Zion

Zion 11-month-old male black Lab 65 lbs Not yet neutered Background. Originally from a backyard breeder in Bakersfield, Zion was adopted to an older couple in Monterey. His energy level and exercise demands proved too much for them... and so they returned him to us. Zion and the bouncing ball -- https://youtube.com/shorts/udNV8KmeTzk Zion wrassling with smaller dog -- https://youtube.com/shorts/RNvy1WLdfxY Zion romping with roomies at his foster home -- https://youtube.com/shorts/FBYhvTZHyDU What Zion's initial foster says. Zion is small and quite timid. He is, of course, full of energy and playful. Zion has shown no aggression with people or animals. When a new person is introduced, he will bark then hide. It takes a couple meetings before he will approach someone new. He is fearful of new noises (chain saw, vacuum, blender, etc.) He especially loves a ball but hasn't quite mastered catching it, he will retrieve it though. He gets along well with dogs and hasn't bothered the cats. He showed no interest in our chickens but has been on lead and only observed them through a fence. Zion takes treats gently. He could use a slow-down bowl for meals. He is a bit underweight. Zion will alert bark as well as bark when alone. Zion does vocalize in the form of a growl sound but it's more like he is talking or questioning and not mean. He has slept in a crate or on a dog bed. He knows sit and stay. Zion wears a harness and pulls a bit on leash -- opportunity for some training here. Zion is a very sweet dog. What Zion's current foster says. Zion is a really sweet dog with a lot of energy. He is great retriever and is always up for a game of fetch. He gets along great with other dogs; we have two other labs and Zion, after a couple of corrections from our alpha, has become good buddies with both of them. He was a little wary of the humans in our house at first, but he also quickly warmed up to us after half a day and is now very comfortable around the adults and kids. We're crating Zion at night. He had a little anxiety the first two nights that we had him, but the crating appears to be taking care of that. He seems to be fully house-trained and hasn't had any accidents. Zion pulls a little while on leash; we're working with him on this. He knows a few commands: Sit, Stay, Come. Overall, I think he is a great dog that will make a great companion. He would do best with an active owner who can exercise and play with him a lot. He'd also do well with families with kids (don't yet know about younger kids; ours are 13 and 15) and other dogs. What Zion's Rescue Rep says. A diamond in the rough. While Zion is ripe for training and a solid regimen of exercise and structure, he will blossom in the right hands. Would be fine in a home with other dogs (and/or cats). Not so suitable for a family with young children due to his energy and exuberance. Will need training on how to walk on a leash. Medical. In fine health. Current on vaccinations. Taking monthly flea/tick/heartworm preventive. Microchipped. Still needs to be neutered. He is cryptorchid -- which means one of his testicles did not descend properly -- but that will not prevent his neutering in the near future. He is headed to our vet in the near future for neutering. Zion is located in: Orinda. If you can foster Zion, please contact Rescue Rep Dave at [email protected].