Kobe is a gorgeous, happy-go-lucky purebred 3 yo golden retriever.  He craves attention from people, is outgoing, and is a leaner.

 

This big goof is always up for a romp with another (playful) dog, as well as a walk around the neighborhood or a jaunt in the yard playing fetch (and a little keep away).  He enjoys other dogs who are outgoing, playful and forgiving (he can be a bit much sometimes), but would be too much for the type of dog who just wants to co-exist, or who is dainty or unsteady.

 

While he was loved in his previous home, he has not been taught any skills or commands besides "sit" and "paw", so this handsome dude is going to need a crash course in basic commands and skills, most importantly loose leash walking, leave it, and wait.  He is essentially a 75lb goofy puppy, so immediate basic skill training is going to be essential to everyone settling in quickly and being happy.  

 

Kobe is housetrained and enjoys plush toys, as well as chew toys and bones.  ​He is  most comfortable being around a human 100% of the time.   At doggie daycare, he will tolerate being kenneled within ear shot of other dogs and human activity, but will bark, pace and dig if left in a crate or in an isolated area.  As we learn more about him, we believe Kobe has true separation anxiety.  We are hopeful that with the right home, routine, medications and resources, his condition will improve but he may always struggle with this.  Here is a great resource to learn more about this condition and how it can be managed.  Kobe's adopters must understand this condition, and be committing to working closely with a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer as well as continuing anti-anxiety medications and protocols starting on Day 1.

 

In his previous home, Kobe was not used to much exercise except yard time, though he was a regular at doggie daycare.  He will likely thrive with more than average daily exercise and mental stimulation; this will also likely help with his anxiety tendencies, too.  He loves his time at doggie daycare (where he is a hit with all the other large, playful dogs in carefully managed playgroups), and enjoys snuggles on the sofa after a long day out.

 

As a recent intake, we are still learning about Kobe; we will be updating his bio as we see him in more situations.  His adopter should be prepared to be flexible and make some accommodations for him to help ensure that his needs are fully understood and met, especially during the first 6-12 months.

 

Kobe's Back story:  Kobe has lived with the same family since he was purchased from a NH breeder at eight weeks old. While he was loved in this home, he was never trained basic skills, and not used to daily exercise.  His separation anxiety was dealt with by keeping him in a bare room when his people were not home, likely compounding his anxiety.  With the recent addition of a brand new baby in the household, the decision was made to find him a home who could give him more.  In his interactions with the newborn over the last two months, he did not show any hesitancy, aggression or roughness with the newborn.