CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Rescue Cockers => Topic started by: joanne_v on September 05, 2008, 07:05:58 PM
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Finn is now looking for his forever home after a month of assessment with me. He is a 15 month old liver and tan working cocker who originally came from a puppy farm in Central Scotland. He is most likely a mix between show type and working type as he has characteristics and looks of both. He is a total sweetheart and has the most gorgeous big brown eyes than melt your heart instantly. He loves to get cuddles and have his belly rubbed.
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff312/joanne_v/_G1L3200-1.jpg)
Finn requires a special home with no kids and no teens either. An experienced home with knowledge of cockers or other spaniels is essential and preferably a knowledge of spaniels with behavioural issues. Finn was rehomed due to biting young children in his previous home and we also know that he has bitten several adults in the past. From his assessment I believe his trigger is being possessive of people. He has not been aggressive towards us physically in his time here but we have seen that he stresses out sometimes if he feels someone, whether dog or human, is entering his space if he is sitting on or beside one of us. This is usually on the sofa or bed so we now have a no bed rule and he is only allowed on the sofa is nobody else is sitting there. It would propbably be best if he is kept of all furniture. With the right management there is no need for him to escalate his stress into biting and advice will be given to help any new family work out the best way to cope. Non-confrontational methods to avert his stress works well with him. To me he is not a problem dog but he does need an experienced home where his environment is carefully managed and the full extent of his capabilities are understood. He has settled well here and now that I understand how he works he poses no threat as I know I can avoid any potential problems from arising. On a day to day basis Finn is a perfectly normal dog but any new home must understand that he comes with a history.
Finn would be best suited to an active older couple or single person with one or two other dogs who can keep him in his place. He gets on fine with my own dogs (after the inital settling in period) and loves to play fight with fellow youngsters. He has spent lots of time at doggy daycare where I work and this has helped him learn doggy social skills. Finn loves to play with toys especially nylabones and tennis balls! He does not like to be left alone for long so a home where someone is around most of the time would be best.
Finn has little recall so needs to be walked on a lead (he's used to an extendi and walks to heel on a normal lead reasonably well after the first 5 mins). He has been let offlead in secure areas and does not run away but pays absolutely no attention to where you are and is in full working mode, head down sniffing & tail wagging. He will need at least 1 hours exercise a day but preferably 2-3 hours. In terms of other training Finn is progressing slowly. He is clever but is not keen to learn. With time and patience he will become much better. He knows sit, paw, down, stay, leave, drop and quiet! Whether he does things when asked is another question...
Finn travels well, eats dry, wet and raw food and likes meeting new people including kids. He has been fine with all visitors to the house. He is housetrained but has had the odd accident overnight.... usually because he prefers following scents in the garden last thing at night rather than peeing!! He has barked rather excitedly at cats so probably not cat friendly but this could be tested further if need be. Finn is neutered, microchipped and fully vaccinated.
If you think you can offer Finn his forever home please contact The Spaniel Trust at http://www.spanieltrust.com/
Update 25/9 : Finn is doing well and his training is coming along nicely. He has now been let offlead on a long line on several times on walks and has always come back to us after roaming for a few minutes. Like most working cockers he likes to cover a lot of ground but I would now say he can be let offlead in very safe areas ie country parks, beaches where there are no dangers such as roads (and as long as you have plenty time on your hands!). His general training in the home is going well too and he is very well behaved. He does well with a routine and is probably better behaved than my own spaniels a lot of the time!!
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He is absolutely gorgeous. I hope he finds an understanding forever home soon.
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Best of Luck Finn finding your forever home. You really are a handsome boy. :luv: :luv: :luv:
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He is divine - how about I swop for the children :-\ ;)
Seriously, I hope Finn finds his perfect home soon as he looks :luv: :luv:
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OMdoG he looks so much like Jagger. :luv: :luv: :luv: I hope the right owner(s) come along soon.
