Koda was originally rescued from a shelter by Lab Rescue OK, Inc. before being homed with a fellow firefighter who recognized his Search Dog potential and contacted Jason Smith, a former Handler in Oklahoma City with Oklahoma Task Force 1. Jason evaluated Koda and he quickly noticed this Yellow Lab’s high drive and potential for work.
Sure enough, Koda is already proving that he has what it takes to be a great search dog! Working in barrels during training, he is using his nose to pinpoint the “victims’” locations and barking loudly. Even with food distractions, Koda is dedicated to his training, leaving delicious treats behind in favor of focusing on the search. This dedicated candidate has developed a nice, strong bark alert on the rubble that will serve he and his Handler well in the future!
Koda enjoys the search and, as trainer Mandy Tisdale shared…
“Each time he runs off the rubble, his tail is straight up while he prances and shows signs of pure pride and joy!” – Trainer Mandy Tisdale
His enthusiasm and dedication to the search is outstanding. Through training and being successful, he is super confident in his job and knows exactly what he is supposed to be doing. When the time comes, he will be a wonderful Search Dog to his new Handler!