My basic info
Breed
Labrador Retriever/Terrier (Unknown Type, Medium)
Color
Tan/Yellow/Fawn - with White
Size
Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg) (when grown)
Here's what the humans have to say about me:
Why Choose me?
Hap is such a good-natured and happy boy! He had fun chasing toys when we were playing in an interaction pen. He didn’t bring them back, but he had a good time bounding after them. When we first started playing, Hap would sometimes jump up on me in his excitement. I learned, however, that he is very treat oriented, so when he jumped, I said, “No, down!” and turned my back to him. When he stayed down, I gave him a treat. I continued to praise him and give him Pup-peroni treats for keeping four paws on the ground, and he showed great improvement. He’s a smart dog and wants to please, so I feel that Hap would do well with training. When I first took Hap out, he pulled on the leash, so ask for one of the sturdier leashes at Animal Control. He was much better, however, after getting some of his energy out. In fact, when I was jotting down some notes at the picnic table, Hap sat patiently beside me on his leash. I had a good time with Hap. He’s a great dog and would be a fun companion for an active person who has time to give him attention and training. Come meet Hap soon. His picture is just now being posted on the website, but he’s been here since the 16th so he’s already almost out of time.
Update 12/2:
I’ve been trying to work with Hap about his jumping on the fence in his kennel. It’s something he does to get attention to go out. When he gets down, I tell him he’s a good boy and give him a treat. So, lately, when he sees me, he gets down and waits for his treat. When he’s out of his kennel, and we’re walking, he doesn’t jump. He’s even improved when we’re playing. Today, I saw Hap out with three different volunteers. He was having the best time walking or playing in an interaction pen. He’s a friendly, fun, and affectionate boy. He’s also so happy which is why we named him Hap. Come meet Hap today. Once again, the pound is full and without an adoption or rescue, he may not make it through Wednesday.
Update 12/7 The following story was written by a vet student who has been working with Hap:
Hap, short for Happy, is just what his name implies: A sweet, happy boy that just loves attention. He’s super smart too, and is already learning commands and getting better manners. I’ve been working with him on not jumping at the kennel door or on people (turning your back if he jumps works really well because he wants your attention so much and knows he only gets petted when all four feet are on the ground), waiting in a sit/stay position (he doesn’t know the word commands yet, just the actions) for someone to enter the run, walking well on leash (still pulls sometimes, but is quickly picking up that we only move when the leash is loose), and not grabbing toys unless he’s told. He also learned ‘look at me’ in under an hour (you say ‘look at me’ and if he looks, say yes! then give a treat). He is very food motivated and eager to please. He loves getting petted and chasing tennis balls. Happy would be best for an active person/family in a single dog home or with someone that has a female dog. He seems to like children and dogs smaller than him but sometimes has problems with larger males that are more aggressive or overly energetic. I have not seen him inside around cats, but he did see one when I had him out in the interaction pen and he wasn’t that interested. He would be an awesome addition to your family. While he still needs work on manners and obedience, he is a very fast learner and with a little time and patience will make someone a lovely companion. This dog is very special. Please come see Happy and consider making yours his forever home.
Update 12/11: I observed Hap working with his trainer (the vet student that wrote the story above) today. His behavior was excellent. I saw him sitting and waiting for commands, he walked well on a leash, and he corrected his behavior when directed. I was totally impressed. His trainer told me that she would be willing to continue working with Hap at no cost if he was rescued. She bragged on him and talked about what a smart, happy, and special dog Hap is. I agree and hope that Hap is rescued or adopted soon. He has been at Animal Control too long and deserves his own forever home.
Update 12/11:
Hap’s hold time is up, and he has no applications. His situation is extremely urgent!
Please refer to a dog's ID # when calling animal control about a dog.
Time is of the essence as these dogs are at a high-kill shelter.
Visit athenspets.net for more pictures, information, and adoptables.
