Meet Cody – A Remarkable Comeback Story
Cody is one special dog, and if you’re looking for a loyal, fun, adventure-ready companion, you don’t want to miss him. He is currently located in Florida.
Cody has undergone an incredible transformation and truly come into his own. Today, he is confident, engaged, and full of life.
He’s an absolute blast to play with — bring out a tug or a ball and watch him light up. He loves walks and hikes, and when he gets the chance to stretch out in an open field, he runs like the wind. It’s pure joy to watch.
Cody is:
Crate trained
House trained
Solid in basic obedience
Good on leash
Reliable with recall
Excellent with other dogs
In fact, he’s currently serving as a “helper dog” for the trainer who is fostering him — a testament to his stability and social skills with other dogs.
Because Cody does have prey drive, he will not be placed in a home with cats or small children.
Cody’s Journey
When Cody was first evaluated at the shelter, there were no red flags. He showed no aggression, was not reactive, and did well with other dogs.
However, about a month into his initial foster placement, he began showing reactivity toward unfamiliar people entering the home. His foster became uncomfortable taking him out publicly.
He suggested a slow desensitization and counterconditioning approach. You can hear him say that from seeing Cody's reactions, it will be a fairly long journey because Cody's reactions are pretty intense and severe. The prognosis was not good.
Then everything changed.
Under Matt’s guidance, Cody’s transformation has been extraordinary.
When Cody first arrived, he lacked confidence, was fearful of and reactive with new people, had no interest in toys, and was overweight. Today, he is confident, playful, balanced, and engaged with life. He now loves tug, enjoys playing ball, thrives in pack settings, and carries himself like a completely different dog.
Matt does a great job explaining Cody's journey in this video:
About 11 minutes in, he shows video before and after with tug on string!
Here are some additional videos that Matt shared:
The focus of his training wasn’t simply managing behavior — it was building confidence and giving Cody the tools to understand and navigate the world in a healthy, stable way.
The result? A happy, resilient dog who is ready for his next chapter.
What Cody Needs
Cody will thrive with:
A confident, consistent handler
Continued structure and leadership
An active home that enjoys walks, hikes, and play
No cats or small children
In return, you’ll get a loyal, energetic, deeply connected companion who has already done the hard work of growth.
Cody’s story is one of resilience and proper guidance unlocking potential. He’s not just “available” — he’s ready.
If you’re looking for a dog with heart, drive, and a comeback story that proves what’s possible, Cody might just be your guy.
Please contact Carol, his coordinator, via email at caulick@malinoisrescue.org for more information.
