Entered: 02/25/2008
Status: Adopted
Age: 2
Color: Liver/White
Weight:
Gender: Altered Male
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Health: UTD, HW-, ears much improved with treatment
Temperament: Good with adults and teenagers but reported to be not good with small children, passive with other dogs but will stand up for himself if confronted, unknown with cats
Update 03/27/08:
With treatment Ranger’s ears are looking a LOT better. At 40 pounds he is a small guy but he has a big Springer heart and big Springer paws. When he is happy, he does like to jump on people so as to be sure he is not overlooked. He could accidentally topple small children but he is not people aggressive – just enthusiastic and still shaping his manners. He likes to settle in soft places that are frequented by his people. He doesn’t know “move” yet, so getting this Velcro boy to budge out of a chair or off a bed can be a bit of a comedy routine. Ranger wants to know what everyone in the house is doing, but there is one time of day when he pays particular attention his foster dad. Even if every one else in the family is up and at-em, Ranger makes sure he is there to greet his foster dad when he wakes and hangs out with him while he’s getting dressed for the day. It makes getting up in the mornings a favorite time for both of them.
Ranger would be perfect as an only dog, but he is still doing well with his two canine housemates. When the pint-sized terrier tells him, loudly, to back off if he approaches the sofa and she already has the high ground, he almost always defers. He is a busy bee who bumbles away from her as quickly as he bumbled in. The other resident dog is generally afraid of his own shadow, unless protecting a toy or chewie. He will bear teeth if Ranger gets too close to his prized possessions. On occasion the result is loud dog arguing between the two. The bottom line here is that while Ranger never starts a disagreement, if he feels threatened by another dog, he doesn’t always walk away. If living with another canine, a completely submissive one would be his choice.
Ranger is a rare beauty and overall just a gentle soul with people. In many ways he is still puppy-like with a lot of energy. He is often a rag doll, do with me as you please people-pleaser and an attention monger with people too. Ranger will thrive on the attention from a forever family that will include him in much of their daily life. He would enjoy obedience training, snuggling close in a favorite chair or being bedside to say “Good morning!” He just needs people who have as much love to give him as he has to give them!
Original:
Ranger was relinquished to a Pennsylvania shelter by his owners, a family with young children. They said he was reportedly agitated during play with the children and grumbled at them. Ranger’s foster parents believe this may be related to his poor ear condition when we received him. They have seen none of this behavior even when their 13-year-old teen plays with him.
Now that he has been to the vet and is receiving treatment for his ear infections, Ranger’s ears are getting better and there has been no permanent damage done. The vet said ear infections are probably going to be a chronic condition because of his beautiful, but thick and heavy pendulum ears. So, Ranger needs to be closely monitored in the future and needs forever parents who can administer medications and clean ears.
Ranger is housebroken, but he has had a couple of urination accidents probably due to the large amount of water he has been drinking because of the medication regiment he is currently on. If his foster family lets him out enough, this is not an issue. He is not crated since his foster parents are home all day. At night, Ranger sleeps in the bedroom in bed or on the floor with the resident dogs. He tends to start in bed and then migrates to the floor at the foot of the bed after everyone is settled in.
Ranger does well with the resident Springer, but does get agitated with the resident terrier when she showing her dominance. He probably wouldn’t make him a good candidate with cats because of his curiosity and high energy. Ranger is not object possessive around people or dogs. His foster parents have been easily able to remove food and chewies from Ranger’s mouth. When stakes are higher at dinner time, he does get overly excited with the other dogs in the room and has to be reminded how to behave when people are eating. Ranger’s favorite toys are tennis balls and chewies, but he is not particularly interested in stuffed toys. He takes treats so softly that getting pills down is a bit of a problem. He will take the disguised pill and then mouth it until the pill comes back out. Sneaky puppy!
Ranger responds well to the basic commands of sit and stay. He also will come to his name and responds appropriately to “no” if caught counter surfing or checking out the trash, both of which he does occasionally. Due to his small size, Ranger is easily managed on a leash. In the car, he is great, although if you drive alone, he tends to want to lie in your lap! Ranger does jump up on furniture, but he can be guided down even though he does not respond to the command “off” yet.
Ranger melts into a total rag-doll when moving him or cuddling with him. He is quite the love bug who likes to be near his people. He is always interested in daily chores and is on-point in each room no matter what the activity. Who knew laundry could be so exciting? Stairs are fun and although he likes to lead the parade, he tends to stop mid-flight for a check on progress from the back ranks. When he is not invited into a room, he will hold his post at the door and wait patiently for the next activity to begin. Ranger is very playful indoors and out when the activity is geared for that. He does respond well to calming when it’s not play time. His small size make him easily managed and fun to play without being overpowering.
Ranger is going to make a wonderful companion for some lucky family!