My name is Spotticus!

Meet Spot!

Tons of photos of Spot HERE: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.753300494689311.1073741841.176118179074215&type=3

And several other videos HERE: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=vb.176118179074215&type=2

Spot is about 18 months old and weighs around 50 pounds. He is a compact little guy. Spot is undeniably handsome, but his true beauty is his lovely personality. He is such a goofy, affectionate, loving, energetic, enthusiastic guy (check out his videos to get an idea of what we mean!) He is a huge "people person"-- and adores his humans as well as all other humans he's met.

We took him from a high-kill rural shelter in AZ, where he had been picked up as a stray, and where he was a favorite, and he then hopped a ride to WA to find his forever home!

Spot is very sweet and playful. He is very friendly with all people he has met, greeting guests and strangers with enthusiasm and giving kisses and cuddles. He makes friends everywhere he goes -- he's even buddies with the guys who operate the draw bridge on our favorite running route! He bonds quickly with his caretakers and will follow you around to be close to you. He likes snuggles, and enjoys sleeping in bed at night with his humans.

Spot enjoys playing with other friendly dogs he has met. He currently is fostered with two male dogs and has several other doggie friends-- he does fine with dogs who do fine with him, but he can be selective with dogs who are bullies or unfairly antagonistic. We are not sure about small dogs as he's never been around them. He'd probably be okay in a home with a friendly, playful, well-socialized and well-mannered medium/large dog to teach him the ropes. He can be a bit much (enthusiastic, space invading and a bit assertive) for some dogs, so if you have a dog that doesn't put up with adolescent rudeness, Spot is not the right dog for you.

Spot would do well as an only dog, and we'd probably prefer placing him as one. He is high energy and loves his humans with all his heart, so he'd benefit from an environment where he gets tons of attention all to himself.

Spot enjoys playing with toys of all sorts. He enjoys squeakies and rope toys and likes playing tug! He enjoys chasing toys and will bring them back in your general direction, but he's not ball or fetch obsessed. He also hasn't been much of a toy destroyer, which is nice (and economical!) He also loves chasing the laser pointer, which is an easy way to get out some of his energy and is a good reward for training as well :)

He has a high, play-oriented energy level, as expected from any large breed working dog. At his age he absolutely needs regular, rigorous exercise. I aim for a daily 45-60+ minute span of activity in which he can run himself tired as well as a few shorter play and training sessions each day. I run with him 3-4 days a week, covering distances from 4-15 miles. He can and does keep up on even longer runs, and would make a great jogging buddy. A tired Spot makes for a happy Spot and a harmonious household. Running doesn't have to be part of his routine, but daily mental and physical exercise definitely does.

Spot knows how to sit, and has learned to sit, lie down, touch, shake, stay, watch me, leave it, and "go settle" on his bed. He knows to wait for his dinner until released. He has learned to jump over an agility jump. We are working on his loose leash walking using the command "let's go" and that is coming along. And he's learning "drop it" and "turn" (around in a circle). He is not super high drive, but he really does like to please. The longer I've had him the quicker he picks up on new material. I enjoy working with the little guy. Consistency is key to success with him. He is doing well with his obedience training and his new home should be seriously committed to continuing it.

The one area Spot really needs to work on is his leash manners. He is okay on a leash with his Freedom harness, but when he sees other dogs/wild critters he gets excited and will pull in an attempt to check them out -- and he is strong! He needs consistent reinforcement of appropriate leash manners as well as continued, appropriate socialization around particularly invigorating (to him) stimuli such as other dogs and critters. Please expect to spend time with him daily improving his skills. I've been working with him and have seen definite improvements, but he will need continued work.

While in Arizona, Spot was fostered with a cat, and was inquisitive and pesky, although he meant her no harm. Because of his high level of interest, we'd really rather not place him into a home with cats. If you have a truly dog-savvy cat that stands its ground with dogs and has a place of his/her own where he/she likes to spend most of his/her time, then this may be okay. But cats that are not comfortable/familiar with dogs and plan to run will not be suitable as Spot will chase and that makes for unhappy kitties. He will chase your cat. And he will harass your cat. Some cats are okay with this, but most really are not, so please keep this in mind if you do have a cat. We are giving preference to homes without cats.

Spot has met a few young children and had no issues--he's been friendly but mainly disinterested in younger (under 4-5) kids, and more interactive with older kids (we train out in public, and we've had some children come by to say hello and help train Spot :) ). But given his young age, rambunctiousness, and definite need for some etiquette lessons (as we've mentioned before!), we want to place him in a home without very young kids. His energy level will be too much for them, and he needs the benefit of a family with time and energy to devote to him and his training. Older kids (6-8+ will be considered on a case-by-case basis).

Spot is pretty quiet and does not bark often. He does like to give me an excited bark when I'm carrying up his dinner-- and he has a really sissy bark! He is crate trained and pretty quiet in his crate (sometimes he grumbles a bit). Given his age, and the fact that he was not potty trained when he came into rescue (so enforcing his new, good habits is essential), we strongly recommend crating him until he is older to ensure he does not get himself into things when alone unsupervised. If you have another dog in your home, crating is an absolute must to facilitate smooth transitions. Preventing trouble-making and reinforcing desired behaviors will ensure he turns into a well-mannered adult.


Spot is a really nice young man. He has a very funny personality with lots of character. He's ready to be part of his own family. We'd like to place him in a home with (1) former large breed ownership experience (more than just growing up with dogs, please), (2) with an active family, and (3) where the people are committed to continuing his obedience training and in giving him many positive social experiences in a way that nurtures and co-exists with appropriate behaviors. He'd be perfect for a couple or single person with the time, energy, and willingness to focus on him so that he continues to transition from puppy into a well-mannered and obedient adult dog. If you think we've just described your family, then we look forward to hearing from you!

Spot has been neutered, microchipped, and is up to date on his vaccines. He is on flea preventative. His adoption fee is $200. Please email us to request an application!