Spencer, a mini poodle that just turned 2 this past Sunday, was going to be euthanized for biting his owner.

As a trainer and behaviorist specializing in fear-based behaviors, and aggressive behaviors, I recognize the difference between truly aggressive dogs and those that are instead:

Cage aggressive

Resource guarding

Vying for rank dominance

Spencer was in the last category, vying for a dominant rank position. He was not a true-aggressive.

I met with his owners to discuss training recommendations, to resolve this highly fixable behavioral issue. We’d decided on 10 days of Boarding Training, with then 6 follow up lesson for the owners, to follow. The first lesson was to be free, upon pick-up of Spencer.

Spencer was due to arrive at my home to start the 10 Boarding Training days, this past Thursday. However, on Thursday early afternoon, I got a call from the owner, explaining that instead of pursuing training, they opted for lethal injection instead

My heart went racing…. Spence is a lovely and healthy, sweet and affectionate, playful and friendly dog. He’s kind to cats and loves playing with other dogs. He snuggles in bed, comes when called, and no bad household behaviors.

This issue of biting was a direct result, as admitted by the owner, that Spence had “Carte Blanche” from puppy-hood and up until the current age of 2 yrs.

It is a natural “right of passage” as dogs age from 18 mos -2 yrs (younger for terriers and bulldogs) to begin to vie for their place in the ranking hierarchy- their natural governing structure. This equates to human “teenage rebellion”

Adult dogs provide education for the packs young, through discipline, until they reach maturity at age 2 yrs. At age 2, puppyhood transgressions are no longer “forgiven.” 2 yr old dogs are then held accountable as adults, and could then face serious aggressive corrections for misbehaving. Humans must provide this for their acquired puppies and dogs.

Dogs need our support to navigate a human society, with laws and expectations that don’t necessarily take their natural behaviors into consideration.

Luckily, I was given a measly 24hours to find Spencer a home. With 27 minutes left in his life, I found him a great one!

I spent 2-hours of instruction, with Kimm, his new forever home provider, and her pack of 6 existing dogs. This time was also spent acclimating Spencer, and doing 1:1 dog intros w each of the resident dogs.

Spencer will have access to the swimming pool all day long, and can come inside the house wet! He will have access to all of the balls and Kongs he desires, and finally, a crate that is suitable to his size (a beautiful mahogany and decorative wrought iron crate- with orthopedic bed). The 7 dogs will take turns daily, accompanying Kimm as she rides one of her two horses, and take turns nightly in her bed.

There is plenty of resources, including economic resources, to feed all top dollar, and high-quality grain-free food, receive vet attention, receive regular professional grooming, and be spoiled with toys. Kimm is also home most of every day, to provide much love and affection.

Kimm is the alpha of her pack of dogs, and mini-herd of horses. This is exactly what Spencer needed at this time of his life. A big thanks to Kimm, for taking in my beloved Spencer (in only 4 days of knowing him- I’d fallen in love with this dog big-time!)

I want to thank all of the respondents for inquiring about Spencer. It is great to know that there are folks out there, willing to help dogs in extreme need!

 

Pictured: Spencer playing with my dog Cole

FOLLOW UP 8/20/18:

After a few months of owning Spencer, I’m happy to report that Spencer’s not only succeeding but thriving in his new environment.

He is IN LOVE w Kimm’s Chesapeake Bay Retriever X female, Lexy. I actually witnessed the start of this love affair, upon drop off, and 2-hr lesson/ pack intro. It was truly a case of love-at-first-sight! A match made in heaven!

Kimm reports that his favorite toy is a mini Kong, loves ice-cubes as a snack on hot days, favorite activity as snuggling in bed with her, and still LOVES his girlfriend Lexy!

I’m SO HAPPY for Spencer, and for Kimm. Kimm adores this little guy- and calls him “my love.” So Kimm’s life has also been enhanced, from adding Spence to her pack!

Yay, for a happy ending!

Happy trails to all!

Spencer enjoying his new home (in love w Lexy) :