Bails Labrador Retriever Mix Clayton, NC

Bails is very lovable once he gains your trust— he will shower you with kisses and love you unconditionally!

Bails is a stunning 75-pound young lab mix who was originally adopted from Red Barn as a puppy a few years ago (back then he was Donner, from the Reindeer litter). Unfortunately, he didn't get the training and socialization he needed as a puppy. He's naturally very sensitive and anxious, but he really appreciates verbal commands and is quite a wiz at obedience.

Bails is also a joy to walk and is much less impulsive if he smells something "over there" than he was when he first came back to the rescue. When he's finished investigating, just hearing the command "Focus" puts him back on your left side, ready to continue the walk.

Bails loves to work, so he requires an owner who will patiently continue to train and guide him. He doesn't like to be outside of his comfort zone, but that's just what he needs in order to desensitize him to new people and places. During his trips to the local hardware store, his instinct is to run and hide. But he has learned to just sit when he starts feeling overwhelmed.

This beautiful, big lab requires a patient, capable owner. A fenced yard is a must as he loves to frolic and is a joy to play with. He is housetrained. He is looking for a home without small kids or cats. He would likely be too much for them. But he has spent time in a foster home with a 15 year old and absolutely adored them (especially playing soccer!), so older kiddos with respect for and understanding of dogs would be great.

Even though Bails is still a work in progress, we know that he will continue to blossom with the right person. His love is so worth the work!