Jeff

Jeff is a gorgeous 18mths old castrated Golden Retriever. As is usual, he has been health checked and has received the necessary vaccinations to come to the UK where he went into foster with Diane.

PERSONALITY

He is a lovely boy, with had some issues, as is usual, but nothing serious. He can be shy and nervous but, at other times, he is buoyant and full of life.

He is a friendly dog who is not as nervous as earlier although he still jumps at sudden movements and noises. He walks well when out with other dogs but in the house he does go a bit mad and charges round chasing so I have to stop him to prevent any misshaps.

Jeff was very quiet and nervous on arrival and did a lot of pacing around. He was timid and very needy and restless. He kept going to the door as if wanting to get out.

However, he was inquisitive in the garden despite being jumpy and nervous. His first night was stormy with thunderstorms and heavy rain. This did get him upset but he soon settled when we left the light on for him.

He was greedy with his food and would rush to finish. We have now provided him
with a ‘slow eating’ bowl. He is an expert ‘counter surfer’ and will steal anything that isn’t tied down, even down to items out of the washing up!

He even stole bacon out of a frying pan on the hob which didn’t impress Tim very much and no harm was done to Jeff, thankfully.

When he first saw the television on, he spent most of the time barking at it, backing off and then inspecting it closely. We think he was definitely an outdoor only dog.

He is now relaxed and is happy to sleep anywhere. He goes in and out to the garden unaccompanied now, usually taking a treasure that he has managed to get away with. He will still take anything on view.

He does still jump at sudden movements or noises but settles down quickly and easily. He is a gentle dog, even when he jumps up it is not heavily or aggressively and he will get down when told to.

He is lovely to walk and a joy when he eventually responds to each command. He behaves well with the children and plays well with the ShihTzu puppy. He has also behaved well with other dogs, showing no aggressive signs at all.

HEALTH

Jeff is coming along really well and is a very healthy boy with no obvious problems.

He had loose bowels for two days on arrival which we presumed was just a change of environment and uncomfortable weather. We have provided a cool mat for him and a paddle pool, for during the hot weather, which he is getting used to slowly.

The loose motions continued on and off. He is now only on dry kibble, three times a day for weight gain and he seems to be settling down. He is putting on weight and getting fitter everyday.

SOCIAL LEARNING

Jeff is brilliant! He is still a master counter surfer and our kitchen resembles a war zone with barricades to try and stop him getting at absolutely anything. He loves people of all ages but he can get a bit excited with children and occasionally still jumps up but not aggressively. He is getting better at responding to ‘down’ and ‘sit’ commands even without the treats now.

TRAVEL: He is happy and content travelling in a vehicle

HOUSETRAINING: He is almost completely house trained

BASIC TRAINING: He did not appear to have had any training when he arrived, not knowing any commands at all. He will now sit and stay. He takes his treats gently when given for obedience with no nipping at all. He was jumping up a lot but he is now learning to sit and wait and the jumping is getting less.

LEADWALKING: He walks well on a lead and collar. He is managing longer walks and is getting stronger on the lead but he is still manageable.

RESOURCE GUARDING: Jeff has shown no evidence of resource guarding. He eats well, although quite fast, but is not food obsessive and will allow you to touch and stroke him while eating. Jeff will easily give things back to us, even when he knows that he shouldn’t have them.

SEPARATION ANXIETY: There are no signs of separation anxiety. He is a very loving, cuddly dog who is always pleased to see you in the morning or when getting back in from being away for a while.

ADULTS: Very friendly. He enjoys being with people and meeting other dogs and is now starting to show an interest in football and cuddly toys. He loves people and our walks are made longer by everyone he meets stopping us to say how gorgeous he is.

CHILDREN: He is very friendly and loves being with the grandchildren (aged 10 & 7yrs).

DOGS: Jeff is mixing with other dogs well and is polite and gentle with males and females. He did have an older bitch snapping at him but she did him no damage and he has not been put off meeting dogs and interacts well with them. Jeff is playful with the visiting puppy but has to be watched as he is a lot bigger.

CATS: He pays attention to cats and small wildlife but doesn’t pull to them. He shows a little interest in cats, rabbits and squirrels etc but he will leave them alone when told to leave.

JUNE 2018

Jeff has gone to live in his Forever Home.