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Update 2 February 2008: Phantom has had kennel cough so his training and assessment has been put back. However I can update as follows:
Phantom has a lovely nature with people. He loves getting fuss and attention. He can be a bit clingy though (follows me everywhere) and is an attention seeker (pawing and nosing). Although he shows no signs of separation anxiety, any new home would need to be careful not to encourage any behaviour that might lead to it.
He is housetrained, although did a lot of marking in the house for the first couple of days. He sleeps downstairs in his crate overnight, quietly and happily.
Phantom does however have problems out on a walk - although he loves going out on them. He is reactive to traffic and spends quite a lot of time listening and looking for cars. Initially he used to dive to the side of the road and lay down until the car went past. Getting his attention away from the traffic was difficult. This could be due to fear and lack of socialising around traffic or collie herding instinct. He is now much better about traffic in that he will continue walking, but not in a relaxed manner. He is strong on a lead, although again this is getting better. He is much more relaxed and doesn't pull so much where there is no traffic. He is being walked on a non-pull harness with a double-ended lead attached to his harness and collar. Any new home would need to be willing and able to continue working with him until he is no longer reactive around traffic.
Phantom has not been let off the lead on a walk as due to his traffic issues and lack of attention on me when out I do not think it would be safe at present. His recall in the house and from the garden is fantastic though.
Phantom has also made a run for it out of the front door a couple of times, pushing his way out. Although I got him back and no harm came to him, any new home would need to be very aware that he might try this.
Original assessment - Phantom has only been with me for 5 days, so I am unable to give a full assessment of him.
He is quite a chunky boy and looks as though he may have GSD in the mix.
Phantom is very friendly towards people and does a happy dance with his front feet when you talk to him or give him attention - even at the vet's. He also seems a gentle boy so I don't think he would have any issues with anyone. He has no possession issues around food or toys. His tail makes lovely thumping noises on the floor as he wags.
He does sit and recalls in from the garden nicely. He is biddable and wants to please so training should not be a problem.
He shares his foster home with Jasmine and gets on well with her. They play together nicely. There were a couple of occassions when Jasmine got a bit too much for him, so he gave her a telling off, but no more than that.
Indications so far are that he would make a loving and loyal family member.
I will update when I have been able to assess him further.
If you would like to offer Phantom a home please take a moment to read our adoption procedures before you download our adoption form. Once completed please e-mail it to [email protected]. If you have problems downloading the form, please just email us. Adoptions will be subject to a satisfactory homecheck and a minimum donation.
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