Rio is my first field spaniel who came to me after a rough start in life. His previous owners acquired him as a puppy. Less than a year later he was returned as his owners had a new baby and didn't "have time" for Rio anymore. Rio arrived in Wisconsin shortly before his first birthday.  

Although Rio had an outgoing personality there were many behavioral issues that needed to be addressed. He also suffered from separation anxiety. With consistent training and positive re-enforcement Rio became a well adjusted pet that charms everyone that has the pleasure of meeting him.

Despite doing well at obedience training, Rio’s obedience career was short lived as his separation anxiety got the best of him during the long sits and down exercises. He was neutered as a puppy so he was unable to be shown to his championship despite his beautiful structure. At age 8 Rio made his first and only debut in the ring at the 2003 National specialty as a veteran. He took second place in the veteran’s sweepstakes 7-9 year old class and 3rd in the Veterans classes. 

Rio is now over 10 years old and those that know him are shocked to hear was returned as a youngster. People are taken in by his handsome looks and sweet personality. Over the years there have been many that offered to "take him home with us" but Rio wasn't going anywhere. I had promised him that he would never have to be up-rooted again. Rio is the constant companion of my father and both are inseparable.

Rio is a shining example that with the right training some dogs can over come their problems and make outstanding companions. It also shows the importance of training and understanding that a dog is a "life time commitment".