Surf

Profile

 "Happy Spring Surf!" In Memory of Mollie, from Lisa B.

Welcome Surf 16-020 to RAGOM. He is a "Honorary" Golden. He is said to be all yellow Lab but has some look of Bloodhound or possibly other breed. Surf is 6 years old. He weighs in at 91.75 lbs and is at ideal weight. He's a big strong boy! Surf was neutered at a young age and doesn't have strong "marking" tendencies.

I had Surf in for his RAGOM wellness exam the second day I had him here. He was in good health and was up to date on all vaccines other than Boardatella, so now he is up to date on all vaccines. The only not so great thing was that he tested positive for Lyme disease. The testing positive does not mean he has it, only that he was once bitten by the same type of tick that can carry Lyme disease. Since Surf is showing no symptoms of Lyme, it's a very safe bet that he does not have it. He has been on flea/tick preventative the last 4 years. In my vet's words " Surf is a happy and very healthy 6 year old dog"

Surf rides in cars/trucks very well. When we arrived at my house, he met my resident boy Joe and my 2 house cats with no problems at all. Surf tried to initiate play with Joe, but Joe doesn't know how to play. Our first walk on a leashand flat collar didn't go very well. Surf will pull like a sled dog. Since then I have used a Gentle Leader with him and he does very well with that. Surf can walk 3 miles very easily. His SO[surrendering owner] would jog 5 miles with him. Surf is 100% house broke. No accidents at all. He give a quiet bark or stands by the door if he needs to go out. On the template at the top of this, I put "Fence Desired". I put that because Surf is used to a fence and/or invisible fence. Surf does have pretty good recall. A fence just makes things safer. I'm not requiring a fence for potential adopters.

In other things: Surf loves to play. He has lots of energy. I've played Frisbee with him for close to a hour without him getting tired. He makes great leaping grabs. I haven't tried fetch with a ball yet. Surf is said to absolutely love water. Surf lived in California in his younger days. I have a picture of him on a surf board. Perhaps Surf could be taught to waterski or wakeboard???

Also on the top of this page it says: "Kids 8+ years old". Surf is a big boy and throws his body around a bit. He can easily knock a 8 year old over if he gets excited. The main reason for the age requirement is that if Surf tires out and small kids keep trying to play with him, he will growl. He hasn't bit anyone but it was a growing concern for his surrendering owner and the reason he was surrendered to RAGOM. They had 2 kids under 3 years old and a third one on the way. I'm thinking by 8 years old , kids can be taught to respect the dog and read his signals that he wants to rest. Kids younger than 8 can be around him but should be supervised. Some of the things I have been working on with Surf are: Sitting and staying for his food. He is doing very well with that. I've also been making him sit before going through a door to go outside. Surf would push and shove and then bolt through any door. He getting better at the giving me a "sit" but must be told every time. He has improved, but needs more work. As mentioned, Surf does have pretty good recall. It could be better, so we work on that. Surf knows "Lay Down" and will shake hands with both paws.

Surf is a velcro dog. He sticks very close to me at all times. He loves to snuggle. Surf sleeps in bed with me and keeps pressed up against me most of the night. If given the opportunity, Surf will give big wet sloppy kisses. He's a very affectionate dog and loves all attention. I haven't seen any type of anxiety from Surf. He is waiting at the door for me when I come home.

Does Surf 16-020 sound like the dog for you or would you like to learn more about him? Contact your placement adviser. I may be bringing Surf to the next couple Meet & Greets in Coon Rapids and Shakopee. This page will be updated before those events, so stay tuned.