Stetson German Shepherd Dog Mix Vancouver, WA

Energy level: Moderate
Overall drive: Low - Moderate
Location: Olympia, WA


Stetson is a classic brand of cowboy hat and happens to be the name of a tall dark and handsome male Malinois looking for his forever home. This young man has wolf-ish good looks, a dark sable coat, and is incredibly sweet. Of course, with pointy ears, he gets all the scary dog privileges but has zero intention of ever backing anything up #AllLooks.
His foster states that if Stetson was a human, he would be a high-level personal assistant as he is always by your side and ready to help at the drop of a hat with anything you need. He just wants to make you happy 24/7/365. He has a personality that is goofy and quirky, which makes him very easy to love. At nighttime he loves to cuddle and snuggle as long as you want to. If he has to have a nickname it would be Shadow, when you are home, he wants to be next to you no matter what. Are you missing a friend in the bathroom? Well, Stetson can fix that. Need help cooking? Stetson will help. Had a long day at work and needed a snuggle buddy? Stetson to the rescue!
Stetson loves riding in the car both loose and in a crate, although he doesnt just lie down and go to sleep. There is too much wonder in the world speeding by for him to want to nap. He was unsure, but well behaved at the vets office and passed his exam with flying colors Loud noises may briefly startle him or cause a bark, but he recovers and settles down quicklyLike most dogs, Stetson appreciates the chance to get to know people and dogs slowly over time. With the due diligence of his foster and dedicated training he has made great strides in curbing some minor leash reactivity and enhancing his environmental skills #KeepsHisCircleSmall

Stetson has mastered the Sit, Down, Shake, Nose Touch, and Come (98% success) commands. He is working on Off, Waiting at the Door, Loose leash walking, and ignoring other dogs while out and about. He loves to play tug, explore new trails, romp with his dog pals, but is not much of a fetcher. His foster says that he has only been destructive of the dog toys he has been allowed to have. In situations that are overstimulating, Stetson seems to lose some confidence and he will exhibit some behaviors that need mitigation such as jumping on people or more pronounced leash reactivity. Luckily, Stetson only requires simple verbal or light prong correction to redirect these behaviors. His new family will need to be willing to set him up for ongoing success by having clear boundaries and structure and providing plenty of opportunities for appropriate socialization.

Stetson is hoping for a forever home that is calm and predictable, with no children or small animals that run as he will chase. He would enjoy having a similar-sized dog friend in the home, but it would take a slow introduction for them to become #BFFs. His exercise requirements are fairly low for this breed, a mile or two a day and mental stimulation is enough to wear him out. He has been bikejoring and loved it! He does love food and using his nose so snuffle mats, and hiding treats for him to seek out would be good places to start with him. If you want to talk some more about Stetson, please apply!