Wink

Meet the handsome Wink – one of the two latest Cocker Spaniels to arrive from a puppy mill in South Korea!  He flew with a flight volunteer from S Korea to Los Angeles on September 3 to join Camp Cocker Rescue!

Wink’s foster family in South Korea was thoughtful enough to provide a very detailed description of his personality:

Foster Personality Q&A

1. How is Wink with people?

Wink can be a little shy when first meeting someone.

It is actually helpful not to approach him too enthusiastically at the beginning. If he is given a little space and allowed to observe, he gradually becomes comfortable and affectionate.

Once he trusts someone, he loves being touched. When a person begins petting him, he often freezes completely and quietly enjoys the contact. When the petting stops, he searches for the person’s hand and asks for more.

He is especially fond of hands and fingers and gently seeks them out for affection.

2. How is he with other dogs?

Wink generally gets along well with other dogs.

He may bark briefly if he is startled during a first introduction, but when introductions are handled slowly and calmly, he relaxes and is able to interact and play appropriately.

He does best when he is not surprised or rushed.

3. How does he behave when left alone?

Wink has not shown separation anxiety in his foster home.

When left alone, he usually settles into a cushion or bed and sleeps quietly. He is calm and does not create trouble around the house.

4. How is he on walks?

Wink enjoys walks.

He prefers slow, relaxed walks rather than running or moving quickly. He follows the leash well and is generally easy to walk.

When he sees large dogs tied outside, he may stop and look at them with curiosity before calmly continuing on his way.

5. Potty habits

Wink currently potties indoors.

He uses potty pads with approximately an 80% success rate and is continuing to improve.

6. Favorite toys or activities

Wink enjoys Velcro-style or crinkly toys and is good at tug games.

He does not seem very interested in the soft plush toys or rubber treat toys that many dogs typically prefer. Instead, he likes firmer, harder toys.

At present, he has a large protective eye covering that wraps around his head, and amusingly, he also enjoys using that covering during tug play.

7. Any fears or sensitivities?

Wink finds car rides difficult.

He does not show extreme refusal, but when he realizes that he may be going into the car, he sometimes tries to move away or hide.

During his first few car rides, he was so nervous that he defecated in the car. He no longer does this, which suggests that he has begun to adjust.

He appears to dislike car seats more than the car itself and may be more comfortable with a secure alternative setup.

8. How is he with a crate/kennel?

Wink is frightened of the crate.

He does not want to enter and appears anxious even after being placed inside.

He will need gradual, positive crate training with food rewards, short sessions, and no forced confinement except when necessary for safety or travel.

9. Grooming / handling / medical care

Wink is extremely easy to handle.

He does very well during baths and remains calm throughout the process.

He also has excellent manners at the veterinary clinic. Even when veterinary staff examine and handle him in different ways, he stays quiet and cooperative.

Ear cleaning is the one form of care he dislikes slightly more. He may whine once to show discomfort, but then allows the cleaning to continue without resistance.

10. Any bite history or guarding behaviors?

Wink has no known bite history.

He has never attempted to bite people.

He barked briefly during an initial meeting with other dogs, likely because he was startled. Once the introduction was slowed down and managed calmly, he relaxed and played well.

He has not shown resource guarding or serious aggressive behavior.

11. Appetite

Wink has an excellent appetite and is not picky about his regular food.

His foster jokes that he only stops eating when there is nothing left.

He does not like apples, but he enjoys:

• Cucumbers 
• Bell peppers 
• Commercial dog treats 

Because he is extremely food motivated and will eat whatever is offered, his portions and treats should be carefully controlled.

12. Energy level

Wink is generally calm and emotionally stable.

He has brief bursts of playful “Cocker energy,” especially after baths, but otherwise plays quietly and settles well indoors.

He does not require constant activity and is comfortable following a relaxed household routine.

13. Biggest charm

Veterinary staff who spent the day with Wink described him as a true gentleman.

He calmly explores new spaces with small, quiet steps and rarely makes noise. His foster says it is difficult to remember what his voice sounds like because he barks so little.

He also shows very little reaction to doorbells or knocking, making him a remarkably stable and peaceful dog in the home.

Wink’s greatest charm is the combination of his gentle temperament and quiet affection. He does not demand attention, but once he trusts someone, he deeply enjoys being touched and will gently search for their hand when they stop petting him.

Despite everything he experienced before rescue, he is calm, cooperative, food-loving, and easy to live with. He would be an excellent companion for a family looking for a steady, affectionate, and well-mannered dog.

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MEDICAL INFORMATION:

Wink was rescued with a severely diseased left eye, a fungal skin infection, and ears in poor condition.  His left eye was subsequently removed, and following treatment, he has adapted well and has been living comfortably with one eye.  His general condition is reported as stable. Routine monitoring of his remaining eye, skin and ears is recommended.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT PUPPY MILL DOGS:

Puppy mill dogs need very special adopters – patient people who will be understanding that potty training may be a very long learning curve.

Force-free training is the only way to go; these dogs are already so fearful, and they need kindness, not a dominant alpha approach.

These dogs will be extreme flight risks, so a home with no children is safer in terms of entrances and exits being 100% controlled by adults only.

Most of these more timid dogs will need a home with another confident dog to help show them the way. Typically, puppy mill dogs are dog-friendly!

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Stay tuned for new details, photos, and further updates as we get them.

*Please note that any age provided is only an estimate, based on veterinary examination.

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