Trigger

TRIGGER’S HISTORY

Trigger is 8 months old and was surrendered to IRR because of a change in family circumstances.

FOSTERER’S INITIAL REPORT

Trigger has settled in here as though he has always lived here. He can be a bit apprehensive in certain situations, eg going into the garden when it’s dark so I have to coax him out of the kitchen and stand in the garden with him. He tends to let out a big ‘Woof’ before he goes out as if to say “if anyone is in the garden then I’m coming out”. He also likes to know where I am – if I go upstairs then he sits at the bottom of the stairs and waits for me. But he is only 8 months old and he’s had a very disturbed week so all in all I think he’s absolutely fabulous.

He loves being with my 3 boys (two Golden Retrievers and an English Setter) and of course he’s learning a lot from them. In the evening the boys are allowed in the lounge and he runs to me and sits next to my feet – if I get up he’s never far behind me. He demolishes his food within seconds but he is slightly improving on this and now eats with my 3 – although I’m never far away watching him.

His recall in the garden is exceptional as he adores cheese!!!! I’m working on the whistle but he tends to react more to my voice. I only use one word commands like ‘bed’, ‘sit’, ‘stay’ and he’s doing really well. He appears to know the word ‘NO’ and responds to that very well. He has never tried to get on the furniture but I’m sure if his new owners let him then he’d be even happier than he is now.

Will miss him greatly when he’s not here but hopefully he will go to a home who love him and pamper him as much as we do!

FOSTERER’S SECOND UPDATE

Love Trigger….. he’s an absolute dream and he will make a wonderful addition to any home.

He’s definitely a bouncy 8 month old puppy, pushing the boundaries now that he’s found his feet. I would strongly suggest that he goes to a home which has another dog because he loves being here with my 3, however if you do find him a home with another dog then that dog must want to play and be very patient. He’s non-stop playing and luckily my boys are very patient and let him bounce all over them, bite their ears, nick their toys, I keep waiting for them to get cross with him but they don’t.

I would also suggest that he goes to a home that can handle a bouncy young dog – if they want a sedate dog then Trigger is not for them. I feel he needs interaction & stimulation and so his new owners must be able to walk him and be able to continue the training that I’m doing with him.

Food is still a battle but he now understands that he is the last to get fed but only because I’m really firm with him – given a chance he will eat my boys’ food as well. He will grab any food if you take your eye off him for a minute, but this will get better in time. His food is gone in around 10 seconds. I reward him to a recall with treats but unless I tell him ‘gently’ and slowly put my hand down then he will snap your hand off. He’s not nasty with his food as I can put my hand in his bowl whilst eating, it’s just a really bad habit he’s developed.

He is incredibly affectionate and watches my every move. He’s always the first to greet me and the other night I sat on the floor with him and he laid in my lap for a couple of hours cuddling – he’s a very happy young boy.

TRIGGER IN HIS FOREVER HOME

Trigger’s fosterer couldn’t bear to part with him so now he is part of her family and loved to bits.