KOKO
For Adoption in Cornwall/Devon
Rescue Story
Koko’s journey began when she was discovered as a stray pup with a broken leg.
The compassionate team at the Bark Ark rescue shelter in Bosnia took her in, providing the necessary surgery and care to mend her leg. This marked the start of Koko’s transformation, setting her on a path toward recovery and the opportunity for a new and loving home in the UK.
Vizsla Cross
🐾 KOKO – a name inspired by the rich colour of cocoa, perfectly suiting this smart, spirited, and affectionate girl. Koko is certainly a lively cocoa bean.
- Size: 40-45cm approx shoulder height
- Sex: female
- Age: 18 months (approx DOB 8.8.22)
- Neutered: yes
- Vaccinated: yes
- Microchipped: yes
Ideal Home
Cornwall/Devon only, please.
Koko is seeking an active and experienced individual or family who can dedicate ample time to her training, daily exercise, and companionship.
Breed Experience:
Prior experience with Vizslas or thorough research into the breed’s characteristics is preferred. Vizslas are high-energy dogs that require good training, and they offer unmatched loyalty and affection in return.
Preferred Setting:
A quiet, semi-rural or rural environment away from the hustle and bustle of busy cities or towns would be ideal for Koko.
Essential Requirements:
A spacious and securely enclosed garden is essential to accommodate Koko’s playtime and training needs.
Understanding and Patience:
Given Koko’s past and temperament, she requires a calm and sympathetic home environment without undue pressure or expectations. Her new family should be prepared to adjust around her needs during the initial weeks and months of transition. See our NEW DOG GUIDE here.
Commitment to Training:
Regular training sessions will be beneficial to help Koko reach her full potential. She is intelligent and eager to learn, responding well to positive reinforcement techniques involving praise and treats.
Other Animals and Children:
Older dog-savvy teenage children could be perfect companions for Koko. Another dog in the household could be beneficial, depending on their temperament. Koko requires a good role model who can also assert themselves if needed. However, the initial introduction may take a bit of time.
For homes with cats, we are unable to assess Koko’s compatibility, hence we would favour a feline-free home for her. However, if you have previous experience with introducing your cat to a new dog, a dog-savvy cat and gradual introduction are recommended. This could take time. Our experienced canine coach offers free guidance to adopters/fosterers.
We kindly request an adoption (forever home) donation of £350 (TEMPORARY FOSTERING IS OF COURSE FREE), not as a purchase fee for the dog, but as a contribution to support our ongoing rescue efforts. Your generosity enables us to continue making a difference in the lives of dogs in need.
Application and vetting processes apply. Please get in touch if you’re interested in adopting Koko; we typically respond within 24 hours. A Meet & Greet will be arranged after the application is approved. 🐾
Behaviour, Temperament, Unique Traits, Training Needs
This captivating dog, Koko, embodies the lively, friendly, and affectionate traits typical of her breed. However, she also possesses a strong sense of self and can be stubborn at times.
Koko’s unique talents include:
- Treasure Hunting: She enjoys hiding treats in the garden and retrieving them later.
- Affectionate Cuddler: Koko loves snuggling on the sofa for some quality cuddle time.
- Paw Holding: When seeking attention, she insists on holding your hand with her paw.
- Excitable Greetings: Koko enthusiastically howls with delight when welcoming you home.
- Observant Side-Eye: She has impressive observational skills, always aware of her surroundings.
While Koko is intelligent and quick to learn, she benefits from consistent training, particularly in focusing on her handler. She responds well to positive reinforcement, such as lavish praise and tasty treats.
Koko sits patiently for her meals and doesn’t make a move for her bowl until you say ‘go on’.
Koko is fine being left on her own and is not destructive. Her current home gives her free run of the house when being left. But her new home may wish to restrict to one room initially.
Though she knows some basic commands like Sit, Stay, and Come, Koko occasionally exhibits “selective hearing” when distracted. Her recall is very much a work in progress. Therefore, ongoing obedience training is essential to refine her skills.
Koko will need gradual confidence-building exercises, especially in leash training and socializing with other dogs and people outdoors. Starting in a familiar environment like the garden and gradually expanding to new settings will help her adjust comfortably. We are more than happy to provide guidance on this for her future people.
Continued training and patience from her future family are crucial, as Koko thrives on loyalty and connection.
With her hunting breed background, she enjoys engaging in sniffing activities, making sniffer games an excellent option for mental stimulation and bonding.
With her mischievous antics, Koko brings joy and laughter to those around her every day. With her charming personality and Hungarian Vizsla cross temperament, she’s well-suited for active individuals or families ready for an adventure-loving companion.
While in overall good health, Koko will benefit from slimming down a bit.
Child Friendly
Yes, but Koko would be well-suited to an adult-only home. Alternatively, if there are children, teenagers in the home would be preferable due to Koko’s boisterous ways. It’s important that the children are dog-savvy and understand how to respect a dog’s boundaries.
Dog Friendly
Yes, but Koko’s playful and exuberant nature, coupled with her puppy mischief, can sometimes be overwhelming for other dogs. She has responded well to corrections from other dogs here and has shown a submissive demeanor. If she were to live with another dog, it would need to be a suitable match with an experienced owner who can effectively manage her and provide guidance. Dogs learn quickly from each other, so having a well-behaved role model could positively influence Koko’s behaviour. However, Koko would also thrive as an only dog if she receives regular socialization and interaction with other dogs outside the home.
Cat Friendly
Koko has had some exposure to cats who were accustomed to dogs while she was a young pup in Bosnia, and she seemed to be okay with them. However, she has not lived with felines since and we cannot guarantee how Koko would behave with other cats. It wouldn’t be surprising if she showed interest in chasing them just for fun. If her new home includes cats, it’s essential to have experience in introducing both species and creating the right environment. We’re more than happy to offer assistance and guidance with this process.
Livestock/Other
Not assessed.
Health
Koko is a lively, healthy and energetic young girl. Had her overseas tests for Heartworm, Ehrlichia, Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease, which were all negative. She tested negative for Brucella Canis overseas and again in the UK after her re-test in late April. She has a slight thickening where she had leg surgery for her broken leg, but this does not hold her back or cause her any problems at all.
House Trained
Yes, but initial accidents during the settling in period can not be excluded.
