Queenie

Who is Queenie?

Queenie is a very cute but not very straightforward 6 month old Cocker Spaniel.  She is a red Cocker with no other markings and she has medium length hair.

Why did Queenie come into the Home?

Queenie was brought to the Home by her previous owners as she was extremely vocal when left alone and they needed to consider the neighbouring households. She is not yet neutered as we would like her to have her first season beforehand.  She will be micro-chipped before she leaves the Home.  

What is Queenie like?

 Queenie is a typically cute Cocker.  Really really cute. However, don't let her soft warm eyes and her floppy ears deceive you as there is a very complex individual underneath.The worry is that people will want to mollycoddle her or make her their lapdog when we know that she will only take advantage of this approach. She is rather clever in manipulating situations so that interaction with people and resources are on her terms.  This cleverness can be a vice, but also a virtue in that she has great potential as she is quick to learn and has really good motivations for training.  She is a bit of a princess and will demand attention and resources with her voice.

Why was Queenie seen by the Behaviuor Unit in the Home?

 Queenie spent time with the Behaviour Unit for a variety of reasons. Primarily she was seen due to her wary nature when meeting new people both inside and outside.  Owners will need to have experience of dogs that have shown a distinct dislike of meeting new people and be able to demonstrate how to maintain this type of behaviour within a home.  The staff who have worked with her will advise owners further on this. Secondly Queenie has no real social skills around other dogs and can become vocal towards them which does upset certian dogs.  She also has the potential to become jealous of other dogs over resources or attention.   Again, owners will be advised about how best to deal with this, but certainly Queenie should be the only dog in her new home. Finally we really have to reiterate that this dog barks a lot.  Often this is attention demanding, towards dogs, towards strangers or even if she feels that you are not paying her enough attention but another key area where it will be an issue is in leaving her alone.  Previous owners found her difficult to leave due to this, so Queenie will need owners who will mostly be around.  

What kind of home is Queenie suited to?

  Queenie is best suited to a more rural environment where she is less likely to practice unwanted behaviours towards people and other dogs and also where neightbours won't be affected by her barking.  She will need to be in a detached house that has enough space to accommodate a "Queenie chill-out area" where she will enjoy being and which owners can use as a place to work through any separation issues.  Also the installation of baby-gates or other such barriers would be useful in order to prevent her getting to visitors to the house.

What kind of owners does Queenie need?  

Queenie needs a multi-carer house as there is too much of a potential for her to overbond with just one person.  Owners should have a good amount of previous experience of high maintenance breeds like Red Cockers or Collie types and also it is essential that they have previously come across demanding types before.  Owners must be willing to take the advice of the Behaviour Staff and be thorough with Queenie's training form Day 1.  Queenie should not live with children due to stranger, handling and potential possession issues.  Older teens (17yrs +) may be considered if they are sensible, experienced and want to participate in her training.  There should be minimal leaving hours in her new home.Queenie cannot live with cats.  Finally, and most importantly, owners will need to be realistic as to there expectations, have the right attitude and not let her be mollycoddled, otherwise she will run rings around you!  

I think I match that criteria.  What do I do next?

 Please call the Behaviour Unit on 02076277884 if you are interested in Queenie, or email us on [email protected] and quote reference 2007/ 06193.  Queenie will need some further training in her new home.  To receive advice and guidance regarding this training from the Behaviour Unit staff that have worked with her, potential owners should be prepared to come into the Dogs Home for a minimum of two visits.

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