Courtesy post:
Meet Hodge
Hodge is a 7.5 yr. old loyal, affectionate and incredibly intelligent Pyrador who bonds deeply with his people. He is happiest when life is calm, predictable and routine, and he has so much love to give to the right person or household.
Hodge loves walks and runs, car rides, naps, toys, food, pets and belly rubs. He enjoys rivers and calm lakes (waves are a little too much for him!) and is happiest spending most of his time inside with just a few trusted people. He loves having a routine and knowing what to expect from his day.
Hodge is also exceptionally smart and has an impressive vocabulary. He understands many words and commands, including sit, stay, quiet, wait, leave it, come, down, off, left, right, outside, potty, walk, water, food, couch, bed, line, front, back, give, “okay, eat”, nap, and can learn more. Hodge even knows the names of family members and several of his favorite toys.
Hodge’s Ideal Home
As Hodge ages, he needs a very specific environment to thrive. His ideal home would be a quiet, slow-paced household with one or two adults and minimal visitors. He does best with calm, confident people who appreciate routine, understand canine body language and will give him time and space to feel secure.
Hodge is anxious and reactive, particularly in unpredictable or overstimulating situations. His known triggers include unfamiliar people approaching him or his property, men, hats, hands reaching toward him, delivery people, veterinary visits, crowds, fireworks and other loud noises, and ocean/lake waves. He has also shown reactivity toward African-American adults. He can be protective of food/resources and needs thoughtful management around feeding.
Because of these behaviors, Hodge is not a dog for a busy household, frequent visitors, or someone looking for an easygoing dog who can comfortably go everywhere and meet everyone. He is able to meet new people when done properly and can visit the vet with no trouble if on trazodone and without his owner. His new person should have experience with reactive or anxious dogs and be willing to respect his boundaries rather than push him beyond them.
Underneath that anxiety is a happy, affectionate dog who very much wants to please. Once Hodge trusts you, he is devoted to you. He loves companionship, affection and simply being near his people.
We love Hodge and want his next home to be one where his world can become smaller, quieter and more predictable—not because he has less life to enjoy, but because that’s the environment in which he can enjoy life most.
We are committed to being completely transparent about Hodge’s behavior and needs so that we can find a safe, appropriate, permanent home for him. Our priority is finding someone who understands the dog he is and can give him the calm, structured life in which he feels secure and loved.
Hodge walks well on a leash with a prong collar and is comfortable either heeling or having more freedom to explore, depending on the walker’s preference. He adapts well to different walking styles.
Hodge is crate trained, but at home he also has a designated couch with a line that can be used for containment when needed. He is fully potty trained and has not had an accident since he was a puppy.
Hodge's next veterinary appointment is scheduled for October 5 for his necessary vaccinations and flea treatment. He was neutered when younger.
Interested in meeting Hodge in Sacramento? Contact Steve at 916-903-6477
HODGE
Black Labrador Retriever, Great Pyrenees
🇺🇸
ROUGH READY, California
male, large, adult
Black Labrador Retriever, Great Pyrenees
ROUGH READY, California
