Rupert is 14 months old, neutered. He is a very handsome boy with some very special quirks….

Rupert is incredibly bright. When we say bright, we’re pretty convinced you could teach him to drive, do the shopping and put up shelves. 90% of the time he is an absolute angel and will do anything for a treat. He walks nicely on his lead, loves to play tug of war and sits beautifully in the pub (but will dribble a LOT if you have steak). He adores the company of animals, he is particularly fond of goats and hasn’t chased cats, instead he plays bows in front of them. We think he would thrive in a home with another playful dog who doesn’t mind him shouting in their face to get them to play. He loves to present his bum to you for a scratch.

The bad bits…

The remaining 10% of the time this boy is a monkey (we’re being polite with our wording). He can still mouth and nip like a puppy but is a big boy so he likes to leave little bruises on your arm. He can bark in your face and behave like a delinquent. He has not shown aggression but we do understand that this behaviour can be intimidating. He especially likes to try it on with new people (he doesn’t appear bothered about making a good first impression) which scares them off. We think that for the first few weeks, maybe months, in a new home he will test your patience. You may wonder what on earth you have chosen to share your life with. But, underneath this 10% of utter ridiculousness is a big baby who is becoming more affectionate and adorable by the day in the kennels and really just needs routine and an understanding and patient home. In the right home with the right training this boy is going to be phenomenal (at the kennels already think he is) Due to the mouthing he won’t be re-homed with small children.

If you have read this far we hope that you might consider taking this boy in and showing him that he doesn’t have to be a brat and that being a good boy is a pretty good life choice.

We feel he would thrive in a home with a bitch who he can play and have fun with as he loves the company of other dogs.

Rupert’s Assessment

Kennel behaviour

Rupert waits patiently to have his lead put on and leaves his kennel calmly, walking past dogs in adjoining kennels in a calm, composed way.

Handling

Rupert walked to the secure area on a standard lead and collar. He pulled slightly but was very responsive to training with treats and walked nicely with minimal pulling.
Rupert is pro social and enjoys being fussed and handled but isn’t overly pushy and can disengage well when ignored.
Rupert is very responsive to training and appears to have a good recall. This would need to be tested in a larger secure area and may need some work when distractions are present.

Sociability

Rupert is a well balanced dog who shows interest in other dogs but no adverse reactions and walks past calmly when asked to.
Greeted me calmly and appropriately, no hostility shown and willing to play with and train with me very quickly. Not observed with men.

Arousal/Reactivity

Please give details of reactivity on a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 = low & 5 = high)
Reactivity – 1

Rupert was excited to play and have treats off me but was very calm, no grabbing behaviour noted and happily exchanged toys for treats. Knows a ‘drop’ command and doesn’t snatch toys back. Will wait calmly to be offered a treat. Did jump up a couple of times for a treat but quickly controlled himself and sat down instead. Traffic went past the secure area and Rupert acknowledged it but no adverse reaction at all. Not observed with cyclists, children or in a vehicle.

Possession

Rupert enjoyed playing with the tug and doing some training for treats and toy rewards. No snatching or retention noted at all.

Comments

Rupert is a well balanced dog who has clearly had a good start to his training journey. He knows basic commands such as sit, lie down, off, drop, wait and he walks well on his lead. His recall appears good but this would need to be tested further before being let off lead in a non-secure area.
Rupert is calm in his demeanour and will make somebody a lovely companion.