearing the noises of a parking lot at the entrance to a large pet store. After 15 minutes of observation, he decided it was OK to leave his tailgate and walked into the store with his foster mom. Inside, he was cautious and didn’t approach people but he didn’t try to run from them either. He was composed and behaved in a trustworthy manner.  Very nice boy!!

He is beginning to play daily with the resident springer and had a great tug-of-war game recently. King is a bit selfish with toys and will take anything he wants from the submissive resident. He also will grumble if he feels the resident is approaching to get it back. To his credit, he allows his foster mom to take anything from him with just a word which she is doing when he shows possessive behavior with a toy.

King’s general approach to new things is to observe them from a distance and then, with encouragement, to go closer. His foster mom is careful not to let strangers rush up to him or to corner him but is amazed at how much he is taking in so quickly. He has not showed aggressive behavior along the way.  Given the chance, he will always retreat or stand his ground. As his experience grows, so will his confidence. King is a diamond in the rough and will be a gem with a little more polishing.

Original: King feels safe in small spaces so crate training has not been an issue since he arrived at his foster home. In the absence of a crate, a corner will do if something scares him and much does give King pause for thought. For much of his past, home was a quiet horse stall where he had daily care but limited contact with people and dogs.

It took a few days for King to master the narrow stairwells in his foster home but now, it’s common for him to run up and down repeatedly. He has taken new sounds, like the washer, the TV, and an occasional object dropped on the floor, in stride. The vacuum though is very scary. He is curious about what he sees in mirrors and reflecting window glass and barks vigorously at “that other dog” at times!  Too funny!!

He is doing well with his housetraining and gets quite animated when it’s time to go out. He has been introduced to a leash but will need training to learn that freezing or sitting down is not what he is to do on his end. When out on a 50’ line, King tends to run to the end of it and stop or he will follow along behind his foster mom. Basic obedience is all new to him. He will “come” in the house at times, has learned to “sit” politely for treats, and is learning “off” when he stands up against something for a better view. A tug rope and soft toys are of some interest but ones with squeakers are like the vacuum, very scary!!!

During 2 visits to a dog park King met other dogs well. When a game of chase ensued, he joined in and bailed out repeatedly, as if he just wasn’t sure how to share in the fun. He has declined the playful overtures of the resident springer at home but is sharing space with him well. When King met the resident cats in the animal shelter’s office, he either ignored them or was a little afraid. When one approached and swatted his nose, he backed off entirely. When meeting adults, King has been very shy and select about who he will go up to. When approached slowly by a friendly stranger, though, he will accept a gentle touch but not always treats.

King has been a very quiet rider, either when crated or when in the extra cab space of a small pickup. He has stood patiently for brushing and minor trimming but will need more time before electric clippers can be introduced and a full grooming done. He really is quite handsome and has the longest ears his foster mom has ever combed out.

During his vet visit, King was found to be in overall good health. He is being treated for intestinal worms which probably account for his being somewhat underweight at 42 pounds. His only health issue is likely a congenital one. Both lower eye lids turn inward and cause the lashes to rub his eye balls. The result is reddened, sad-looking eyes. This can be corrected with surgery and will be done at the same time he is neutered.

Every day now brings much that’s new and King is managing to adapt without being overwhelmed. His sound springer temperament is serving him well. More on this boy as he braves a new world