With Help from Holliston's The Happy Retriever, Well-Mannered Martin Looks for a Home

Martin, a strong, intelligent black lab mix, was turned in to Milford Animal Control almost 18 months ago. His lack of luck in finding an adoptive home may have been because he came across to many people as a handful.

Martin is a good boy, but was almost impossible to walk because of his strength, and tendency to pull on leash. His lack of good manners wasn't helping him find a home.

That's when The Happy Retriever Dog Training, in Holliston, offered its services. Dorothy Turcotte, the owner of Happy Retriever, volunteered to work with Martin, after hearing that his lack of training was probably standing in the way of his  finding a permanent home.

See the video for a snippet of the "before" Martin, and compare him to the more relaxed, easy-going "post-training" Martin.

According to Turcotte, Martin knew nothing going into training, and took just three to four days to learn the basic commands. He is intelligent and, like most labs, eager to please. He remains available for adoption at Milford Animal Control, and the Happy Retriever will throw in a transitional lesson with the new owner, so they can be consistent in delivering the commands that he knows.

Contact Rochelle Thomson at Milford's Animal Control office for more information on adopting Martin. (508) 478-3871. He is neutered and is about 5 to 6 years old.