[springysammy]

I have been around dogs all my life. I have now got a springer spaniel 10months old, and have had him just over a week.

I know it is going to take time to get his training up to sctratch, but I am ust wondering whether some of his down falls at the minute are due to his new surroundings etc.

Since the minute he arrived hi has constantly been jumping the 5 foot garden fences, so I have tried resolving some of this by blocking it even more with plants etc.

He pushed his way out of the front door the other day and run off down the path to a nearby road without looking back, and took quite some time to manage to get him back, even calling his name, enticing him with treats and the lead saying walkies.

Today, he leapt out of my 1st floor bedroom window. I was putting my children to bed and realised I couldn't find him. The next thing I knew he is running around the street. He stopped and looked at the front door, then ran off again. Luckily with my neighbours help I managed to catch him again.

I know the basic command/training technique that needs establishing is the come command, but he seems so desperate to be leaving at the minute. Luckily he is not injured, but is it just a case of unfamiliar surroundings etc?

[crazydays]

I might be talking to the Vet about this rough adjustment period to your home. I know people hate the use of meds, but maybe he really is unable to control this behaviour. It sounds like he is constantly in a hyper state and it must be hard for him and horrific for you. I have no experience with respect to these issues. Hopefully others will have dealt with taking in a rescue dog/adoption and can offer some solutions.

[bluesbarby]

I had to laugh when I read your post. Many years ago we had a Springer Spaniel . He was 4 when we got him from a couple that divorced. We soon realized why the breed have the name "springer" because he could clear a 6 foot fence from practically a stand. We supported our shelter for years with that dog. After a while the dog catcher, who knew me by name, would just return him home. I used 3 professional trainers to try to break him of the habit with no luck. But then we moved to a ranch with over 5 acres and he was fine. He just needed alot of freedom to run. Take him to a dog park (wish they had had those back then) Sign him up for agility. He needs lots of activity. Good luck.

[springysammy]

Thanks for the replies.

I am well aware they are obviously "springy"! and are naturally very active and energetic dogs.

I take him for two long walks each day to let him rid of his pent up energy, but unfortunately, he cannot have free run of anywhere yet, as his come back skills need some attention.

I know he needs that ability to run around in large open spaces, yet there are none safe enough I can do that in, that are enclosed and do not want to run the risk of him running off and getting injured.

I have also noticed when out, he is such a how can I put it - a muddle head. He cannot seem to handle all the new things and darts all over the place, unable to focus on one thing - which needs looking at.

I do not really want to drug him for the sake of calming him down, as the whole reason we chose this breed is because we didn't want a calm dog around the children, as they too are very energetic, and I wanted a dog that could keep up with their and our pace of life.

I am seriously considering actually paying for dog training classes, as I think he might be a bit out of my league, and I do not want to make a mistake and ruin him completely. Do you think this might pay in some respects?

[crazydays]

Morning Springsammy

I think any classes for this pup would be a start. My only concern is, could he focus for them? A qualified trainer would be able to observe his behaviour and hopefully offer some good feedback.

I wasn't implying that you drug your dog so that he doesn't get on your nerves. All I meant was that he might be having a psychological reaction to his hard start in life not to mention trying to cope with puppyhood. I thought you might want to discuss options with Vet.

I really hope things start to settle down for you.