Spooky - Black Labrador Retriever Dog for Adoption in Los Angeles, California

*This is a courtesy post for our trainer who rescued and is fostering*
MEET SPOOKY!
A brilliant little learning sponge with the softest soul, searching for someone to help her blossom!

HER STORY: A SECOND CHANCE AT PUPPYHOOD!
Spooky’s journey began with a backyard breeder who advertised puppies on Craigslist.

She was purchased by someone who had good intentions but quickly realized they were in over their head.

Unfortunately, Spooky spent the next four months of her life primarily confined to a round pen inside an apartment, with very limited opportunities to explore, socialize, receive training, or experience the world around her. By the time she was surrendered into my care at approximately six months old, she had missed out on many of the critical experiences that help puppies develop confidence and learn how to navigate everyday life. But here’s what makes Spooky so special..
Despite everything she missed out on, this girl has an INCREDIBLE willingness to learn, connect, and please her humans! She’s finally getting the opportunity to experience the world, develop new skills, and discover what it means to have someone patiently guiding her through life. And watching her blossom has been nothing short of wonderful!

A LITTLE TRAINING SUPERSTAR!
Spooky may have gotten a late start, but she’s making up for lost time! This girl is an absolute SPONGE when it comes to training. She’s intelligent, attentive, highly motivated, and genuinely seems to LOVE being taught new things. She’s what I like to call a “YES MA’AM” dog. Since arriving in my care, she’s already begun building an impressive foundation of obedience, manners, and communication skills and even going as far as offering those behaviors on her own shortly after learning them!

Her training includes:
Sit, down, stand, recall, heel, and place
Directional spins and backing up
Backing up while in heel position
Marker words and release command
Threshold manners for doors, crates, and vehicles
Structured leash walking and communication
Leash pressure conditioning and introduction to e-collar communication

She’s crate-trained, has excellent food and toy drive, and will happily work for her regular kibble!

Spooky also responds beautifully to clear, consistent communication and is learning how to navigate new experiences through training. Her obedience foundation is still developing, but her potential is tremendous!

SWEET, SILLY & JUST A LITTLE BIT NAUGHTY!

One of my FAVORITE things about Spooky is watching her personality come out once she feels comfortable!
While she may initially be shy or cautious in unfamiliar situations, once she feels safe, she transforms into your typical happy-go-lucky, goofy, playful retriever!

And let me tell you, she’s got PERSONALITY!

Incredibly affectionate and LOVES being loved on!
Goofy, silly, playful, and full of hilarious puppy antics!
Loves toys, playing, and exploring her surroundings!
Gets genuinely excited about learning and engaging with her humans!
A sweet little cuddle bug who forms beautiful connections with people she trusts!
Curious, adventurous, and always interested in what everyone is doing!

She’s the kind of puppy who can have you laughing at her ridiculous antics one minute and melting into a puddle over how sweet she is the next.
But don’t let that innocent little face fool you!

Spooky is still very much a RETRIEVER PUPPY, and when left to her own devices, she WILL find ways to entertain herself!

Digging through the trash? Absolutely!
Counter surfing for anything interesting? You bet!
Finding random objects and attempting to eat them? Unfortunately, yes!

She’s curious, opportunistic, and still learning which behaviors are acceptable in a household.

THIS IS WHERE PROPER PUPPY RAISING & MANAGEMENT COME IN!
Rather than allowing Spooky to repeatedly practice unwanted behaviors and then trying to correct established habits, I’m teaching her how to make better choices from the beginning.

I’m currently raising her using my “Tether to Me” method, which means she remains safely on leash with me in the house and always under supervision while learning how to navigate everyday household life. This allows me to provide immediate guidance, reinforce appropriate choices, teach boundaries, and prevent her from getting into trouble. When she cannot be actively supervised, she’s safely confined in her crate rather than being given opportunities to practice behaviors we don’t want her developing. The goal isn’t to restrict her forever. It’s to teach her how to earn freedom through understanding, maturity, and reliable behavior!

And she’s learning beautifully!
Her future family MUST be prepared to continue this structured approach while she develops the skills and reliability needed for more independence.

Spooky is not yet a puppy who should be given free rein of the house without supervision.

THE SWEETEST LITTLE SOUL!
If you’re looking for a dog who wants nothing more than to love you, learn from you, and be your very best friend,
Spooky might just steal your heart!

