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My basic info
Breed
Labrador Retriever
Color
Brown/Chocolate
Age
3 years 5 months old, Young
Size
Large 61-100 lbs (28-45 kg) (when grown)
Weight
75 lbs (current)
Sex
Male
Pet ID
–
My details
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
Purebred
Shots current
Spayed / Neutered
Housetrained
My story
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Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Meet Koda, aka “Koda Cakes”. He’s a funny, rambunctious AKC registered purebred Chocolate Lab with white markings on his chest. At 15 months old and 75 lbs., he’s a giant toddler with a heart of gold.
Koda was taken in by his current foster mom and dad whose neighbor could no longer care for him. He arrived with some anxiety and related behaviors, such as barking, digging, and destructive tendencies. His fosters love him very much, but don’t have the time to give him the attention he deserves. They also already have an older dog in the house who doesn’t always appreciate his puppy antics. Koda is not at all aggressive, but has trouble with boundaries and personal space, so it’s always playtime! For this reason, Koda is currently separated from the cats in the house. He is highly treat motivated, however, and has had success with being redirected around the felines.
Koda’s biggest challenge is barking. He can be loud and insistent. Koda barks when he’s bored and wants attention, when he’s feeling anxious or overly excited, when he sees the neighborhood cat jump up on the wall outside, when the gardener comes with his leaf blower, on walks and in the car. His foster parents keep ear plugs around for car rides.
Koda attends an all-day behavioral class once a week. Being as vocal as he is, it’s no surprise that his best friend at school happens to be a deaf pit bull! There he works on boundaries, socialization and impulse control. He has made a lot of progress in the program. He does best with consistency and would love to continue to be enrolled in his class after he finds his new family.
At home, Koda loves playing in his baby pool (he might love a real pool), chomping at the water hose, fetch, tug of war, chasing bugs, puzzle toys (he’s very smart), and clicker training activities. He enjoys backyard zoomies, lots of belly rubs, calming essential oils, paw massages, kisses and cuddles. He likes to relax in the rocking chair on the back patio with his foster dad in the morning. He knows sit, stay, shake, shake other side, high five and lay down. He also knows off and leave it.
Koda takes anti-anxiety medication and is under the care of a behavioral veterinary specialist. He’s also on a prescription diet for skin and digestive sensitivities.
Koda is strong and can play hard, so being around small children is not recommended. He does great with men and women equally. He loves his humans in a big way and becomes concerned if they seem to be crying or emotional. He is sensitive to shouting. If you are willing to give Koda a fair shake and commit the time, space and energy that he needs to be his best dog self, he has so much potential. He’s a good boy with a lot of love to give in return.
If you are interested in this dog, please fill out an application at www.dlrraz.org. Someone will call to schedule a home visit so you can become an approved adopter. Also, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook/desertlab and follow us on Instagram (DLRR of Arizona) and Twitter (@DLRR). Thanks!
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