WELCOME TO CAMP COCKER RESCUE PAKO!

Pako is such a handsome playful Cocker Spaniel Freedom Flyer from Mongolia! He’s estimated* to be about 5-6 years old, and weighs 34 pounds.

Here’s what Rob & Kim, the movers and shakers of this Mongolian rescue partnership with Camp Cocker Rescue, tell us about him:

Pako is a stray from Ulaanbaatar and spent several months at the Huurhun Zulzaga animal shelter, where he shared a small pen with several other dogs. He is the most energetic of the Mongolian spaniels. He loves to run, jump in place, and he has a strong prey drive. Some of his energy and restlessness likely stems from anxiety; he needs an experienced dog owner who can provide structure and coaching. He will explore and get into everything he can reach, but he is also smart and will listen - we’ve seen him learn quickly from an experienced trainer who simply followed him around a room and verbally corrected him when needed.

Pako is friendly and was always incredibly happy to see volunteers at the shelter. He’s also an escape artist and we spent a lot of time laughing and chasing him around. He’s a handsome guy with a blocky build, he’s healthy, and he’s relatively young - our best guess is that Pako is five years old.

If you have a yard and you like to go on runs, Pako is ready to exercise with you. He lives with other dogs and gets along with them, but doesn’t seem overly interested in them. Due to his prey drive, he would not do well in a house with pet rodents or other small animals.

*6/1/23 UPDATE FROM PAKO’S FOSTER FAMILY:

Pako has come a long way! We are so proud of all the progress he has made. His new favorite thing to do is to play tug-o-war with his human friends. When he is not playing tug-o-war he is hoarding his toys in his crate (which has become his safe space again) or napping with his teddy toy. He also loves to run and play catch. He will be a great companion to go on adventures with.

He can sleep anywhere, let it be a dog bed, coach, floor, human bed, or his crate. He often gets so comfortable that he will roll onto his back and show his tummy. He absolutely loves belly rubs, wiggle butt scratches, and cuddling. He also loves to watch Toy Story which seems to help him relax.

Pako has also learned to stay and is currently learning the command quiet. We have noticed that he wants to be the protector of the house and will bark if he hears loud noises outside. However, if no one is home he does just fine and ignores the noises. Continuing to learn the command quiet will help him know when everything is safe, and barking isn’t needed. He’s been getting better with time.

Pako no longer tries to get out of his harness even if he sees a cat! For the most part he does very well walking on a leash. He only pulls if there are new smells around him, especially after it rains. He also loves to meet new people on his walk and does great with people of all ages, including children. He is very curious about his surroundings but does not try to run away or escape.

After a long walk it will be important for his adopters to brush him out. If the desired look is for him to keep a cocker cut, his coat does collect grass stickers quite easily. He doesn’t seem to notice them, but it will help to keep him from matting.  

5/7/23 - ONE WEEK UPDATE FROM PAKO’S FOSTER FAMILY:

We have had Pako for an entire week! Wow! Time really does fly by fast. Here is our 1st week update of what we have learned about him. 😊

Pako has adjusted very well to living in the states. It did take about 3 days for him to begin to feel comfortable in his new space. He has gone through so many changes that time is really what he needed. He does well with his foster sister, Minnie, but does demand space from time to time. We have noticed that he does not like larger dogs. I can only assume this is due to living on the streets in Mongolia where he needed to be on the defensive all the time. While he will do well in a home with other dogs I think he would thrive in a home as the only dog.

I still do not recommend him to go to a home with cats or small animals, however we have made strides. When holding our cat, Fig, Pako will sit and stare. This is more of a fixation, but he no longer lunges or scratches at the door. I call this progress.

Pako also had his wellness exam and had a dental procedure. He did great at the vet! Pako is one to demand attention from all humans and is very sweet. Due to his extraction, we currently have him on soft foods. He loves it. He is highly food motivated and does not care if he has dry or wet food.  

He also loves to play. He has begun to trust us enough to let us give him belly rubs and often will fall asleep on his back. He will go in his crate to sleep from time to time but much rather prefers to feel with his human.

Walking has gotten much better. We only need to use one leash now. He will still pull from time to time but if his attention is redirected, he will not attempt to get out of his harness. I do advise that a potential adopter utilizes two leashes until he adapts to his environment. Once he begins to trust you and his new space he will walk well.

Pako loves to lay beside us all day long. Walks help to reduce his energy. He also enjoys chewing on squeaker toys. He is such a sweet boy and deserves all the love.

5/1/23 - UPDATE FROM PAKO’S NEW FOSTER FAMILY:

Pako is a very sweet pup. He does require time to decompress after any form of change. An adopter should be willing to allow him this time to adjust.

Pako will do well with other dogs as he doesn’t seem to be interested in playing with other dogs. He does great with his foster sister. He has warmed up to her and will now share the couch when they both sleep. If Minnie gets in his bubble, he will vocalize her to give him space. Pako does not get food aggressive or toy aggressive. He does well on walks with Minnie. Pako will not do well in a home with other small animals such as birds, cats, or rodents. He sees them as toys.

On walks, Pako will pull. As he gets adapted to his new environment his pulling slowly decreases, unless there is a cat, bird, or another small animal nearby. If the animal runs off Pako wants to chase it and will attempt to get out of his harness. We are working on correcting this habit. A harness is a must.

Pako is very smart and we see him as a pup who would love to be trained and learn other commands. He knows that “no” is a negative command and to stop whatever action he is doing. We are currently working on sit and stay. He has almost mastered sit. Potential adopters will want to continue consistency with their commands and expectations.

Pako does not enjoy the crate but will go in it if it is left open for him to freely walk in and out. At night he would much rather sleep on a dog bed or on a couch. We are still working on his nighttime routine. He is doing amazing things in just two nights.

He does like to explore his new environment. He is not afraid of heights or things that roll around. He is also a very good jumper. If given the opportunity to be in a yard, adopters will need to ensure that the fencing is tall enough and to keep an eye on him as he will try to discover holes under fencing.

Lastly, Pako loves to play with tennis balls, receive belly rubs, and to rough house a little. He will do a small growl when he gets excited and is enjoying play. He’s just vocalizing how much fun he is having.

P.S. PAKO IS HOUSETRAINED!!

We can confirm that Pako is an escape artist! His adopters will need to be very careful, and mindful of this issue! Going on walks & runs will require double leashing, and the backyard will need to be 100% secure with a high fence, locked gates, and no potential escape routes.

Don’t miss this cute short video of a force-free trainer in Mongolia working with Pako to help him learn to interact with a cat!

*Please note that any age provided is only an estimate, based on veterinary examination!

PAKO IS BEING FOSTERED IN THE LOS ANGELES AREA

Follow Pako - here on his web page and on our social media:

*** PAKO HAS BEEN ADOPTED!!! ***