Concord Monitor – Overwhelmed by the Farm Dog

Cody, a 10-year-old foster pitbull, has had a challenging journey to finding a peaceful farm life. Rescued from a dump in St. Croix in the Virgin Islands, Cody was found emaciated and cut up. His rescuer, Katie, nursed him back to health over the course of a year. Despite his rough start, Cody is a love bug with humans, displaying friendliness, affection, and a love for hugs.

When Cody arrived at Miles Smith Farm, his new home, he faced difficulties adjusting to farm life. He exhibited aggression towards the farm animals, including lunging at horses, barking at steers, and attempting to chase goats. This behavior posed a threat to the safety of the other animals on the farm, and his new owner, Carole, knew she had her work cut out for her.

Cody’s past as a possible „bait dog,“ used to provoke fights with other dogs, had ingrained in him a learned aggression that needed to be addressed. Carole took on the challenge of retraining Cody, starting with basic obedience training and establishing herself as the pack leader. She used positive reinforcement techniques, such as offering treats to redirect his attention away from the animals and towards her.

Despite her efforts, there were still moments of intense aggression from Cody. One incident involved him attacking another dog on the farm, leading Carole to consider the difficult decision of putting him down. However, a chance encounter with Lisa, a director of a rescue organization, offered a glimmer of hope for Cody’s future.

The story of Cody’s journey is a testament to the resilience of animals and the dedication of those who care for them. Carole’s determination to help Cody overcome his past and find a new life on the farm is a heartwarming tale of compassion and second chances. Stay tuned for the next chapter in Cody’s story, as his fate takes an unexpected turn.