Every rescue dog has a story. Some begin with fear and uncertainty, some with second chances, and some with a single image that changes everything. For Dakota and her dog Gus, what started with a photo of a spotted dog on the local humane society’s website quickly turned into a life built around adventure, training, and partnership.
Adopting Gus
In 2019, Dakota and her husband were living a very different lifestyle than they do today. The couple had converted a 40-foot school bus into a home while living on a property where they helped with horses.
“We decided we were in the right place to get a dog and allow it to enjoy the land and our travel lifestyle.” Dakota explains.
While browsing local shelters, one particular dog immediately stood out.“I saw the most adorable spotty portrait pop up on the Humane Society’s website and I knew instantly that we had to go get him.”
The black and white, spotty dog dubbed "Picasso" in that photo would come to be known as Gus.
Learning Together
When Gus first came home, he had a lot to learn.
“At a year old, he knew absolutely nothing and wasn’t even really potty trained,” Dakota says. “He immediately peed on the TV stand.” Gus didn’t know basic commands or leash skills, and Dakota shares that “surprisingly, despite his lab and cattle dog mix, Gus was extremely lazy when we first brought him home. I actually took him to the vet two weeks later for testing to see if there was something wrong with him, because I thought that there was no way a cattle dog would be so lazy.”
Rather than becoming discouraged, Dakota leaned into training. “I knew I wanted just a good all-around dog who listened while being off leash as well as a dog who could hang out in public places and have no issues,” she says.
She and Gus started with recall practice, leash manners, and basic tricks, which soon became a passion of theirs. “I absolutely loved training him and decided that I would like to take this further, so I started looking into AKC dog sports.” That decision led Dakota and Gus into the world of competing together.
From Shelter Dog to Sports Competitor
Today, Gus competes in Rally Obedience (more often known as Rally), Obedience, Agility, Barn Hunt, and more. What began with trick training has turned into years of dedication and teamwork.
“At first we dabbled in just trick dog titles through AKC. From there, I got involved with Rally,” Dakota says. “That was about a five year journey, and we now have his Rally Championship title.”
Thanks to their hard work, Gus is ranked the #5 Mixed Breed dog in AKC Rally! The pair are currently competing in Open Level Obedience while continuing to explore other sports together.
“Training and competing has made me realize that although Gus is a pretty lazy guy, it’s really fun to figure out new ways to channel his drive and get him to his fullest potential - even though someone else may look at him and see no potential,” she shares. “Thanks to Gus I now teach rally and obedience classes. He also allowed me to get serious about dog photography.”
For a dog who once didn’t know “sit,” Gus opened the door to entirely new passions and opportunities for Dakota.
Gus the Adventure Dog
Outside of the ring, Gus prefers a slower pace of life.
“Besides training, Gus really loves eating, leisurely sniffs, or hikes where he gets to wander around and try to hunt little critters,” Dakota shares. “He has absolutely no desire to play with toys. He does not like things in his mouth at all unless it is food.”
Camping is one of Dakota’s favorite ways to spend time with him. He makes the perfect camp dog - exploring on his own but not going too far. When he’s good and tired, he helps himself to a comfortable spot in the van and likes to be treated to snacks.
Dakota knows that keeping Gus safe with the right gear is important, and that having reliable gear helps him stay comfortable and ready for whatever comes next. Like many active dogs, Gus spends time in environments where protection can make a huge difference. Gus wears Rex Specs Goggles when partaking in outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fly fishing, and critter hunting to keep his eyes safe and ready for the adventures to come.
What’s Next for Gus?
Gus is only estimated to be 8 years old, so his journey isn’t slowing down anytime soon. “Next for Gus is hopefully getting our Open Obedience title,” Dakota says. “We have one qualifying run under our belt so we need two more.”
Along with training and trialing, Dakota shares, “we will still continue our usual hiking and camping adventures and he will continue to be my best model man for my photography.”
Gus went from rescue dog to rally champion, camping companion, photography muse, and best friend. Sometimes the dogs who change our lives the most are the ones we least expect.
