Honey

About Honey

Brief Summary of Personality: Honey is an absolutely lovely girl, and we have enjoyed every minute of having her with us. She was very nervous when she first arrived, but it didn’t take her long to settle in, and she now feels as though she has always been part of the family. Honey starts her day around 7am, although not before enjoying a belly rub and plenty of cuddles in bed! She loves anything involving treats, particularly puzzle games, which are a favourite way to keep her entertained. She isn’t interested in toys or long-lasting chews and bones, but she absolutely loves her dental stick. Honey adores attention and is happiest curled up beside you on the sofa, enjoying plenty of fuss and affection. Around 9–10pm, Honey decides where she would like to sleep for the night.

Reasons for Relinquishment: Honey’s owner had four dogs, and was finding it increasingly difficult to manage as they did not all get along with each other.

Energy Requirements: Honey enjoys three walks a day, totalling around two hours, which seems to suit her perfectly. She hasn’t yet been off lead in a public space, but she has enjoyed several visits to a secure private dog park where she can safely run off lead. She particularly loves the agility equipment — and this girl can really jump!

Previous and Current Training: Honey is completely housetrained and has had no accidents in the house. She is also very respectful of belongings and doesn’t take things that aren’t hers. She knows “sit” and is currently learning “wait”, which is coming along really well. Honey walks on a lead and collar, as she really disliked wearing a harness. She can pull on the lead, but this is improving with every walk. Honey has a great recall and will come when called by her name or by whistle.

Meeting New People: Honey loves meeting people when out and about and has happily greeted plenty of our friends, enjoying all the attention and fuss. She is more wary of people entering the home and will bark at visitors for around five minutes. Once she realises they are no threat, she settles and quickly becomes their best friend. Honey simply needs a little time to feel comfortable when someone comes into the house.

Dog/ Cat Test: Honey would like to be the only dog in the home, as she doesn’t enjoy other dogs being too keen or intrusive. She is perfectly happy to walk alongside other dogs and will happily allow them to sniff her, but if they become too excitable, jumpy or persistent, she can become nervous and will seek reassurance by hiding behind you. Honey will chase cats if they are on the garden fence, although she has seen cats while out on walks and simply ignores them.

Home Alone: Honey was previously left home alone for a couple of hours, although this hasn’t been tested during her time in foster.

Children: Honey previously lived with children and was comfortable around them. She has also seen children while out on walks and has shown no concerns, although she hasn’t had any direct interaction with children during her time in foster.

Vet Visits: Honey has been to the vets during her time with us for a general check-up and was comfortable being handled. She behaved incredibly well throughout her visit.

Medical Issues: Honey has a small belly button hernia which she has had since birth. This has never caused her any problems and does not currently require treatment. Her previous vet had suggested a dental clean, but following her recent check-up, her current vet is happy with the condition of her teeth and feels this is not currently necessary. Honey is around 700g overweight, so would benefit from gradually losing a little weight to reach her ideal condition. Honey has not been spayed during her time in foster due to being in season. She will be rehomed with a contract requiring her to be spayed at the appropriate time.

Travelling: Honey loves travelling in the car and happily sits in the back seat, secured with a seatbelt harness.

Handling/Grooming: Honey is getting a little long in the coat and would benefit from a groom. She is very happy to be brushed all over and enjoys the attention. She also tolerates having her paws cleaned after muddy walks.

Food: Honey is currently fed Edgard & Cooper Game & Duck pâté with Venison & Duck kibble. She is fed once a day and can be a little fussy with her food, so it took some time to find something she enjoys. She doesn’t always eat straight away, but we leave her food down during the day and she will usually have eaten it by bedtime.

Sleeping: Honey sleeps from around 9pm until 7am and is very settled overnight. She currently chooses between sleeping on our bed, our daughter’s bed or, occasionally, her own bed in our bedroom — she certainly likes to have a choice!

Behavioural issues: Honey can be nervous around strangers and other dogs, particularly if they are too close or overly excitable. She is also uncomfortable when motorbikes pass close by. Honey can be wary of unfamiliar noises around the home, but is much more relaxed when she can see where the noise is coming from and who is making it.

Bite History: There was an incident between the dogs in Honey’s previous home during which her owner was bitten. The owner does not believe Honey was responsible for the bite, although they cannot be completely certain.

Home Needs: Honey would love a quiet, settled home with owners who are around all day, or at least for most of the day. A secure garden would be a real bonus, as she loves spending time outside exploring ours. Honey needs to be the only dog in the home, where she can enjoy having all the attention to herself and a calm environment where she can feel safe and relaxed.

As written by Spaniel Aid.