Original: “This pup is very social and loves to be with his people.”
Odin was relinquished to MAESSR because his Pennsylvania owners were expecting and concerned that his bounding puppy energy might be more than they could handle.
This pup is very social and loves to be with his people. He is a good dog who doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. Odin loves other dogs and reportedly did well with kids in his first home. He is housetrained (uses a bell to go outside) and crate trained; in the beginning, he slept in his crate at night and when the owners left the house. Now this love sleeps on the bed–sleeps soundly but wants to take up the entire bed! He is a good watch dog as he will alert to any new sound.
But, like the Norse god who shares his name, Odin can have a mind of his own. When his foster mom is leaving the house, he tries to get out with her. So, gating or confining Odin in a safe space is critical. When loose, he runs and thinks he is playing a game of chase. For his safety, this habit will need correcting through training. He walks well as the only dog on a leash but pulls when he sees a bird or squirrel. This also will need training and consistent practice to correct. And, when Odin does not want to do something, he drops to the floor and tries to become one with the floor. If his person pulls on his leash he will back out of his collar and try to stay. Again, training will help him understand when he should come and listen to his family.
Odin LOVES stealing socks, paper, paper towels and apparently has done this since he was a puppy. He really loves socks but will trade for a good treat. He loves always having any toy in his mouth and enjoys chew treats like bully sticks, kneecaps or yak sticks. His foster mom makes sure the kneecaps are confiscated once they get small or he will swallow them. Along with his other “stealing,” Odin does counter-surf, but his foster family is working with him on that
When it comes to commands, Odin knows “sit,” “off,” and “leave it.” He is friendly with strangers but tends to want to jump. He is working on controlling his excitement—good boy! At the vet’s, Odin behaved properly. He was good at the groomer but very scared of the dryer. Once he has had training and listens to his family, he needs to be exposed to new situations to gain confidence. Traveling is still a new adventure for him as he whines in the car but after some time will settle. He should not be fed before a car trip, as he has been car sick.
Odin loves toys. He will go in the foster home’s basket and bring every toy out and play with each. He surgically works to remove each squeaker, so toys without sound may survive longer!
The new pup in town does not guard his food or toys. His foster mom makes him sit and wait to eat his food, and he is listening and doing well at being patient. He eats quickly and is then ready to go out. He loves the outside but can be reluctant to come back in. Again, an experienced positive trainer can help him overcome this.
Please note that MAESSR will require the adoptive family to take Odin through a series of obedience classes within 90 days of adoption. MAESSR only places puppies – even older ones – in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience. MAESSR believes the decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment.
Odin is a wonderful puppy. His forever family will need to work with a positive reinforcement trainer and give him plenty of opportunities to run and play. A home without smaller children might be better, as his exuberance will knock smaller kids over. Once he knows commands an active family that likes to hike, walk, or just generally be outdoors would be his dream home. Although Odin will do well as an only dog, having another Springer playmate may help him run off some of his energy.
Do you have the time and energy to give this sweet boy a forever happy ending?