Spike

http://dogoftheday.com/archive/2004/September/18.html

The stress and worry of all breeders, hoping to find good homes for their off-spring. This is the tale of Canine Hilton's own and the journey of the pup who went through a bumpy start with a happy ending for all parties concerned.

When we collected Spike from the RSPCA he was very lively and excited but seemed nervous and unsure of where he was going next. He didn't realise at that stage he had found loving and devoted 'parents' and this would be his final move. He was inquisitive to his new surroundings but it didn't take him long at all to get used to all the rooms, different sleeping places that we gave him. He was quiet, very quiet - in other words, he never barked, even when someone was at the door. He approached any visitors gently and just wanted to know who they were. Taking him on his first walks gave us an indication that he appeared suspicious of other dogs, not small ones, but those that stood taller than him. He would run to them, stop and let them 'say hello' if you know what I mean. But he was on gaurd and without warning he would swing around and have a quick nip, almost as though he was trying to provoke the other dog. This continued for approx 6 months however with positive speech, relaxed mode from us and most importantly, a whistle which meant "come back here, I've a treat for you" - he relaxed himself and saw that other dogs didn't necessarily pose a threat. He was able to walk around a park, totally off his lead and posed no danger to any other dogs within 6 months of us taking ownership. He had this in him all the time, he just lost his way somewhere along the line. His true character is how he is now...relaxed, caring, fun, devoted and loyal. He reads our faces and knows how we feel. He supports and cheers and is total joy. The importance of love and kindness in early months remained with him. You can see in his eyes how content and happy he is that he found this love and kindness again.

So Mercia - he was slightly unsocialised when we got him but after a few months reassurance, his confidence built and his defences came down, knowing that we, as his Alphas would be there for him.

Hope that's ok and yes, one day, we'll see if we can visit as I would love to meet the other dogs.

Warmest regards
Martin.

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