Meet Zikki! This handsome 4-year-old, 70 lb pup is full of energy, intelligence, and personality. Zikki is an active dog who thrives on mental stimulation and plenty of exercise, so he’s looking for an adopter who can match his enthusiasm and provide a structured, engaging routine. If you love training, outdoor adventures, and building a strong bond with your dog, Zikki could be the perfect fit! Zikki is a Level 1 Special Adoption, which means he needs an experienced, dog-savvy home that understands his unique needs. He has shown some guarding behaviors around food and toys, especially in the shelter environment, so his future family should be prepared to use positive reinforcement and high-value treats for trades rather than taking items directly. Zikki loves chicken and responds well to reward-based training, making him a great candidate for continued learning with a professional trainer. Because of these behaviors, Zikki should go to an adult-only home without minors and with adopters who are comfortable managing these situations calmly and safely. Zikki can also be a little wary of strangers, so he’ll need slow introductions and a quiet home environment without frequent visitors. He’s not a dog who enjoys meeting new people in busy public spaces, so a home with limited foot traffic and a secure yard would be ideal. Once Zikki trusts you, he’s incredibly sweet and loyal—his previous owner shared that it took about a month for him to fully settle in and show his affectionate side, and then he became a wonderful companion. Despite his quirks, Zikki has so much potential. He’s smart, eager to learn, and loves having a job to do. With patience, consistency, and the right environment, Zikki will thrive and reward you with a deep, lasting bond. If you’re an experienced dog owner looking for a loving, active companion who will keep you on your toes and fill your life with joy, Zikki is ready to meet you. Come give this special boy the second chance he deserves! This pet is eligible for an Adoption Audition! What is an Adoption Audition? It’s a 5 day, no-strings-attached, trial adoption period. You can take this pet home to try it out! Interested? Come to the shelter any time during open hours and talk to one of our Customer Care staff. Be sure to check the "shelter information" box on the listing to see if the pet is located at our Fairfax Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax) or our Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton). Then, come in during our open hours! Both of our locations are open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, visit: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalshelter/adopt