Minstrel - SRF172

Energy & Exercise

​

Minstrel enjoys his walks and exploring the world around him. He currently has constant access to the garden alongside with 2 separate hour-long walks in the countryside each day. He is walked on a long line as his recall is not yet reliable. Minstrel loves to join you on field and woodland walks where he can have his spaniel nose to the ground and explore ditches and banks.

​

Like many spaniels, Minstrel is curious and enthusiastic, and he may pull towards something that catches his interest. Once he has had the opportunity to investigate, he settles quickly. He  also enjoys enrichment activities and particularly benefits from opportunities to sniff, forage and use his nose.

 

Training

​

Since arriving in his foster home, Minstrel has shown himself to be an intelligent and willing learner. He already knows a range of cues including sit, paw, lie down, spin and wait, and responds well to positive, reward-based training.

​

Recall remains a work in progress and will need ongoing support from his adopters. Given his inconsistent early experiences, Minstrel likely missed out on learning some important life skills and social behaviours. With patience, consistency and positive reinforcement, he has every opportunity to continue developing into a confident and well-rounded companion.

​

Behaviours

​

Minstrel has a bite history The circumstances surrounding the incidents remain unclear and no obvious warning signs were reported at the time. Following the incidents, Minstrel returned immediately to his usual behaviour.

 

Outside of these events, he is described as a friendly, affectionate and well-mannered dog. He is happy being handled, including having his feet and ears touched. He would not being restrained

Minstrel is fully housetrained. His space is respected when he  has a toy or treat.

 

Meeting New People

​

One of Minstrel's greatest strengths is his love of people. He is an exceptionally friendly and social dog who enjoys meeting new people and forms strong attachments to those around him. Greetings can sometimes be enthusiastic and he may jump up when excited, but this is driven by friendliness rather than fear or concern.

 

At home, and with visitors Minstrel is wonderfully affectionate and loves nothing more than curling up beside his favourite people. He is a true Velcro dog who enjoys being involved in everyday life and close to his family.

 

Minstrel will need support as he explores the wider world with his adopters

 

Children

 

Due to his previous bite incident, Minstrel is seeking an adult-only home.

It is worth noting that in a previous home he spent time with a 14-year-old child and  formed a lovely relationship with her, often choosing to sleep on her bed. There have been no concerns reported.

 

However, given his history, a child-free home remains the safest and most appropriate placement option.

​

Dog/Cat Test

​

Minstrel generally presents as a sociable and well-mannered dog around other dogs. He is not reactive on walks and regularly encounters unfamiliar dogs without issue. He will often politely investigate or ignore them and has been observed offering play bows and other positive social behaviours.

 

The challenges experienced with the resident dog in his current home appear to be linked to resource competition, particularly around balls, combined with limited space within the home environment. As a precaution, Minstrel is seeking a pet-free home where he can be the focus of attention and avoid any future conflict.

 

He cannot live with cats.

 

Home Alone

Possibly due to the instability and multiple moves he has experienced, Minstrel can find being left alone difficult. He is looking for a home where he will have company for most of the day and where any time left alone can be introduced gradually and positively. Minstrel can currently only be left for 15 mins before he barks, howls and gets distressed

​

Medical Summary

​

Minstrel is currently in good health. he has recently had an ear infection that is now resolved after treatment with steroid drops, he does require ear care, that he tolerates well.

He has a small area of historic damage to the tip of his tail caused by a previous episode of happy tail.

 

Veterinary advice has confirmed that no treatment is required, and the area has not caused any recent problems.

 

Will be adopted with a contract to neuter.

 

Vet Visits

​

Minstrel copes well with veterinary visits when accompanied by someone he knows and trusts. There are no reported concerns regarding routine examinations or handling by veterinary professionals.

He is generally comfortable with physical handling, which is particularly positive given his unsettled history.

 

Travelling

​

Minstrel travels very well in the car and has travelled for 2 hours. He settles comfortably in the boot area when secured with a harness and seatbelt attachment.

 

Handling & Grooming

​

Minstrel loves being brushed and  handled and enjoys the attention that comes with grooming and day-to-day care. He did not love a shower but was complaint. Happy to have paws checked and ears cleaned.

 

The only exception is the tip of his tail, which can remain sensitive due to his previous injury. Care should simply be taken when handling this area.

 

Food

​

Minstrel is currently fed Pets at Home Naturals wet and kibble, also has plaque remover and salmon oil. he’s fed twice a day and loves the occasional natural treat.

He happily accepts treats and sees his crate as a safe and positive place to relax.

 

Sleeping

​

Takes himself to bed at 9pm and sleeps until 6.30-7 am. Has a bed with cushion and likes to sleep at the bottom of the stairs

​

The Home Minstrel Needs

​

Minstrel is searching for a calm, experienced, adult-only home where he can be the only pet. He would particularly suit adopters who are home for much of the day and who understand the importance of management, routine and positive reinforcement training and are also willing to follow his management plan. A large garden is essential due to his high energy and love of play and chasing squirrels.

Minstrel would benefit from his own area in the home with his bed. He needs his space respected. He loves soft toys and does not want these to be surrendered; respect is key her and he should be left alone with his toys.

​

In return, his new family will gain an incredibly affectionate, loyal and people-focused companion who loves cuddles, enjoys learning and simply wants to be part of someone's life. With patience, understanding and the right environment, Minstrel has all the makings of a wonderful companion and deserves the chance to finally find his forever home.