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He is so gorgeous. :luv:
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oooh another stunner :luv: I would but I have another choccky boy I have to collect from Wales on Tuesday. :D
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oooh another stunner :luv: I would but I have another choccky boy I have to collect from Wales on Tuesday. :D
really pleased for you, surely Mrs TB wouldn't notice 2 new arrivals though ;)
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Hope Finn finds his forever home soon, he is a handsome chap :luv:
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Sounds like Finn has come on well, I hope he finds his forever home soon :luv:
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He is gorgeous :luv: I'd love to have him, but Rio and Rox are enough for the mo! Hope he finds a 5* home soon :D
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If only I was at home more Id have him, my lot are used to having an extra ( I have one at the moment but she goes home tommorrow), but as I work full time he would be left for fairly long periods ( albeit in a 5 star dog run with a view of a duckpond with ducks and geese,run complete with rabbits and phezzies visiting.. ;)) and I wouldnt be about to give him that little extra help he needs. however when I retire I will most certainly be looking at rescues then.
he is only young so should find that special forever home soon.
:luv:
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Hmmm - tempted to get rid of kids to take him in.....
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:luv: :luv: :luv: i just love his pouty lip :luv: :005: I'm sure this boy will get a very special home. :luv:
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Aw, Finn is lovley! I hope he find a understanding new family soon.
And, just had to add, Yay for Mark and Alfie. Hope all goes well for you guys!
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I hope he finds his perfect home soon. Although sounds like you have done an excellant job so far with him!
What a beauty, im sure he will be snapped up!
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Finn is still looking, no interest at all so far :-\ He's really not a bad boy, in fact far easier than a lot of cockers his age....
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Can't believe there has been no interest - he is such a gorgeous looking boy :luv:
Hope he finds a loving home soon. :-\
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it's the 'no kids and no teens' bit that will put many off. He's a stunning dog but difficult to place, I imagine
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hi it says no children or teens what about visting grandchildren ect as i would be intrested in finn. peter
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Finn has liked the children he has met outdoors on walks so under careful supervision I dont see this as a problem indoors once he had settled and his new owners were used to him ;)
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Unbelievable that there had been no interest. :o He is stunning and it sounds that the problems are not insurmountable. Hope he finds somewhere wonderful soon :luv:
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hi again can we make contact to discuse further. peter
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hi again can we make contact to discuse further. peter
Best of luck :D
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Good luck!
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i have made contact about finn and waiting to see if it turns out ok fingers crossed. peter
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i have made contact about finn and waiting to see if it turns out ok fingers crossed. peter
Very best of luck :D
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good luck, he's a beautiful dog.
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Good luck, i hope it works out for you both. :D
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Wish I could he is beautiful :luv:
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i have made contact about finn and waiting to see if it turns out ok fingers crossed. peter
Good luck Peter, I hope it all works, Finn looks like an absolute stunner. Keep us posted ;)
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i have made contact about finn and waiting to see if it turns out ok fingers crossed. peter
I hope he is the one :D Good luck, he is beautiful. :luv:
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Good luck. I had the pleasure of picking this young man up and he is gorgeous! :luv:
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hi jen what was he like when you picked him up hyper or calm? that sort of thing. peter
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hopefully finn will find a new home with my wife and me fingers crossed, long way to go yet. but its difficult not to get excited at the prospect. if it all works out any tips on bringing him into the home with ollie my 11 yr old springer and 2 cats any advice gratfully recieved. ollie has been with other dogs before we had him and when dogs have stayed a short while ( 1-2 weeks) he has been ok. but been on his own with us for quiet a while now. we are not new at keeping dogs but its never to late to learn more. peter
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hi jen what was he like when you picked him up hyper or calm? that sort of thing. peter
He was a lovely wee thing and very calm and very settled in the car. However, he was only with me for just over an hour, so not much to go on. I am sure Jo could give you a better insight.
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hi Jen she has thanks i was just curios to what he was like at that time. peter
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Any news on Finn?
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Any news on Finn?
Was just thinking that today.
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Peter is being homechecked shortly ;)
Here's some Finn pics from the weekend. I trusted him not to run off at the beach (on a long line still- and yes I know he's not on a harness with it, I forgot it!) and he was great, just followed krumble about mostly and checked in a few times to make sure I was still about. Much easier spotting where he is on a beach than in woods thats for sure.
Eat your heart out David Hasselhoff, a new boy is in town!
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff312/joanne_v/Cramond%2020th%20Sept/_G1L4832.jpg)
Bit of recall practise (note that Finn is not focussed at all on me! Even if he knows food is there he doesnt care...)
