Ralph - SRF149

Energy & Exercise

Ralph had always enjoyed regular exercise and enrichment but his routine has become inconsistent in recent months. He thrives on exploring, sniffing and taking in new sights and smells.

 

In foster care, he has shown a clear preference for short off‑lead sessions of around 10–20 minutes in secure fields or on the beach where he is relaxed and fully engaged. After this brief period of activity, he will often choose to return directly to the car and seek comfort there.

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Walking directly from the home can be more challenging although he finds this easier when another dog is present. Ralph may initially refuse to leave the house or walk past the parked car, and he can become anxious on the lead, pulling and showing less confidence.

 

Training

Ralph attended basic puppy classes and understands sit, stay, wait and come. He is house‑trained and keen to please. He can be selectively deaf when anxious but with patient reward‑based training he has lots of potential.

 

He would benefit from ongoing confidence‑building work, gentle structure and predictable routines. He would also benefit from enrichment such as scent work, puzzle toys and brain games.

 

Behaviours

Ralph has consistently been described as a perfect house dog. In the home he is loving, gentle, friendly and settled. He enjoys meeting visitors, sleeps well and used to be comfortable being left for short periods however more recently he has become more stressed when left.

 

Ralph has never bitten a human or another dog and does not guard food, furniture or people. He has a gentle and friendly nature.

 

His main issue relates to car‑related anxiety. Ralph presents with a complex and deeply conditioned emotional response to cars that extends beyond travel. The following have been observed across both foster placements:

• Extremely anxious and destructive during car journeys

• Must travel in an empty crate (preferably not a  large crate)  as he will shred or chew anything present

• Will voluntarily jump into the car and then refuse to come out

• After exercise, will rapidly return to the car to seek refuge

• Has air snapped and growled a couple of times over the last couple of weeks when the fosterer tried to get him out

• Has shown distress when the car is moved, washed or not in its usual location but settles once it is back where he expects it to be

 

These behaviours strongly suggest that the car has become a major predictor of uncertainty and emotional discomfort for Ralph.

 

Meeting New People

Ralph is a friendly, sociable boy who is comfortable around new people. He will happily walk past unfamiliar faces and often rolls onto his back inviting tummy tickles once he feels safe.

 

Children

Ralph was very gentle with the young children he previously lived with. However he does not cope well with the constant noise and stimulation of a busy family home. While tolerant, the unpredictability and activity associated with young children caused him stress and unease. For this reason a home without children is required.

 

Dog/Cat Test

He is unsure around cats so we recommend a cat‑free home.

Ralph is currently in foster with another dog and seems to benefit from their calming nature.

 

Home Alone

Ralph has on occasion shown signs of separation anxiety. When left he may cry, pant and bark showing clear distress. However, he does not bark excessively on the fosterer’s return and neighbours have not reported ongoing or disruptive barking. There has been no soiling or destructive behaviour associated with these episodes.

 

Medical Summary

Ralph has been neutered. He currently has two fat lumps on his abdomen which have been biopsied by the vet. His vaccinations and flea/worm prevention are up to date.

 

Vet Visits

Ralph becomes anxious when visiting the vets. He needs gentle encouragement to go inside and will tremble during examinations and vaccinations. He requires calm handling and reassurance and may need to be gently held so procedures can be completed. Due to his anxiety Ralph has may benefit from a muzzle during examinations.

 

Travelling

Ralph is an anxious traveller and finds car journeys stressful. He currently travels in a small crate in the boot with nothing else present as he will attempt to rip or chew items when distressed. He has previously damaged a plastic crate and chewed through a seatbelt.

 

During travel Ralph will pant and cry. He will need gradual desensitisation to car travel and his fosterer will need to work in partnership with our behaviour team to manage these anxieties.

 

Handling/Grooming

Ralph loves affection and enjoys being fussed over and gently stroked. He seeks out human contact and finds comfort in calm reassuring touch. He also loves going to the groomer and is relaxed and happy being handled, making grooming a positive experience for him.

 

Food

Ralph eats kibble. His food is left down for him and he prefers to graze throughout the day rather than eat in one sitting.

 

Sleeping

Ralph sleeps well on the floor in the bedroom or sometimes takes himself downstairs to sleep on the sofa. He currently has free run of the home and is comfortable moving between spaces as he chooses.