Tanner

---

Update 03/16/2014:  “This is a funny dance that makes everyone crack a smile.” 

Everyone loves to follow news on puppies, so Tanner’s family has sent his latest.

Tanner remains a sweet little guy who tends to be a slow learner. New situations are sometimes confusing and scary for this little one.  Just a few days ago, Tanner met his first soccer ball and barked and growled for about 10 minutes until he was sure it wasn’t a threat, but rather just a really big toy!   He loves to bark at his own reflection in windows and sometimes seems to bark just for no reason at all. He loves to chew but reserves this pleasure mostly for dog toys. Digging and rolling in the snow are very exciting winter activities for Tanner; he has an entertaining knack for finding sticks that are buried underneath 3 feet of white fluff………..:)).

He has mastered “sit” and almost understands “come,” but tends to be a bit single-minded at times.  If he is sniffing out something new in the yard, there is no distracting him.  The little rascal won’t “come” back for the best treat in the house………yet, that is! 

Tanner’s housetraining continues with progress and levity. Even with consistent trips outside every 1-2 hours, he will have several dry days which are followed by a day of accidents. He is gradually learning to ring a bell to go outside and a belly band diaper has been helpful to remind Tanner not to go potty in the house. While wearing the belly band, Tanner does hilarious “butt bumps” where he bounces his behind into everything………people, furniture and other dogs.  This is a funny dance that makes everyone crack a smile. 

At home Tanner has mastered the wireless pet fence while wearing his e-collar.  Due to his curious nature, he would absolutely become a flight risk without its consistent use.  An alternative in an adopting home would be traditional fencing so Tanner could explore within safe limits.

A towel is still a necessity for car rides since Tanner tends to drool but, with patience and more road experience, he will come around.  He’s also working hard to control his mouthing or nipping at the children in his home and with the resident Springer. He means no harm and only wants to play as puppies do, but is learning that this behavior will get a firm “no” from his foster family and a grumble from the resident dog, especially when he’s biting her ears!

Patient and consistent guidance, love, a secure home, fun……………all are part of Tanner’s new beginning.  If you’re thinking “puppy” and would enjoy stepping in when his foster family steps back, please keep an eye on Tanner.  He’s coming along great and will be looking for his forever family before you know it!

Original:  “This cutie is always underfoot following his foster family from room to room and keeping their feet warm during this cold Pennsylvania winter.”

Tanner is a handsome, young puppy that was abandoned along a road in West Virginia.  After being placed in a temporary foster home by a local rescue group, Tanner was turned over to the welcoming arms of MAESSR.  Although Tanner appears to look more like a Cocker spaniel, his “Velcro” Springer personality shines through.  This cutie is always underfoot following his foster family from room to room and keeping their feet warm during this cold Pennsylvania winter.
 
The little guy is getting a new start in life and enjoying every moment.  Tanner tends to be very timid and has a cautious approach to new situations. But, with patience and some coaxing, he is coming out of his shell. A busy house has a lot of unexpected noises and Tanner is getting used to the sounds of daily life such as noisy garage doors, banging pots, vacuum cleaners, and closing doors.  With his small size he is no match for the neighbor’s cow, but doesn’t hesitate to express his concerns by barking a loud “hello” to his new friend.
 
Tanner is learning basic commands and tends to follow the lead of the more experienced resident Springer.  He eats well with no guarding issues. This quick learner is also doing well with housetraining in spite of not having a signal yet. Consistent potty breaks help him stay free of accidents. He stays off furniture and is learning not to jump on people—good boy!!  Tanner is too small to counter-surf and doesn’t bother with garbage or items on low tables.  He relaxes in a crate when his foster family is away and does very well.  At bedtime, he sleeps comfortably on a dog bed placed on the floor of the bedroom or snuggles up with his human companions. 
 
MAESSR’s new pup is very energetic and loves to play fetch.  He enjoys ropes, tennis balls and rolling in the snow.  His puppy antics are sometimes annoying to the other dog in the house, but they both engage in tug-of-war several times a day.  Tanner is not possessive of toys and shares well.  He does love chew toys and couldn’t resist the temptation of a pair of shoes and a small toy that were left unattended.  In his previous foster home, Tanner did well with cats but would chase if one of the cats decided to run—a dog’s gotta do what a dog’s gotta do!!
 
Car rides make little Tanner a bit nervous causing him to drool, but with some practice he just might become a great co-pilot.  He was a perfect gentleman during his visits to the groomer and the vet.  He likes to be brushed and allows his feet and ears to be touched without complaint.  Leash walking is still a work in progress as this winter’s weather hasn’t been conducive to strolls around the neighborhood!!
 
A forever home for Tanner should include a family who will be patient and understanding with his shyness.  An older dog would be helpful to teach him the ropes and burn off some of his puppy energy.  MAESSR only places puppies in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies 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 under 1 year old to enroll their puppy in obedience classes within 60 days of adoption. 
 
Are you ready to add this bundle of energy to your home?  Are you ready to keep shoes and toys out of his reach?  Are you ready to have a warm wiggling body snuggle with you at night?   Keep your eye on Tanner’s progress as he begins looking for his forever home!