Hey, Simba! Simba is a four-year-old Labrador Retriever who came to MUTTS as an owner surrender. Despite missing his original family, Simba immediately gravitated to his fosters, showing off his sweet side. Now it’s time for our resident lion king to find his family!

For those who know lab retrievers, you’ll be glad to know that Simba checks all the boxes. For starters, he’s a huge foodie, though it’s less about the taste and more about the opportunity to eat as much as possible! Simba is so food driven that it often distracts him from listening to commands or training – he cares only about the snack. Thankfully, labs are known as being one of the easiest breeds to train, so his treat fixation hasn’t prevented Simba from excelling with his obedience! He’s got the basics down pat and is working on his recall training. He and his foster practice this in the driveway and on walks. Of course, he’s always happier when a snack is involved, but knowing that his progress makes his foster happy is also a nice reward for Simba!

We know Simba would do well with just about any family, but according to his wish list, he’d love a family with kids! For starters, they are the perfect height for giving head rubs, and are always game for giving belly rubs, too! Simba loves to lay on his back and spin around and he’d be tickled if his new family enjoyed this, too! When it’s time for independent play, Simba is a pro and happily occupies himself with a few favourite chew toys. He’s an assertive chewer (though he knows to keep his mouth on his own toys!) so Kongs and other stronger toys are best. He may be a big guy (90lbs), but he’s a classic gentle giant: he loves to give and receive affection and especially enjoys a good butt scritch!

With his fosters, Simba has only met other dogs while on leash. His interactions are calm, though he will stand up for himself if another dog is aggressive. Simba loves greeting new people with friendly sniffs and tail wags. He loves being out and about and enjoys an average of two 30-45 minute walks per day, plus lots of sniffing time in the backyard. His morning walk should be longer or more intense to help burn off that AM energy. Simba has been working really hard on his leash skills, though he’s always tempted to pull if he smells something new. Simba responds very well to redirection and consistency, so we’d encourage his new family to continue with this routine!

Simba is microchipped, up to date with his vaccines, and scheduled for his neuter on April 28. He’s fully potty trained and uses his crate at night. He doesn’t actively go in during the day unless lured in with treats (obviously). Though he prefers the company of his fosters, he is okay when alone and hasn’t shown any destructive behaviours!

Simba is an absolute sweetheart who’s ready to settle in with a great family! All he asks is that you don’t forget the snacks!

SOCIABILITY: Humans (adults and kids) and dogs; not cat-tested, but curious from afar!
ENERGY: Medium
QUIRKS: When he wants attention, he takes one of his fosters belongings in his mouth (shoe, etc.) – he is never destructive, but rather communicating that he wants to play!
TRAINING NEEDS: Continued basic obedience and recall training – though he’s very good, already!
MEDICAL NEEDS: Neuter scheduled for April 28; recently completed antibiotics for a yeast infection on his skin
WEIGHT: 90lbs
FOSTER LOCATION: Tillsonburg