Trooper - Labrador Retriever / Plott Hound / Mixed (short coat) Dog For Adoption

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ith a chronic orthopedic problem. Just like people, not everyone reacts to surgery or recovers exactly the same. In Trooper's case, he just didn't react well to the 2nd and 3rd surgery. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Trooper is an extraordinary young male. He has proven himself to be a very resilient and happy guy throughout his association with LEARN volunteers. Trooper is currently in post-surgical rehabilitation after a third surgery on his left hip, an injury suffered from being hit by a car in August 2016. He is doing very well in his recovery and is now expected to regain use of his leg for a normally active lifestyle. He will require physical therapy supervised by veterinary professionals (exercises and underwater treadmill) for several more weeks until approximately July 2017. Trooper is now living in a household with four female Labradors, and has done very well with being a polite member of the family. Previously he was fostered in a household with two male labradors and indoor cats and also fit in well in that environment. Trooper is housebroken but is currently crated if not directly supervised because he is still in the chewing stage of development. He is crate-trained and settles nicely in house. He impresses me as a youngster who wants to fit in and be a part of the gang, both canine and human. He is very snuggly and companionable, very willing and eager to learn new things and has done remarkably well with learning that barking is not required in all circumstances. He can get anxious when meeting new people and bark at them. We are working on training with this behavior, and he has come a long way in greeting strangers politely! When he knows the person's scent, he now does not alarm bark when that person approaches him. I expect this behavior to continue to respond favorably to desensitization training and experience. He rides extremely well in the van for long periods of time and settles nicely in his crate. These are two important skills for a good companion dog to have! He has an exceptionally good, natural ability to scent and could be trained for Barn Hunt competition, nose work or any "job" involving scent recognition. Currently he is on leash-only walks for post-surgical rehabilitation. He will be very playful and happily energetic once off restriction. Recall is a work-in-progress; so adoptive family will need a fenced area for playtime and a commitment to continue working on obedience skills. He should not be left outside unattended. He is a young dog and has many skills to learn but is willing and eager to be a good citizen! Trooper attended a LEARN public event recently and did exceptionally well in meeting and greeting new people...everyone who meets Trooper and gets to know him falls in love with him...including his foster families!

⛛ Physical Attributes

⛛ Behavioral Characteristics

⛛ Personality

⛛ Additional Information