Hocus (20230205-03) Labrador Retriever Mix Hamilton, ON

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Name: Hocus (20230205-03)
Weight: 55 lbs
Age: 1 year
Gender: male
Spayed/Neutered: yes
Medical issues:
Breed: lab mix
Colour: black

Neck size (for collar): large
Height (from top of head):
Length (from nose to base of tail):
Crate size recommended: large to xlarge

Good with women: yes
Good with men: yes
Good with kids: unknown, best with older children
Good with other dogs: yes
Good with cats: unknown, best no small animals
House trained: yes
Crate trained: yes but He only uses his crate if he’s nervous and to eat in. He sleeps outside the crate on a dog bed in the bedroom with other dogs.
Energy level: medium-high puppy energy
Can be handled/touched: He will not seek to be touched and will take a while for him to allow you to
Barker: no
Flight risk: yes
Food aggressive: no
Current food: Kirkland puppy
Walks on leash: yes, a little pulling but is learning
Leash reactive to people or dogs: no
Rides well in car: Loves car rides and will try to snuggle when going on his adventures
Destructive: no, but will chew if given the opportunity or bored
Needs a home with a yard: yes
Needs a home with another dog: yes
Can live in an apartment: no

History: Hocus spent the first 4 months of his life in a backyard with other dogs including his sister Pocus, in Manitoba.

Hi my name is Hocus. When I first got to Ontario I was very scared. I didn’t want my foster parents to touch me and I would nip out of fear. Since then, I have learnt to trust my foster parents and will now let them gently pet me around my face and chest. Sometimes I get overwhelmed and don’t want to be pet and will try to tell you by nipping, but I’m working on it and still learning to trust that I won’t be hurt. I may not have ever had a positive interaction with humans but I’m really coming around with my foster parents now that I know they are friendly!
I am a quick learner and have figured out sit and paw. My favourite thing is getting praised. I also love running and playing with my sister Pocus and foster sister. I am working on walking on a leash and have enjoyed my short walks! I really like my foster dog sister who has taught me many positive behaviours. I would really like to be in a home with a friend I can trust and learn from! I like my crate and sleep in there at night as well as a nap in the day. I really like to stick to a schedule! I don’t like being left alone for long periods of time and need someone to help me work on my separation anxiety. He is still nervous of sudden movements and can take a little while to trust people. Since I grew up in a backyard I would really enjoy having a yard to play in. I would really love to find my forever home so I can finally adjust and find trusting and loving humans! I still have work to do and need someone patient but I am a very sweet boy.
Foster Comments: Hocus has really come out of his shell in the last month. He’s now a happy sweet boy. He’s still a little nervous and can take a little while to trust people. He loves running and playing with other dogs. He’s got amazing recall and can go free hiking with the pack. He is calm in the house and is happy to relax after a run at the park. He is used to a lot of physical activity (we do 3 walks a day plus 1-2 hours at park playing with other dogs). Would be best in an active home. Tired dogs are happy dogs! He loves food and treats. He knows sit, , come, drop, down. Working on stay. He loves lounging in the backyard when sunny. He’s the sweetest boy. Calm.