Meet Heath! He is a 1.5 year old chocolate lab mix that was found stray in Tennessee.
Personality: Heath is a handsome young chocolate Lab mix with a sweet demeanor. He is a big, happy boy that is always looking for an adventure. Heath absolutely loves going for walks, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with other dogs. He does need some help with his leash manners but responds well to corrections. He is a high energy dog and he can be a little mouthy when he gets excited. For that, we are not recommending a home with very small children.
Training: Heath has had some formal training and knows some basic commands. He is housetrained and crate trained.
He knows sit and stay and will remain in a “stay” command until released. He is still working on his manners, but he is very treat motivated and aims to please. He is still a puppy so he will need a strong leader to help reinforce his training. With some time, effort, and lots of love, Heath is sure to become a well-mannered and devoted family member.
If you’re ready to give Heath the forever home he deserves, he’ll reward you with endless affection and tail wags.
Updates
Heath is both house trained and crate trained. He goes into his crate happily with a treat and settles in quietly whether you’re leaving the house or turning in for the night. In the car, he’s quite the gentleman—he loads and unloads easily and rides calmly in the back seat.
Heath gets along great with my two Labs and enjoys playful wrestling sessions while respecting their boundaries. He politely waits his turn at the water bowls and shows excellent manners when treats are given to the group—sitting and staying on command. He’s a smart boy and already knows sit, stay, down, and paw. Plus, he’s very treat-motivated and eager to please.
We took Heath to the dog park today, and he was friendly and playful with every dog he met. He didn’t find a single person he didn’t want to befriend. He loved fetching sticks and tennis balls and proudly showed off his agility and athleticism. Afterward, he had an outdoor bath and was incredibly patient and well-behaved throughout.
Heath has been the perfect houseguest. He doesn’t beg for food and prefers to lounge calmly on the kitchen floor while you cook or eat. He enjoys all kinds of toys—antlers, Benebones, tennis balls, and tug-of-war ropes. Despite his size, he thinks he’s a lap dog and will happily curl up with you for snuggles. He does eat quickly, so we’re working on slowing him down at mealtime. He learns fast and loves to make his people happy. Heath is confident, independent, a pro on the stairs, and easily entertains himself with toys.
Now, you might be wondering: If Heath is such a great dog, why was he returned by a previous adopter? Like many young pups, Heath has a playful streak—he used to try to turn leashing up into a game of tug-of-war and would get mouthy when someone reached for his collar. However, in less than 24 hours, that behavior has improved significantly. A quick spritz from a water bottle taught him that mouthing isn’t the way to go. Now, if I simply hold the bottle, he sits calmly and lets me leash him without issue. We’ll keep working on this so he continues to progress without the need for the bottle.
Heath is a happy, intelligent, and affectionate young dog who just needed a little structure and consistency. With continued guidance, he’ll make an outstanding companion.
