Entered:04/09/2017
Status:Adopted
Age:2
Color:Black/White
Weight:70 lbs.
Gender:Altered Male
Location:Dumfries, VA
Health:UTD, HW-
Temperament:Good with adults, not recommended with children younger than 7, good with most other dogs, unknown with cats
Original: “Since he is responsible in the house and is not fond of a crate, Riley has free roam of the house when his family is out.”
Riley came to MAESSR because he and the 9 year old Springer in their Ohio household were fighting. Since the older Springer had been with the family longer, it was decided that Riley would be re-homed.
Although Riley has not been around children in his foster home, it would not recommended that he would be placed in a forever home with children younger than 7 years old since he is a big boy and may inadvertently knock over someone younger. His original owner was a woman and so Riley is a definite ladies’ dog. With that said he is also fine with men although he barks at his foster dad when he comes home or enters the room where his foster mom is. Riley is quite the affectionate Velcro boy with his foster mom, staying next to her and seeking attention. His foster home has an older female lab and although she and Riley do not interact, they get along. Every day, he plays with 2 female Boston Terriers and puts up with this duo teasing him. He has not had a chance to meet any cats so that remains an unknown in his behavior.
Housetrained, Riley has nice manners. He whines to signal his need to go out and is trustworthy in the house. When his people leave the house, Riley whines only for a few minutes and then settles down. When they return after their work day, Riley barks and jumps around in his excitement but does not jump on them to greet. Although he would prefer to be on the furniture and the bed, he mostly respects the house rules which do not allow this and if he sneaks up on the couch, he gets off when he sees his foster mom coming his way. He sleeps on his bed in the bedroom next to his foster mom. Not a digger, resource guarder, or an inappropriate chewer, Riley does not beg for food or counter-surf either.
Somewhat spoiled in his original home, Riley wants his own way and whines and grumbles to show displeasure at not getting it. His foster mom is onto his game and she just tells him to be quiet and he stops. She thinks he is just scared of new things and uses pushiness to get his way. That won’t work here, Riley.
Riley knows “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “heel” as well as his release word “free.” He walks well on a leash but does bark at dogs and people if he is not told to relax and be good. Riley rides well in the car. Since he is responsible in the house and is not fond of a crate, Riley has free roam of the house when his family is out. Loud noises do not faze him so thunderstorms do not worry this big boy. He loves to play ball and run and swim. Riley has been groomed at home, but is not fond of having his rear clipped. He does not like having his ears cleaned, either.
This great boy needs a forever home where he can have lots of love and exercise and training so he will learn that the humans are in charge and set the rules. New things make him nervous at first but he is a fast learner. He will be fine with another dog who is kind and gentle. Riley will be ready to join your family soon! He will be a good pet!