Labrador Bourbon Misses Two Tees in Debut as Boise State’s New Game Dog

Bourbon, the 7-year-old Labrador retriever who recently became Boise State’s new tee dog, missed the first two football tees presented to her during her debut on The Blue. She successfully retrieved the third ball, a moment that trainer Ayla Garner described as a breakthrough in her adjustment to the stadium environment.

Garner, who works with Bourbon at Positive Pets, explained that the dog’s training background in waterfowl and upland hunting has created specific challenges in a football stadium. Bourbon is conditioned to remain calm and attentive, but loud noises such as the stadium cannon trigger her instinct to react to sounds resembling gunfire. Additionally, the team switched to green tees this season to accommodate kickers, a color that is difficult for dogs to distinguish from a distance.

The transition from hunting fields to the university stadium required extensive preparation. Garner led two practice sessions per week for an entire month before the first game. Bourbon also attended her brother Blitz’s final two regular season games to observe the atmosphere and participated in Boise Hawks baseball games during the summer to acclimate to smaller crowds and cheering fans.

Bourbon is the daughter of Cowboy Kohl, who previously served as the tee dog for the Boise Hawks. Owner Tasmyn Green brought Bourbon home at approximately 12 weeks old and raised her with the long term goal of having the dog work in professional sports. Green noted that Bourbon comes from a working line of labs and is generally energetic and eager to learn.

Garner, who also trained Blitz, noted that the new dog requires more precise guidance than her brother did. Bourbon follows Garner’s body language with high sensitivity. If Garner is slightly misaligned on the sideline, Bourbon can end up 10 yards away from the target. This precision has forced Garner to become more deliberate in her positioning and direction.

During the debut game, Bourbon occasionally ran toward the tee but stopped and sat down, a trained response for when she cannot locate an item. Fans observed these pauses with curiosity. Senior student Elliot Ramsey, who attended the game with friends, found the moments endearing. He acknowledged that replacing Blitz, a familiar presence at Boise State for years, was initially difficult. However, Ramsey said the presence of a game day dog helps create a sense of community and unity within the student section.

Bourbon’s successful retrieval of the third tee provided the team with an early indication that she is understanding her new responsibilities. Garner observed a shift in the dog’s behavior after that run, noting that Bourbon appeared to enjoy the process of picking up the ball and running back while the crowd cheered. The dog continues to learn the routine, carrying on a family tradition in a new setting.