Spike is friendly with everyone, and wants to be everyone's best friend. He loves kids and wants to play all the time. He sometimes gets over-excited, and must be held back a bit when first saying hello, just in case he accidentally knocks a little one over. Spike is very happy to do whatever you're doing. He will relax and watch TV with you, play with you when you engage him, and will run when you encourage him. He is happiest when he is making his person happy. Spike is approximately 2 - 3 years old and weighs 70 lbs.
Here is what else his foster mom had to say:
Spike is the most loving dog. One belly rub will win his heart forever. He enjoys them so much, that he sneaks them into what ever you might be trying to do at the time: drying off after a wet-weather walk tends to result in a tummy rub with a towel, and a bath is just a tummy rub with soap!
Spike doesn't seem to have been exposed to many home and city experiences, but he approaches everything with curiosity and a wagging tail. It's adorable to watch TV with him, as he continues to search behind the TV for every crying baby, meowing kitty, or barking dog. He loves people, and always aims to please. Nothing makes him happier than when he has made you happy. He has so much love to give, he would make a wonderful addition to any family.
Spike is a very handsome boy. He is a rich ginger colour, with the face of a golden retriever. He has a muscular body, complete with an upwardly curled tail that never stops wagging. He has a white chest, forehead star and tail tip, and he has the softest fur. He enjoyed his bath, and loves to be brushed. He is very strong, and sometimes forgets how big he is when he's excited, but he is completely submissive, making him very easy to control. I think he will be very relaxed once he is settled into a forever home with a set routine.
Spike has lovely house manners, despite the fact that he is clearly unfamiliar with being in someone's home. He learned in the first night that he was not welcome on the furniture, and only forgets sometimes when he is trying to join you on whatever furniture you might be on. He never steals food and he is fully house-trained. He doesn't chew at all, not even toys. He doesn't quite understand the concept of toys, and pretty much ignores them all, although he is starting to learn to play tug of war. He is much happier playing with a playmate than a toy. Even when chasing a ball, he is more likely to chase after the other dogs chasing the ball, than the ball itself. Spike will take advantage of food left close to the edge of the counter, but does not go looking for snacks. He is learning very quickly what behaviour is acceptable. Spike doesn't have an aggressive bone in his body. Spike does not bark at other dogs or people.
Spike knows "sit" with some consistency, and "stay" and "off" very selectively. He does not yet know or respond to his name, but "come" is becoming one of his favourite games we play. Once you have his attention he loves coming to you, but responds best to a whistle rather than calling for him.
Spike is not crated however he does enjoy his crate being left with the door open and sleeps in it very willingly. I have not felt the need to restrain him at night or while I'm at work because he is so well behaved in the home, but he seems to enjoy having an open crate as his own little den.
Spike is very strong and gets very excited but we do very well with a gentle leader. With the gentle leader he walks very nicely on my left side. He is getting better at walking every day and typically only pulls when there is a squirrel nearby.
I don't have any other pets, but we do spend time at my dad's house with his dog Lola. Lola does not like Spike as she is old and doesn't appreciate his puppy-like enthusiasm in her space. But since Spike is naturally submissive she only had to tell him once and he stayed out of her way. He likes to chase birds and squirrels on our walks, and I can't imagine that he would make an exception for cats. But he loves all other dogs and would do very well with a doggy brother or sister. He sometimes gets too excited, and plays a little too rough for some dogs. But he comes when you call him, and he calms down quickly before going back to playing.
Spike seems to be experiencing people and doggy interactions for the first time, and his need to please and be around people leads me to believe he was left alone for much of his puppyhood. Despite his upbringing, he is the gentlest, most loving dog. He wants nothing more than to make you happy and give you all of his love.
He still has his puppy-like enthusiasm, and loves to learn and play. He masters commands very quickly and really loves his obedience training. I think Spike would adapt to any home, but would really thrive with children to play with and look after. Spike would really love a fenced back yard to run around in, but if he found a family that exercised him often with long walks and off-leash dog park play, he would be equally happy. Spike is a very special dog, and he will bring so much love and affection to any home.
If you think Spike would be a good choice for your family, please submit an application for consideration.
