Arlo $1 ADOPTION FEE

Arlo is a dog let down by humans over and over. <br/><br/>He's still just a young guy at 3 years old (April 16, 2022) weighing in at the 60pound mark (short but stocky)<br/><br/>Arlo was originally purchased from a breeder in the Ottawa area and months later surrendered him to a rescue; "Dogs For Adoption Ottawa Rescue" who flipped him to a foster home, having never met Arlo. Arlo stayed with that foster for over a year, until the rescue ghosted him & Arlo and the foster were no longer in a position to keep fostering Arlo, so he was surrendered to yet another rescue; "Bully Love Coalition".<br/><br/>Arlo was with Bully Love Coalition for a few months. They were finding adopters for him, but they were not suitable adopters -- i.e. with young kids/no bully experience and it made his foster Mom incredibly worried for Arlo and the risks he was being put in, with misplaced adoptions. Those placing Arlo in potential adoption homes had not even met Arlo personally, which would have been a big help if they took the time to do some face to faces and professional assessments of him. <br/><br/>Out of concern for Arlo, the foster suggested the rescue transfer ownership to her so she could take responsibility for his future & adoption placement and the rescue did the transfer, without hesitation, to be rid of the problem dog & I'm sure what they felt was a problem foster.<br/><br/>Arlo was then transferred to Mattie's Place and remains with his last owner/foster. <br/><br/>Arlo is an amazing dog. He will need a power breed experienced adopter willing to continue working through training protocols. He's a solo dog only and you can read through this profile learn all the reasons why. <br/><br/>Arlo does have some allergies. We're not sure of what - environmental or protein but shows up mostly in red ears/muzzle. He is well managed with hypoallergenic food and some basic supplements/ear cleaner. <br/><br/>Arlo deserves a committed adopter with an understanding he is a project dog and his adoption is reflective of that. <br/><br/><br/>FROM HIS FOSTER:<br/><br/>Arlo is a goofy, sunshine-loving boy who adores burrowing under blankets and finding the perfect sunbeam for an afternoon nap. Once he feels safe, his personality blossoms — equal parts silly, gentle, and deeply loyal.<br/><br/>He’s now fully house-trained, though it took some time and patience. In the beginning, his nerves had him holding his poop for three days! Since we don’t have a backyard, I used to drive him four times a day to quiet areas so he could relax enough to go. Three months later, with consistent training and encouragement, he’s walking confidently across the street to our big park. He’s had only two accidents in those early weeks and now has his own sweet morning ritual — between 6:45–7:00 am, he hops on the bed to let you know it’s time for his walk. He’s not vocal; he’ll simply jump on the bed or sit by the door or give you “the look.”<br/><br/>Arlo’s days follow a calm rhythm: morning training walks to work on recall, sit, and come (using long lead and his e-collar on a low 6), followed by zoomies and well-earned rest. We usually go out again around 1–2 pm, 6–7 pm, and 10–11 pm. While he’s not the biggest fan of long walks yet, he absolutely loves to work — training brings out his confidence and pride. A backyard would be wonderful for him, as he feels safest in enclosed spaces and thrives with structure.<br/><br/>After his walks, he gets playful bursts of energy. While he enjoys toys, he’s more of a “toy collector” than a destroyer — no fluff crime scenes here! He prefers to carry or gift them, though when the zoomies strike, he’ll run full tilt around the couch like a little rocket.<br/><br/>Arlo is also a certified couch potato. He mainly sleeps on the couch or in his crate (door open), and will cuddle very close when startled by outside noises. We’re reintroducing crate training slowly, and he’s made great progress — from being terrified of it to now happily napping inside most of the day.<br/><br/>Arlo is on Alt Pro Advantage hypoallergenic kibble and eats 2½ cups daily in a slow feeder — breakfast around 7:30–8:30 am and dinner around 6:00–7:00 pm. He’s very food-motivated, so training comes easily, though he can resource guard around other animals. For that reason, meals and high-value treats are kept separate.<br/><br/>Arlo loves cats — so much that I think he believes he is one. He chases the laser, steals their springs and toy mice (once carried three at once like trophies), and knows when to back off after a nose boop. He’s lived peacefully with two cats after a slow, thoughtful introduction.<br/><br/>With people, he’s still learning. He reads energy well — if you’re calm and confident, he’ll mirror that. He can be barky toward kids or make big hand gestures, and he’s protective of his home, so slow introductions are best. We’re now attending weekly group training sessions to help with exposure and leash reactivity. He’s making steady progress and showing more confidence each week.<br/><br/>Once Arlo connects with you, he’s all in — devoted, affectionate, and goofy in the best way. He’ll squeeze into the smallest spot just to be near you, his quiet way of saying, You’re my person. He’s still learning the world is safe, but he’s come so far and continues to bloom with love, patience, and consistency.<br/><br/><br/>FROM THE TRAINER:<br/><br/>Evaluator: Josh Rowlands<br/>Organization: In-Line K9 Canada<br/><br/>Summary<br/><br/>Arlo is a loving and dedicated dog who thrives under clear guidance. With his evident bond to his owner and demonstrated progress, he shows real potential to continue improving. While his early social deficits present ongoing challenges, with the right structure and continued training, Arlo can maintain a stable and fulfilling life alongside his handler.<br/><br/>Overview<br/><br/>Arlo is a male dog showing significant behavioral progress through dedicated handling and consistent structure. While he has demonstrated notable improvement over the past three months, it is clear that his early life lacked proper socialization, both with other dogs and within his general environment. <br/><br/>This has resulted in reactivity that can escalate to aggression<br/>under certain circumstances.<br/><br/>Behavioral Observations<br/><br/>• Socialization History: Arlo’s limited early exposure to dogs, people, and new environments has contributed to defensive and reactive behavior patterns. His discomfort in unfamiliar settings is evident but manageable with clear structure and guidance.<br/><br/>• Dog Reactivity: Displays high reactivity toward other dogs, particularly in close proximity. While some desensitization progress is possible, unsupervised interactions with other dogs are not recommended due to his behavioral history.<br/><br/>• Human Interaction: Exceptionally bonded to his owner. Shows affection, loyalty, and a willingness to please once trust has been established. Responds well to clear leadership and routine.<br/><br/>• Environmental Sensitivity: Initially hesitant in new environments, though showing improvement with gradual exposure and consistent handling.<br/><br/>Progress<br/><br/>In the past three months, Arlo has made considerable strides in confidence and handler engagement. His responsiveness to commands and general obedience have improved, indicating strong potential for further development under structured training conditions.<br/><br/>Recommendations<br/><br/>• Training: Arlo would benefit from a structured board and train program focused on continued desensitization, obedience reinforcement, and confidence building in varied environments.<br/><br/>• Supervision: Due to his reactivity history, Arlo should not be left unsupervised with other dogs.<br/><br/>• Maintenance: Consistent structure, leadership, and controlled social exposure are critical to his ongoing success.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES: spay/neuter, deworming, flea/tick prevention, vaccinations, dentals if needed or any added surgical needed surgical care, food, nose to tail health exam, toys, leash|collar, winter coat (seasonal), poop bags, dishes and 30 days of Trupanion pet insurance with immediate coverage on adoption day for any illness or injury not pre-existing.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>To note: the above description is relevant to this dog in it's current & previous setting. Home changes & adopter personalities can bring out different behaviours not previously seen.

