Career change pet dogs available for adoption: Meet Hero

Hero, a black Labrador retriever, is playing in the snow. He is looking up toward the camera with and a Kong dog toy sits at his paws.

Dog Summary

Name: Hero
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Age: 23 months 
Breed: Labrador Retriever x Golden Retriever (Black)
Sex: Male, Neutered
Home behaviour: Trustworthy when left alone; enjoys having activities and structure
Good with dogs: Yes, with guidance and proper introductions, dogs that are calm are more suitable
Good with cats:  Unknown
Good with kids: Older, dog-savvy children recommended
Adoption fee: $1,500

About Hero

Hero is a bright, affectionate, and eager-to-please dog who truly lives up to his name when it comes to loyalty and heart. Hero shows great potential in many areas and demonstrates a strong desire to work and connect with his handler. While he ultimately isn’t the right fit for guide work due to challenges with consistent focus around other dogs, he has so many wonderful qualities that will make him a fantastic companion in the right home.

Hero loves learning and thrives when given opportunities to engage his mind. He especially enjoys obedience training and is very food motivated, which makes training both fun and rewarding. He has a playful, slightly silly personality balanced with a calm and loving nature, and he enjoys being around both people and other dogs.

Hero has proven to walk nicely on leash and understands several training foundations, but around other dogs he may become excited, vocal, want to engage, and can be strong minded about it. He benefits from reminders and continued guidance from a confident handler. He is also comfortable wearing a gentle leader for more guidance and is recommended. With structure, exercise, and enrichment, Hero will shine as a devoted companion.

A good fit for me is…

  • An adopter who enjoys training and continuing to build skills with a smart, motivated dog
  • Someone comfortable continuing to help Hero through excitement and strength around other dogs
  • A home that can provide regular physical exercise and mental enrichment
  • An adopter who enjoys interactive activities like obedience training, games, and enrichment
  • A stable routine with clear expectations and positive reinforcement training
     
Hero, a Black Labrador retriever laying on a rug on a front porch with a dog bone at his front paws.

My personality traits are…

  • Affectionate and people-oriented: Hero loves being around his humans and forming strong bonds
  • Smart and eager to learn: He excels in obedience training and enjoys using his brain
  • Playful and a little silly: His fun personality shines during play and training sessions
  • Sensitive but confident: He benefits from calm guidance and encouragement
  • Food motivated: Treats and rewards make learning exciting for him
Hero, a Black Labrador retriever sitting indoors by a window, looking outside while light comes through the glass

Training notes

  • Walks well on leash but may need continued training to stay focused when other dogs are nearby
  • Has been trained using equipment such as a gentle leader and harness
  • Can become overstimulated during play with other dogs but responds well to guidance and redirection (especially with a toy in his mouth)
  • Thrives with consistent mental stimulation such as obedience training, puzzle toys, and structured activities

Hero is available for adoption

If you’re interested in adopting Hero, learn more about the adoption process