Patch - male Spaniel (English Springer)

Sweet Patch is such a sensitive soul, and he really is looking for a special home. He gets overwhelmed at times, but he is adapting to new experiences well. He enjoys his walks but prefers the centre and park when it's quiet, as he dislikes noisy environments. Once Patch builds a bond with someone, he is visibly much more comfortable and settled. He's happy to be handled by people he knows and looks to his handlers when in a situation such as a vet exam. He is friendly with people, but he must be allowed to approach them, rather than the other way around. Patch LOVES his toys! We know that when Patch was young, he had no access to toys or beds, so he does worry at times that we are going to take them from him. His handlers are working on a "drop" cue so that we can trade him for another toy and help him feel less worried. Having had no access to a bed, he doesn't use them when offered, and will need an armchair or similar of his own, that he knows he won't be moved from. His adopters must be willing to work on an "off" cue, and not attempt to physically move him from it. Patch also has a tendency to pinch household items, which we believe to be due to his lack of appropriate toys as a young dog. Adopters will need to continue some training with these things once Patch is home.

Patch has had a difficult life and needs a specific home with adopters who are willing to work with him and our rehabilitation trainers. He had no access to beds or toys when younger, so now he puts very high value on both, and it needs to be properly managed. When it comes to other dogs, Patch is quite reactive, although he has been brilliant in the past. For now he would be best as the only dog in the home and carry on furthering his social skills out and about. It's possible that the time of day in which he has been walked left him little exposure to other dogs, particularly during the lockdown of the last two years. We are working on this with him. Patch will need an adult only home due to the resource guarding, and he'll need a few visits at the centre, as well as a one-to-one meeting with our training team. Patch does have some medical needs regarding his ears and skin which our vet team will be happy to discuss with adopters.