Floki

Floki was returned to ARF care in June 2022 – the new owner hadn’t listened to advice NOT to put him in kennels – they have subsequently surrendered him back to ARF and Eleni has taken charge of the boy.

This young boy was due to be tested on 27 June but was being adopted just as our assessors arrived.  Sadly,  he’s been returned because new owners felt he was too much and because he has no training. They did contact Eleni (Ruth’s suggestion while she was at the pound) for a consult and training sessions.  It seems they were really struggling and it turned out it was too much for them.  Pound is happy for us to take him so he doesn’t have to do another three weeks.

Our assessors saw him playing with Sheree’s dog and he was nice and friendly, in a boofy forward way but eventually got the hint when the dog growled at him. They also handled him a lot and checked him out, based on the time they spent with him we feel he’d be your typical silver that needs training and to learn how to interact with other dogs appropriately without pawing and climbing on them (he was humping Sheree’s dog).

He’s a good natured friendly boy with a lot of life and energy.  Notes from Pound’s website – This boy is such a sweetheart, he is approximately 9 months. He requires ongoing obedience training and some manners but he is so full of love once he is shown the ropes it wont take him long to learn. He needs someone with enough time and energy to give him the exercise he requires as he is full of beans.

rated silver but will need training especially on manners around other dogs.

Today’s assessment team: Lisa, Helen, Karina

Testing conditions: Cold and raining. Barking dogs in the pound.

Surrender notes:  adopted from pound and only in the new home for a week. The owners did have Eleni for a training session but then after a few days returned hi to the pound.  Found him too much.

Size: medium

Outside yard presentation, removal – Ralph was very excited to see the handler and get out of the yard, jumping up and mouthing. He pulled to the yard and on the way talked to other dogs in yards.

Environment entry – Leant into handler, was very interested in checking out all the smells.

Handler gives and withdraws affection. He loves attention. He is easily excited and overstimulated then asks for more.

Manual handling/health (include guide into sit). Ralph enjoyed the handling although was wriggly, trying to sniff and lick the handlers hand and occasionally nipped. Couldn’t get a look at his teeth. Bit underweight. Eventually pushed into a sit when the word ‘sit’ was used as well.

Stranger/novelty test—umbrella He gave a little startle but then went straight over to check it out.

Food guarding Ralph wasn’t fazed by hand and there was no way he was moving his head from the bowl!

Dog-to-dog manners Ralph had a bit of a sniff through the fence but otherwise wasn’t overly interested.

VIDEO:  Meeting through the fence            Meeting Staghound

Training Ralph knows sit and first offered it for a pat. He is treat motivated and showed impulse control when he knew they were on offer. On the lead he was full of beans, zig zagging and pulling. The longer he was out the more he stood and walked on a looser lead.  Ralph on lead

Fence jumping (check with ranger for info on whether dog has jumped/climbed pound fence and note here) Unknown.

Play/off-leash / toys Ralph loved playing fetch and even returns the toy! He would also enjoy playing tug of war.  Ralph with a toy

Description Ralph is a lovely young boy who is interested in everything and everyone. He was a bit distracted by the barking dogs and barked excitedly when the second handler initially came over. He’s a typical excitable youngster but he did have moments of calm and can wait nicely when treats are available.

Rating Silver.