Koda

Koda is a 3.5 year old Lab mix who enjoys playing frisbee and retrieving other toys. He will actually put the toy in your hand without trying to play tug, which is a unique skill indeed! (Playing tug with some dogs can encourage them to approach you in an aggressive way and can bring out un undesirable prey drive, so we love a dog who willingly hands over his toy.) He also is a wonderful walking partner and is totally squeezable.<br/><br/>Koda’s story is not a unique one, unfortunately. Adopted as a cute little puppy, he was surely given plenty of affection but not the rules, boundaries, and limitations that dogs require in order to have good manners. Sadly he was not socialized with other dogs while young, which is a very important part of healthy behavior development. His owners thought it would be a good idea to introduce two new puppies to the home which did not go well. The shelter tech who was about to euthanize Koda was struck by how sweet he was and checked for a microchip, which allowed Red Barn Rescue to save him a second time!<br/><br/>Koda came to the rescue overweight and very reactive to other dogs. (Something we see again and again when people avoid walking their dogs rather than seek help for this behavior.) Using a Gentle Leader head collar, our volunteers have been able to walk this 65-pound boy safely with other dogs. Koda also displayed some excited, puppy-like behavior that would never be a problem if not for his size. He now knows how to play respectfully and is a joy to play with in the play yard.<br/><br/>Koda has not had playtime with any other dogs at the rescue, but there are a few females he enjoys walk-time with. (He now shares a kennel fence with Ruth!)<br/><br/>All in all, Koda has proven that he has a heart of gold and great temperament. He’s looking for someone who will continue to give him the guidance he missed out on during the past three years. He takes pride in making good choices and will thrive with a person or family committed to helping him shine.<br/><br/>If you think Koda could be the perfect match for your home, don’t wait—submit an adoption application today and come meet this sweet boy!

Koda is a 3.5 year old Lab mix who enjoys playing frisbee and retrieving other toys. He will actually put the toy in your hand without trying to play tug, which is a unique skill indeed! (Playing tug with some dogs can encourage them to approach you in an aggressive way and can bring out un undesirable prey drive, so we love a dog who willingly hands over his toy.) He also is a wonderful walking partner and is totally squeezable.

Koda’s story is not a unique one, unfortunately. Adopted as a cute little puppy, he was surely given plenty of affection but not the rules, boundaries, and limitations that dogs require in order to have good manners. Sadly he was not socialized with other dogs while young, which is a very important part of healthy behavior development. His owners thought it would be a good idea to introduce two new puppies to the home which did not go well. The shelter tech who was about to euthanize Koda was struck by how sweet he was and checked for a microchip, which allowed Red Barn Rescue to save him

Koda is a 3.5 year old Lab mix who enjoys playing frisbee and retrieving other toys. He will actually put the toy in your hand without trying to play tug, which is a unique skill indeed! (Playing tug with some dogs can encourage them to approach you in an aggressive way and can bring out un undesirable prey drive, so we love a dog who willingly hands over his toy.) He also is a wonderful walking partner and is totally squeezable.

Koda’s story is not a unique one, unfortunately. Adopted as a cute little puppy, he was surely given plenty of affection but not the rules, boundaries, and limitations that dogs require in order to have good manners. Sadly he was not socialized with other dogs while young, which is a very important part of healthy behavior development. His owners thought it would be a good idea to introduce two new puppies to the home which did not go well. The shelter tech who was about to euthanize Koda was struck by how sweet he was and checked for a microchip, which allowed Red Barn Rescue to save him a second time!

Koda came to the rescue overweight and very reactive to other dogs. (Something we see again and again when people avoid walking their dogs rather than seek help for this behavior.) Using a Gentle Leader head collar, our volunteers have been able to walk this 65-pound boy safely with other dogs. Koda also displayed some excited, puppy-like behavior that would never be a prob