Meet Roddy!

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Roddy is a 6 month old lab mix, found as a stray on the streets of Mexico. He weighed only 23 lbs when we got him, and is now closing in on 30 lbs, but will remain on the smaller size even when full grown.

Roddy is fully potty trained, and learned the doggie door flap after observing how it worked only twice. At night, Roddy sleeps in his crate in the master bedroom. Roddy is also mostly leash trained, although he does like to bite on the leash when he is excited at the beginning of his walk. His foster dad has also taken him for bike rides, and he does surprisingly well for a novice. Roddy is one smart and eager to learn pup, who enjoys learning new things and doesn’t need much coaxing to try them. He has been trained around the pool, and he can swim to the step and get out after being shown how. He is still learning basic commands, but sit, leave it, and paw are pretty solid at this point (come is still hit or miss right now, but treats and toys help with that). Roddy will always sit and wait for his food to be set down before eating-he is very polite about his meal times and not begging during human meal times. He learns quickly, and he is currently working on not jumping up on furniture or people, as when he gets excited he will, on occasion jump up on the bed, couch, or other dog, uninvited.

Roddy shares his bed, toys and even leaves a few extra kibbles for Gunther the resident golden after every meal, who is very submissive to. He has counter surfed a couple of times, but it didn’t yield any reward and he seems to have given up. While he enjoys being in the kitchen, he doesn’t seem overly interested in the food.

Roddy loves car rides as they usually end up somewhere fun, either the park or a new place to explore. He also has been introduced to horses, and he enjoys walking to the stables to do the chores, totally unfazed by them or their size. Roddy is very curious and brave-he doesn’t mind being out in the yard alone, or playing independently with his toys. He is confident and approaches new environments, people, small children and other dogs without fear or concern. He likes all dogs he has met and is very good with older dogs, as well as playful with younger or bigger dogs. We have not cat tested him.

Roddy likes to do zoomies in the back yard with a toy in his mouth, and he is fast! He also likes to chase the birds in the yard-he will stalk them and then give chase (fast he is, just not quite fast enough).

Still a puppy, Roddy has some puppy behaviors that come with that. Currently, he has discovered how much fun digging in the dirt can be. If caught in the act, a firm “no dig” works well and he will walk away, with lots of praise after a quick retreat, and his fosters continue to reinforce this. Like many retrievers, he eviscerates plushy toys, pulling the stuffing and the squeakers out. Durable toys, nyla bones or ropes are best for him at this point. Roddy will grab socks, shoes, papers and items from the coffee table when he needs exercise and is being ignored. Redirection with his toys is the first choice, but if that doesn’t work and he returns to the undesired behavior, a firm “no dig/bite/jump, etc” or “leave it” does the trick every time. Lastly, he barks at new people that come in to the house. He quickly warms up though if the guest gets down to his level and waits for him to approach.

Roddy will do best with an active family who will give him lots of opportunities for walks and exercise daily. He loves to learn and please, so a family with kids and another dog would be great stimulation for him. He loves being brushed and cuddled, with lots of belly rubs. A nice sized yard would be ideal as he loves exploring outside, and would love to have a canine companion to do it with.

If you have completed the application process, which includes both the on line application as well s the in home interview and would like to give Roddy his furever home, please contact his rep at bodie99@cox.net

Please ensure that both have been completed as we are unable to consider you and your family otherwise.