Arlo is a dog let down by humans over and over.

He's still just a young guy at 3 years old (April 16, 2022) weighing in at the 60pound mark (short but stocky)

Arlo was originally purchased from a breeder in the Ottawa area and months later surrendered him to a rescue; "Dogs For Adoption Ottawa Rescue" who flipped him to a foster home, having never met Arlo. Arlo stayed with that foster for over a year, until the rescue ghosted him & Arlo and the foster were no longer in a position to keep fostering Arlo, so he was surrendered to yet another rescue; "Bully Love Coalition".

Arlo was with Bully Love Coalition for a few months. They were finding adopters for him, but they were not suitable adopters -- i.e. with young kids/no bully experience and it made his foster Mom incredibly worried for Arlo and the risks he was being put in, with misplaced adoptions. Those placing Arlo in potential adoption homes had not even met Arlo personally, which would have been a big help if they took the time to do so

Arlo is a dog let down by humans over and over.

He's still just a young guy at 3 years old (April 16, 2022) weighing in at the 60pound mark (short but stocky)

Arlo was originally purchased from a breeder in the Ottawa area and months later surrendered him to a rescue; "Dogs For Adoption Ottawa Rescue" who flipped him to a foster home, having never met Arlo. Arlo stayed with that foster for over a year, until the rescue ghosted him & Arlo and the foster were no longer in a position to keep fostering Arlo, so he was surrendered to yet another rescue; "Bully Love Coalition".

Arlo was with Bully Love Coalition for a few months. They were finding adopters for him, but they were not suitable adopters -- i.e. with young kids/no bully experience and it made his foster Mom incredibly worried for Arlo and the risks he was being put in, with misplaced adoptions. Those placing Arlo in potential adoption homes had not even met Arlo personally, which would have been a big help if they took the time to do some face to faces and professional assessments of him.

Out of concern for Arlo, the foster suggested the rescue transfer ownership to her so she could take responsibility for his future & adoption placement and the rescue did the transfer, without hesitation, to be rid of the problem dog & I'm sure what they felt was a problem foster.

Arlo was then transferred to Mattie's Place a