About Koa

Koa is an 18 month old female Chocolate Lab Mix. I rescued her and her sister Pippa (my kids named them)when they were around 8weeks old. I wasn't planning on getting a dog(s), but I came across them by happenstance, being sold roadside out of a car. The person selling them appeared to be living out of their car and not in great shape (she told me she was leaving for another state the next day and couldn't take the puppies with her), against my better judgment, I convinced the owner to let me have both. I couldn't stand to leave them or to see them separated. I was hoping to help them have a better life. For the first year everything was good. However, beginning in late summer/early fall (shortly after being spayed), Koa- the more rambunctious/dominant one- began showing signs of aggression; first towards other dogs and then strangers. I made sure to introduce them to other dogs and plenty of people over the first year. And while Koa has always been standoffish with other dogs, she's great with her sister and was never aggressive towards them. This changed in September, when I took both dogs to visit my aunt and uncle on their farm. They have a super sweet, quite elderly Black Lab. When we got there, being aware of Koa's unease around other dogs, I had leash in hand and was slowly opening the back of my car to leash both dogs and introduce them properly to my uncle's dog. Before the door was even halfway open, Koa exploded out of the car and went after my aunt and uncles dog. She didn't bite her, but I had to pull her off. The other dog hadn't barked or done anything at all. Since then she has become increasingly reactive towards strange dogs: I also have three kids and Koa is great with them, very loving and friendly. She is also great with people that she has known for a while. My kids are always bringing friends over so the dogs have been around a lot of different people, both kids and adults. Around the same time as the incident with my aunt and uncle's dog, Koa began barking and growling at strangers and guests. This was a completely new behavior and is now both at home and away. I've been working with her by redirecting/having her sit and focus on me when guests come, but she still growls and is standoffish towards them. She has never tried to bite anyone, but it is an issue she needs help with and that anyone Interested in adopting her should be aware of and ideally have experience in handling. Upon researching these behaviors and reaching out to a dog behaviorist for advice, I believe both her and her sister have what's called 'littermate's syndrome' https://today.tamu.edu/2023/09/28/understanding-littermate-syndrome-in-puppy-pairs/ As a result, the best thing for both dogs is to be separated from each other. Koa is a wonderful puppy: super sweet and affectionate, incredibly smart, loving and gentle with me, my kids and their friends. I hate having to put her up for adoption, but feel it's the best thing for both dogs. I want her to be happy, well adjusted and to thrive. The ideal home would be with someone who has experience working with dogs and who can provide a structured, loving environment. Koa is house broken, knows basic commands and crate trained (I will provide a crate and food dishes). She Is spayed and up to date on all vaccines. Thanks, Dean

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King County
Seattle, Washington

Dean Disharoon: 617-308-6310

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