Buzz

Who is Buzz?

Buzz is a sensitive 2-year-old male Springer Spaniel who shows his true bubbly, interactive character once he gets to know you.  He is liver and white coloured with a medium-length coat.

Why did Buzz come in to the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home?

Buzz arrived into the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home as a stray in November 2007.  He was already neutered when he arrived and he will be micro-chipped before he leaves for his new home.

What is Buzz like?

We have found Buzz to have the typical nose to the ground spaniel attitude but this combined with a real sensitive side. He can quickly become worried and overwhelmed when meeting new people or when put in new situations. Once he has got to know you however he becomes a very eager-to-please, interactive dog whose very presence will make you smile.  He loves to play toy games and he actively seeks hands-on attention.  New owners will just need to be patient and not put too much pressure on him in new situations.

Why has Buzz been seen by the Behaviour Unit in the Home?

Buzz has spent time with the Behaviour Staff in the Home for two main reasons.  Firstly he is often intimidated by strangers, which is a behaviour that should not be reinforced by owners.  When new owners rehome Buzz the staff of the Behaviour Unit will advise on how to manage this problem with methods that we have already seen to be successful in the Home.

Secondly, Buzz is sometimes overwhelmed when socialised with other dogs.  In general he is a sociable dog who is happy to meet, sniff and play with dogs.  He is, however, stiffer when being introduced to male dogs and may want to avoid their company.  Owners will need to be able to interpret his body language and bring him away from a situation which makes him uncomfortable.

What kind of Home does Buzz require?

Firstly, Buzz will need to live in a house, ideally detached.  This is due to occasional barking and neighbours have to be considered. Furthermore the house will need to have the space for a "Buzz chill-out area" where he can go if new people come to the house or if he is feeing overwhelmed by any situation.  Also he will need preventative barriers in the home, like baby-gates, that will stop him from getting to the door if someone arrives.

Buzz has the typical Spaniel trait of running around, nose to the ground, seeking out scents.  We would like to see him rehomed to a more rural location where he has the space to express these traits.  A less densely populated area would also be beneficial in terms of managing and improving his stranger and dog issues.

What kind of owners is Buzz looking for?

Owners who have experience of Spaniels and have dealt with stranger issues before would be ideal for Buzz. Owners should want to invest time into his initial settling and training in the home. 

Buzz is going to require owners who can cope with him physically.  He is not the biggest dog in the world, but he has a surprisingly strong on the lead which should not be underestimated!

Buzz could live with a single-carer if they have the right expectations and facilities in place.  If he is in a multi-carer household is should have a maximum of 4 people for consistency with his training.  Buzz would not be suited to a busy home with people coming and going regularly.  Unfortunately Buzz is not particularly suitable for children, although sensible teens with experience around dogs may be considered dependant upon their expectations.

Buzz could potentially live with a stable female dog that has no stranger issues. He has not yet been tested with a cat.

I think I match his criteria.  What should I do next?

Please call the Behaviour Unit on 02076277884 if you are interested in Buzz, or email us on [email protected] and quote reference 2007/ 05724.

Buzz will need some further training in his new home.  To receive advice and guidance regarding this training from the Behaviour Unit staff that have worked with him, potential owners should be prepared to come into the Dogs Home for a minimum of two visits.

 

Send to a friend