Spooky has a naturally soft, affectionate personality and an eagerness to please that makes her an absolute joy to work with.

She has all the makings of an incredible lifelong companion for someone who enjoys building a close relationship with their dog through training, trust, and shared experiences.

HER SENSITIVITY MUST BE UNDERSTOOD & RESPECTED!
As wonderful as Spooky is, she is NOT suited for just any household, and I will be extremely selective about finding someone who understands her emotional and behavioral needs. Due to her lack of early socialization and environmental exposure, Spooky is an exceptionally sensitive puppy who is still learning that the world is a safe place.

Her future owner MUST understand:
CONFIDENCE BUILDING: Spooky can become frightened (deer in headlights, flee, cower, soil herself) by unfamiliar people, dogs, objects, noises, and environments. She is making wonderful progress through gradual exposure, but she needs someone patient who will continue introducing her to new experiences without overwhelming her.

GENTLE HANDLING: When Spooky first arrived, she was extremely hand-shy. Even the softest of hand movements toward her could cause her to cower, melt, shrink away, or anticipate that she was in trouble. Thankfully, this behavior has already begun improving as she’s learned to trust and how wonderful touch can be! However, she absolutely needs a handler who is gentle, patient, and respectful of her physical boundaries.

CALM HOME ENVIRONMENT: Spooky is VERY sensitive to loud voices, arguments, screaming, crying, and chaotic environments. These situations can be extremely frightening for her. A peaceful, predictable household is a MUST.

TRAINING CONSISTENCY: Spooky thrives when communication is clear, expectations are consistent, and learning is enjoyable. Her future owner must be willing to continue her established training and learn how to properly utilize her training tools without relying on intimidating or harsh handling.

PATIENCE & UNDERSTANDING: Spooky needs someone who understands that building confidence takes time. She shouldn’t be rushed, forced into uncomfortable interactions, or expected to immediately behave like a fully socialized puppy. Spooky is NOT a dog who will benefit from an overly strict, intimidating, or harsh handler. She needs someone who can provide structure and accountability while remaining gentle, encouraging, and understanding of her sensitive nature.

A FEW OTHER THINGS TO KNOW:
House Training: Spooky is doing so well with learning reliable house-training habits and has been doing exceptional with her structured potty routine! She’s even proving to independently use her designated potty area when given access to the yard.

Coprophagia: Spooky has a habit of eating her own stool. This may be related to her previous living conditions and bad experiences with potty training, although the exact cause is unknown. The behavior has been improving through management and consistency, but her future owner must be prepared to continue addressing it.

Handling & Grooming: She’s still developing confidence with nail trims and other handling procedures but she LOVES baths (and water in general)

Environmental Exposure: She’s still catching up on the socialization and exposure she missed during early puppyhood. Although she’s making progress, her future family must understand that this will be an ongoing part of her development.

Her ideal family would:
Have a peaceful, predictable household with a yard.
Be naturally gentle, affectionate, patient, and understanding.
Enjoy training and building a strong relationship with their dog.
Be excited about helping a sensitive puppy develop confidence through positive experiences and consistent guidance.
Understand how to advocate for a dog who may become overwhelmed in unfamiliar situations.
Want a dog who can become their loyal companion and participate in their everyday life.

A home with older, respectful children may be considered, but households with frequent screaming, rough handling, or unpredictable chaos would not be appropriate. Spooky could also make a wonderful companion for a responsible junior handler interested in obedience, tricks, and developing their training skills, provided there is knowledgeable adult guidance and a calm home environment.

Must agree to continue training and use only A Purtee Pack or an approved professional for future training and boarding.
Must purchase the appropriate e-collar and learn how to use it through proper conditioning. (I will teach you!)
INCLUDES TWO COMPLIMENTARY 1-HOUR PRIVATE TRAINING LESSONS to help ensure a successful transition into her forever home!
Regular post-adoption updates are required.


Adoption inquiries:
apurteepack@gmail.com

The black Labrador Retriever is a popular and versatile breed known for its friendly nature, intelligence, and loyalty. They are agile, keen swimmers with a strong work ethic, making them excellent hunting and service dogs. Their glossy black coat is low maintenance and sheds minimally, while their friendly temperament makes them great family pets. Black Labs are known for their outgoing personalities and eagerness to please, making them loving companions in various roles and settings.