Video: Buddy meets a cat.
Video: The Buddy hug.
Video: Buddy hanging with another dog.
Video: Buddy enjoying an off leash walk.
Video: Leash Walking with Buddy.
Video: Buddy arriving home after a nice walk.
Video: Buddy loves his comfy bed.
Video: Handsome buddy knows a few commands.
-->
Buddy 2-year-old male black Lab 60 lbs Neutered
Background: Buddy was rescued from a high-kill shelter in Houston in early July. After pleading with many rescues, a Bay Area dog rescue angel got lucky with a husky rescue that pulled him just in time. He was brought to a veterinarian clinic in Houston, where he stayed in a run for two weeks. Then, because of generous donations, Buddy was transported in a huge truck with other dogs being dropped off across the country, before arriving to Berkeley.
Buddy was adopted out to a family in late July but has recently been growling at children in the home and occasionally at people he does not know. His adopter feels it best that Buddy find a new (childless) forever home.
What Buddy's Good Samaratin Says: I could not let this wonderful dog be killed simply due to overcrowding at a shelter far away. My time with Buddy confirms that he is an awesome dog. He is young, playful, sweet a bit jumpy, smart, and eager to please. Absolutely adorable. He appears to be house-broken. He knows "sit", "down", and "shake" and has pretty darn good recall. He is wonderful with other dogs... but does pull a little bit on leash. Very excited when he is on leash and he first meets a dog... he just wants to get over to meet that other dog. He didn't react at all when he met my cat. Loves to fetch and loves to ride in the car. He let me touch him all over and hug him. Loves the human attention.
What Buddy's Current Adopter Says: Buddy is a very smart, lovable boy and our family really enjoys him. We take Buddy on daily walks and to the dog park where he loves to mix it up and play with other dogs. He understands most commands and wants to please his owners. We have worked really hard with Buddy on walks as he was a little leash-reactive when we first got him with other dogs. After a few months of work he is very good and will stay by our side as we walk. I use a gentle leader leash as this keeps him from getting too excited and pulling. He will sit on command and I use distraction tactics when walking if we encounter another dog. Buddy is gentle when offering treats and lays on his bed in the living room and in our bedroom. He does want to get up on the furniture from time to time but we have worked in keeping him down. He does have a chair that he sits in when we are gone and that seems to be his spot. Buddy does like to counter surf so we have to make sure to put things away. Buddy is active and does need to go on daily walks to keep his energy at bay. He does swim in our pool and loves the water. We have left for as many as 4 hours and from time to time he will wonder the house looking for toys to play with and occasionally gets into something he shouldn’t. He is not crate trained and I do not think that would be good for him and his energy. Buddy does sleep through the night and goes to bed around 9 PM and gets up around 6 AM. We have another dog and they are friends and do not compete for toys, however our other dog is very mild mannered and doesn’t put up much of a disagreement with toys. Buddy has been a little aggressive with smaller kids and can growl, therefore I do not recommend him being around kids. I would also watch him around adults as he has growled at adults that he does not know. He would do best in a household that doesn’t have very many visitors and a companion that can work with him on some of his less than trustworthy habits as well as walks and hikes. He does do very well off leash on hikes as he runs around but is always looking for us to ensure we are not too far away. Buddy is very smart and has a lot of great traits and can be taught as much as you want to put into him.
What Buddy's Prior Foster Says: Buddy is an affectionate, obedient and intelligent young black Labrador Retriever who brings joy and energy wherever he goes. He sits, shakes, lies, waits with surprising consistency…especially when treats are involved. He will respond very well to an owner with experience being assertive with dogs. He’s an incredibly well socialized dog, and LOVES being in the company of both humans and dogs alike. His sleek, shiny black coat and bright, inquisitive eyes make him a striking presence at the dog park, where he's always eager to make new friends. Playing fetch is predictably one of Buddy's favorite pastimes, second only to playing and chasing other dogs. Buddy needs significant daily exercise in order to remain at his calm and best self. He would thrive with a very active owner and in a home with a big yard or even a house on a lake! Buddy is that diamond in the rough, that only comes around once in a while. A truly remarkable boy!
Leash walks: Buddy will pull off and on during his walk, especially when he sees other dogs or cats, and sometimes he stops for delicious bites of grass and dirt. But he is highly trainable; he’s learning to sit at every curb and looks up for approval. When meeting new people, waving hands and lots of chaos and loud noises over his head can make him mouthy, especially before a workout, so slow gentle approaches are appreciated! Once he knows you, which may only take a few sniffs, he will be happy to be your friend.
House Manners: I hope you don’t mind a furry friend on the couch because that is where Buddy is most comfortable and sits for hours while you work. He has a ton of personality and loves to sprawl out and snooze after his walks, but watch out — he snores! He does love a big plush dog bed as long as it’s next to you, but beware because this boy is going to climb into bed with you. As long as he’s properly exercised, his house manners are excellent! He’s potty-trained and polite and after some cuddles likes to sit and have a good chomp on his bone. He loves his toys and will carry one, off and on, during his walks. It’s a fun habit that can easily be encouraged.
Recall: He definitely knows his name and his recall is mostly above average. He will come to you at a busy dog park or beach and loves his treats. But this is after he knows you so a bond must be developed first.
Left Alone in the House: Buddy is still learning. He has not been left alone in the house yet longer than twenty minutes here and there, because we’re taking it slow. He needs someone to bond with and trust first and leave him for very short periods of time to start. He’s never destroyed anything in the house.
Exercise: Buddy is young and needs at minimum two to three hours of exercise a day, which doesn’t include quick neighborhood walks. He loves the beach (swimming could be a big part of his future) and dog parks and most of all, playing with other dogs. A home with another dog would be the best! A home with lots of space where he could run. And an owner that’s loving and calm and assertive and home most of the time is a must!
Jumping/mouthy: Everyone has stuff to work on and nobody is perfect and neither is Buddy. When too excited and not properly exercised, he can be a jumper. Maybe even a nibble at your hair. He also can get overly excited when he sees other dogs on leash and can pull you off your feet. This is something that has to be addressed in a calm, assertive manner and on a daily basis. Buddy is so smart and responds well to direction. Small children may be not be ideal but that depends on the family.
Cats: Buddy sat quietly with two cats and we think he could do fine in a house with them. But on his walks, when a cat or squirrel crosses the street, you better hold on tight!
What Buddy's Rescue Rep Says: Welcome to California, Buddy! Buddy would do best in the hands of an adopter with big dog experience. Presence of another dog (or cats) should be fine. Needs to go to a family without children. Will need some work on how to walk better on leash. Will need lots of exercise and ongoing socialization with other dogs.
Medical: In great health. Current on Rabies, lepto, distemper vax. Neutered. Heartworm negative. Microchipped.
Located In: Alamo.
If you are interested in adopting Buddy, please contact Rescue Rep Dave at david.c.ely@sbcglobal.net
See other Labs Available
