Entered: 01/26/2019
Status: Rainbow Bridge
Age: 1
Color: Liver/White
Weight: 47 lbs.
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Richmond, VA
Health: UTD, HW-, treatment for round worms completed, overall good health
Temperament: Unsuitable for adoption
Update 03/08/2020: “Unfortunately, his behavior regressed markedly and it was apparent that he could never be safely adopted out.”
Moose had been adopted for a short time by an experienced Springer family but was returned due to aggressive behavior. For the past six months he has been closely worked with and evaluated by MAESSR’s most Springer-savvy foster family. Unfortunately, his behavior regressed markedly and it was apparent that he could never be safely adopted out. Rather than to endanger others, Moose was humanely sent to the Rainbow Bridge. Run free and happy there, big boy.
Original: “Moose is not always a wild child. He is able to calm down and sit with his foster family especially if he has had vigorous play time before.”
When Moose was four months old, an older couple from Maryland purchased him from a Pennsylvania breeder. Over the past months, the husband became seriously ill and he and his wife could not give Moose the exercise and training needed. So, they contacted MAESSR to find their boy a more appropriate home.
Moose’s lack of early socialization and training shows in his behavior. He shows a wariness of others, including dogs and people in the neighborhood. His nervousness with strangers dissipates, though, once he gets to know them, especially if they are calm. Moose is a diehard counter-surfer and he loves jumping up on people. Once he is neutered, his mounting behavior should cease.
Quite the chewer and shredder, Moose loves to grab onto blankets, sleeves, and furniture covers. He readily snatches objects from hands such as newspapers, food, and toys. He jumps up on furniture, even trying out the back of the sofa! Moose has a lot to learn about being a good household companion!
Housetraining is a work in progress so his foster family keeps him on a strict go-out schedule and he is watched very closely when inside. When his family is not at home and at night, Moose is crated, settling down nicely. He will readily go into his crate for a treat, too.
Moose is not always a wild child. He is able to calm down and sit with his foster family especially if he has had vigorous play time before. He loves playing fetch with a tennis ball and he loves going on walks. He is very strong and when walking, he pulls hard on the leash; he will lunge for squirrels or to get away from passing dogs or scary people. The main command that he responds well to is “come.”
Please note that MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Even older puppies like Moose 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. Moose shows an eagerness to learn new things so he should be a good pupil!
Moose is a high-energy fellow who needs a lot of stimulation and attention. He would do best in a family where someone is home much of the time, as he needs a great deal of vigorous exercise and close supervision at this point. He is a sweet boy but needs exercise to burn off that puppy energy and training to understand how a good Springer behaves.
Watch for more about Mr. Moose!