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff312/joanne_v/Cramond%2020th%20Sept/_G1L4951.jpg)
Obviously hates water with a passion.... ;)
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff312/joanne_v/Cramond%2020th%20Sept/_G1L4868.jpg)
Mad eyes!
(http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff312/joanne_v/Cramond%2020th%20Sept/_G1L4809.jpg)
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lovely pics and thanks for the update Jo :D
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Looks like Finn had a great weekend, good luck with the homecheck Peter.
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looks like he had a great time. Hope everything works out for him.
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Home the homecheck goes well Peter. :D I'll be so chuffed if this boy stays with a COLer. :luv:
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Keeping everything crossed here :D
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Dogs like this are not for everyone and I'm sure you and the rescue will do what is right for this lovely boy and for you. Living with a reactive dog can be hard and is not for the inexperienced or faint hearted.
I have two that might have been PTS for various issues but two more lovely dogs you could not wish to meet.
Both of them were misunderstood, one was mistreated but both are flourishishing in the right environment.
If Finn is not the right dog for you then don't worry as the right one will come along sooner or later.
I really do wish you the best of luck in this and hope it all works out for everyone involved.
Do we know how hard he bit and under what circumstances?
Mark
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Honestly, if you are having to ask yourself questions and agree with what the homechecker says, then Finn may not be the dog for you :-\ You need to know the worst case scenario and decide whether you can deal with it, the last thing anyone wants is for a homeless dog to continue to be moved around, that applies equally to the upset you would feel.
Really sorry it's not sounding as promising as you hoped, don't give up yet though, pm Jo and talk to her about what has been said perhaps
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Having a dog with issues is not impossible and can but work out really well, BUT I guess the thing is it can take a lot of time and money and love to get things working, oh yes did I forget to mention the endless patience when you work sooooo hard and you think you have had a breakthrough and then your dog does something like snarl at a child who walks by and you feel like you are back to square one again! >:D
Like others have said some people can do this and some can not. Its not a critism, it can be soul destroying at times so I do understand why some people choose to walk away from a dog if they are struggling. But I guess a dog like Finn who has alredy been to different homes dosn't need another place that will not work out he needs a forever home, so everone involved will have to be very clear about his new hom and its suitability.
To be very honest with you, sometimes I wish for a laid back happy cocker, I think our experience would have been very different if thats what we had got, but Ben is not like that and I know we will always have to think carefully about how we are with him, but I would not swop him for the world. Spending so much time working with him and seeing him progress has built the most amazing bond and he is my world :luv:
I guess only you know what you want from a dog. A dog like Finn will probably not be an easy going family dog for a very long time and who could blame you if thats what you want - given the choice wouldn't we all want that?
but you know if you have the time and energy to invest in Finn, and being completely mercenery the money. We have spent quite a bit on 1-1 training, behaviourists etc and consider it well spent, but not everyone has that option or wants to do that.
Good luck with whatever you decide. Don't give up if he is what you really want, but do go into this with your eyes open and understand the work involved.
Bens mum
forgot to add - Finn is scrummy and I wish he could come here....but two boys with issues may just be a recipe for disaster :005:
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Having a dog with issues is not impossible and can but work out really well, BUT I guess the thing is it can take a lot of time and money and love to get things working, oh yes did I forget to mention the endless patience when you work sooooo hard and you think you have had a breakthrough and then your dog does something and you feel like you are back to square one again! >:D
I totally agree with everything Ben's mum has said. I have a dog with lots of problems. We have spent a fortune seeking help for him. But he has cost us a lot more in terms of time, patience and tears. :'( I have had several people tell me over the last couple of years that I should 'get rid of him', but I love him and we'll continue to try to do our best for him. :luv:
I don't know you or Finn so I cannot comment on whether you are right for each other. :-\ I do, however, know the homechecker and I know she will be totally honest with you and that ultimately she will have Finn's best interests at heart. I wish you luck with whatever you decide to do.
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hi just to bring you all up to date finn will not be coming home to me. after lots of talking both sides agree it would not be in his best intrests mainly as i have grandchildren visting most weekends. so thats that for me but for finn the hunt goes on. good luck finn i`m sure you will make it in the end. thanks to you all for your support. peter
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Sorry to hear this Peter but it is the right decision I am sure :-\ The right dog is out there waiting - hope you find each other soon. ;)
And hopefully the right home will come up for Finn soon too - is it a bit too soon for TopBarks to take on another? :shades: :005:
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sorry to hear things didn't work out but I'm sure it won't be long before the right dog comes along for you.
