Azabache

Adoption return after 8 days. Returning because dog can be mouthy and jumpy, can't leave her alone, and is not house trained. Adopter reported that the dog is a very loving, good dog, but felt that the dog needed a more experienced owner to train her. Dog received veterinary care and was taking trazadone and gabapentin while in the home. Dog mostly lived inside. For dog's personality, reported dog is friendly, playful, clingy, anxious, fearful, hyper, adventurous. Dog lived with adults only. Dog has never broken the skin of a human or animal. For dog reactions, owner checked growls if touches food bowl when eating, growls when takes away toys, isnbx00t bothered when pushes/pulls off furniture, isnbx00t bothered if getting bathed or brushed, growls when disturbed while resting or sleeping, friendly when stranger with walks towards you and dog, barks when a stranger passes your home.

Background: Brought in stray by finder on 8/24/26. Finder noted dog jumped right in the car, was hyper and calm/relaxed while riding in the car. Dog was described by finder as bx00super hyper and sweet, probably still a puppy.bx00 Given Blue dot on intake. Dog was nervous and resisted intake; was reactive to dogs while on lead and barrier reactive with other dogs while kenneling. Summary of handler and three individual volunteer handling notes to date (8/29/26).

O: Soiled kennel. Dog initially presented with some reactive barks while standing back from the kennel door. Reactivity quickly changes to soft face and soft, loose waggy body language with helicopter tail when spoken to. Most recent outings with three different volunteers not showing any barrier reactivity to humans at the kennel door or dogs in the ward. Some barking when other dogs pass her kennel and towards other dogs while on leash, easily lead away by handler. Moderate pulling on leash noted. Responds to luring and sometimes verbal cues to sit and touch. Takes treats with some teeth, but good bite inhibition. Approaches handlers multiple times throughout visits without prompting. Hops up to put front paws on handlers. Leaned into pets all over head, neck, chest, shoulders, back, belly with soft face relaxed musculature and soft high wagging tail. Engages in independent and handler directed play with different types of toys. Enters kennel ahead of handler. No issues removing slip leash by hand while petting dog around the neck and head.

A: Affiliative juvenile with minimal training. Very attentive to handlers and responsive to training. Approaches readily for pets/handling. Shows enjoyment with pets. High energy. Walks well on leash. May be leash reactive to dogs. Knows sit and touch. Treat motivated and playful with handler and with toys. Yellow for volunteer handling d/t potential for leash reactivity and jumpy behavior. Is otherwise relaxed with all over handling.

P: Make available for adoption. Unknown how this dog may behave around children. Friendly, playful, energetic juvenile, will need continued appropriate socialization with new people, places and other animals. Recommend adopters continue to work on basic manners (leash skills, recall, sit) using a patient, reward-based training approach. Training should begin immediately before unwanted behaviors develop. Adopter must be prepared for the time, energy, patience and commitment needed to raise and train an active, juvenile large dog.

S: Dog-dog evaluation with a male and female tester dog. Tester dogs selected due to their ability to politely greet and not escalate conflict.

O: At the gate, dog pulled to approach. Sniffed both testers through the fence, tail wagging and soft eyes. Inside the yard, dog approached the male tester. Stood tall, tail wagging, ears up as they moved and skittered around each other. Followed the male when he moved away and the two bounced around each other again. Lots of nose contact with the male tester but relaxed body language and soft eyes. Dog stayed with the male for the duration of the evaluation with relaxed body language overall.B

A: Chase, Medium Energy, Medium Contact, Neutral Social Dynamic, no Corrections or Conflict observed, Playgroup Size 2-3.

P: Recommend placement with appropriately matched dogs, or placed as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

Azabache – Energetic, Playful, and People-Loving

Azabache is a just-over-1-year-old, 65-pound Shepherd mix with a youthful personality and plenty of fun puppy-like charm! This energetic girl loves being around her people and is always ready for her next adventure.

• People-Loving Explorer: Azabache enjoys staying close to her people and loves running and sniffing around the yard, bringing happy energy wherever she goes.
• Smart & Talented: She knows “sit” and “touch,” has excellent barkour skills on outdoor furniture, and is working on catching treats midair. She takes treats gently from an open palm, though excitement can occasionally make her a little teethy.
• Playful and Fun: Azabache loves chasing and playing with tossed toys, bringing them closer to her person, and eventually dropping them when asked.
• Dog Social: She enjoys a good game of chase with other dogs in playgroup and brings an enthusiastic, playful spirit to her canine friendships.

Azabache would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.