Springsteen

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Springsteen came to MAESSR when his owner realized a young, active Springer puppy wasn’t best suited for condo living in an urban Pennsylvania area. He is now living with three other dogs (ages 1, 4 and 7) and two kids, and is adjusting well to his busy new life.

At just five and a half months old, Springsteen weighs 50 pounds. By all standards, he’s a big boy and he’s going to be a very tall Springer. When you look at him, you think you are looking at an adult dog. But, he’s all pup! He loves to play and since he doesn’t know what he can and cannot chew, he’s a bit mouthy. His foster family is helping him learn proper Springer manners like not mouthing and not jumping up on people. Springsteen is also learning how to play nicely with other dogs and how to walk nicely. He also responds well to correction when he puts his paws on the counter edge to check things out. He is actually making wonderful progress on all these puppy skills, but doesn’t have them perfect yet! He is doing very well with housebreaking, but doesn’t have the connection yet that he goes potty outside and needs to ask when he wants to go out. His foster mom does his thinking for him by taking him out every hour or so and watching to see that he takes care of business.

Springsteen had not been crated in his prior home and got really anxious and upset when his foster mom crated him. Not wanting to upset him too much, his foster mom moved the crate to the back hall, put up a few gates and leaves him with a Kong, the one year old Springer, and an open crate. She set up a video camera and has found that he gives a cry or two and then settles right by the door where he saw her leave. He hasn’t disturbed anything and seems content to wait until she returns. Good boy!

After a few weeks of making several trips a day, Springsteen is pretty good about riding in the car. He often needs a little push in but settles tethered so he doesn’t help drive. He does need to learn to be patient when the car returns home and it’s time to get out. Including some very rewarding trips to the local fast food drive through has helped Springsteen look forward to his drives.

At this point, Springsteen has sit down solid. He is asked for a sit for every treat and before his meals are served. He doesn’t have other commands but seems to be a very smart boy. MAESSR requires all families adopting dogs under one to take training classes with their new Springer which helps to ensure that good manners are learned.

While on leash walks, Springsteen does fairly well without pulling. He is walked with a regular collar and his foster mom hasn’t had to use the gentle leader. Recently, he spent an evening at a kids’ lacrosse game and did exceptionally well being adored by a group of four and five year olds. He rolled over on his belly and took all the petting that came his way. With all of the humans he has met, Springsteen has been doing really well. Since he might jump up, his forever home shouldn’t have small kids he could knock over. When Springsteen is around really little ones, his foster mom hovers to be sure he isn’t thinking of jumping. Springsteen also spent an afternoon at a pet event where MAESSR had a booth. He met close to 50 dogs nose to nose and was generally well mannered. He does need to be closely supervised to be sure he is redirected away from dogs that don’t want to play or interact.

Springsteen sleeps in the bedroom with his foster parents and the rest of the dogs at night. He generally sleeps on a dog bed but sometimes comes up onto the bed to join the rest of the dogs. He previously did sleep in his original owner’s bed so that is something he is used to doing.

Springsteen’s previous owner felt Springsteen was a high energy dog; however, his foster mom feels he is more of a dog with a really large play tank. He doesn’t really want to run around the yard a lot and he isn’t interested in chasing birds. Instead, he LOVES to wrestle and roll around with another dog! And he can do that for hours and hours! Initially, he was a little overly-excited about being with the dogs and would try and mount them. He stopped that with the two older dogs and has just about stopped with the young Springer. Springsteen also likes to chew a few bones in the evening to relax. His foster mom started taking him to doggie daycare so he improves his social skills with more dogs. What a tired dog came home his first day! Springsteen also loves to swim in the pool.

Although he does not guard his food from humans, Springsteen might give the other dogs a grumble if they try and eat his food. His foster mom has been holding his bowl while he eats, adding and taking out kibble so he learns hands in the food and around the bowl are a good thing. She has also been working with him on trading games. At times, Springsteen will grab a sock or some other item he shouldn’t have and run. His foster mom has been getting treats and calling him, and trading. 

This absolutely gorgeous tri-colored Springer pup has a big head and a face so cute you want to pinch his cheeks. His coat is soft and beautiful, too. He still has some baby teeth so when you look at his teeth you see some big ones and some tiny ones.

Your typical Velcro springer boy, Springsteen is usually not more than a few steps from his person. He is sweet, playful and very loving. Since he has such a big play tank, he will do best in a family that has another good sized young dog who lives to play. This pup needs some loving guidance to help him develop into a fine dog. Personality, playfulness and looks galore – what more could anyone want!