I hope Finn finds the right home for him very soon.
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hi just to bring you all up to date finn will not be coming home to me. after lots of talking both sides agree it would not be in his best intrests mainly as i have grandchildren visting most weekends. so thats that for me but for finn the hunt goes on. good luck finn i`m sure you will make it in the end. thanks to you all for your support. peter
Sorry to hear this Peter. I am sure the right dog is out there for you.
Fingers crossed that Finn finds the forever home he needs soon.
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Sorry to hear this Peter but it is the right decision I am sure :-\ The right dog is out there waiting - hope you find each other soon. ;)
And hopefully the right home will come up for Finn soon too - is it a bit too soon for TopBarks to take on another? :shades: :005:
Afraid I have my hands full at the mo. :005:
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I just need to reiterate that at the end of the day its up to anyone who is interested to find out more details from the rescue concerned rather than get into wholesale discussions on here as Joanne says its 'so easy to misinterpret things on forums'.
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penny b not sure what you are trying to say here could you be clearer. peter
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I am sorry to hear this Peter but, I am sure your new cocker is out there waiting for it's new loving forever home.
Good luck to the very lovely Finn in finding his forever home soon, hopefully it won't be too long.
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penny b not sure what you are trying to say here could you be clearer. peter
It was basically a general comment not aimed at anyone as I often have to remind people to discuss things with the rescue themselves rather than turning this part of the forum into a discussion one. I appreciate rehoming dogs is very fraught with emotion and expectation but it doesn't help distracting form the main emphasis of what this part of the forum is about.
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thanks for replying. i personaly find it helps a lot to discusse thing outloud sometimes, like a bouncing board. which forums can do sometimes. take this one, i have found that peoples replys have been very supportive and helpfull. but i must agree with you things can and do get taken the wrong way. peter
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Finn is still looking for his new home. He is offering to give lots of paws and gentle licks to anyone who wants him....
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any updates Joanne?
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Finn's actually left tonight :'(. He's going to spend a bit of time at Lizzie's Barn in Wales. I couldnt keep fostering him as I've got a busy spell with boarders coming in. Had hoped he would have found a home after 10 weeks here but no luck. Feeling really awful about it but I'm sure he'll have fun down there and make lots of doggy friends. What really got to me today though was that this morning on our walk he recalled for the very first time. Was so very proud of the little man :luv:
Anyone who is interested in Finn should contact the Spaniel Trust still. He's a cracking dog and I miss his helicopter tail already :-\
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Aaaaw gorgeous little boy. Such a shame that he has not found a home yet.. however, like you said he will have loads of fun at LB... they are lovely down there! :angel:
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I was going to mention LB to you anyway as its the best place (apart from yours of course ;)) and Fi is very good at understanding norty cockers.
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I was going to mention LB to you anyway as its the best place (apart from yours of course ;)) and Fi is very good at understanding norty cockers.
Thanks Penny, you've set my mind at ease a bit. I'm terrible for trusting anyone with my charges even if they aren't permanent ones.....
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Och Jo, we're thinking about you and really hope that the 'wee man' finds his happy forever home soon.
You have been amazing and have done such a power of work for him, :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* :-*
Just wish he could come and live with us............................... :huh:
Gill xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and Skye xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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What a gorgeous boy :luv:
If I could have another one at the moment then I'd have snapped him immediately!
I think a boy like him, at his age would be a wonderful project to start on gun dog work. He sounds like he has a lot of natural drive and with a bit of training on commands might make a fantastic all rounder. and has the face of an angel to boot! :shades: What a fab project for someone :D
Good luck with him :D
Mary xxx
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I'm sorry to hear that Finn has left you Jo. I am sure he will be very well looked after and find his forever home soon.
:-*
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och jo its hard isnt it?
Im sure he will get his forever home one of these days. hes so young.
if you hear any news on him will you give us all an update?
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och jo its hard isnt it?
Im sure he will get his forever home one of these days. hes so young.
if you hear any news on him will you give us all an update?
with bells on ;)
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Will close this for now rather than let it end up as a discussion thread and will reopen on request ;)