Dog adoption in Maricopa, AZ, 85138 Nerfherder (Mutt) Dog "Han Solo"

He is extremely friendly and loving towards family members. Han loves to play ball with us, as well as go on long walks and run. He likes to lie next to you or on top of you, and often nudges for cuddles. Belly rubs are a favorite and he will sit next to you and kiss you as long as you let him. He gives awesome hugs. He is very fearful and defensive around strangers. He will bark then charge them. We have trained him to go to his crate when the doorbell rings for this reason. People who visit frequently are barked at and may be charged once. Once frequent visitors give him treats, he relaxes to an extent with them. He has a positive, submissive, response to adults and will readily listen to our commands. It depends on the personality of the teenager, and they have to use a firm, strong voice. The youngest child he has been around is a 10 year old, and he has not listened well to their commands. He approaches all members of the family with trust and love, and solicits pets, attention, and play from everyone in the family.

He has not encountered our hedgehogs, and we do not know his reaction to them.

Han has a very strong prey and chase drive. He will charge any small cat that he encounters and attack with intent to kill, using a chest grip and kill head-shake.. He has been growly at our 6 lb chihuahua, and has been rough with her previously. Han gets along extremely well with our female Lab mix, treating her as a mother, and is very playful and energetic with his sister. He's housebroken and crate trained, and knows basic commands. He walks on a Gentle Leader well. Han is fear reactive, and has a fear response to the unknown. This is well mitigated by walks, but our family's health doesn't allow us to take long walks. He is terrified of loud noises, but has responded well to CBD in the past. He does like to jump to greet people he knows and likes. He will charge threateningly at anyone unknown who approaches the house. When he is on the leash being walked, he will back up and attempt to run. He does not attempt to charge large dogs while being walked, and is fearful of them. Han is smart. He's incredibly smart and a fast learner. He is fully crate trained, and adores playing fetch. He is loving and snuggly and a perfect lap dog. He needs a childless or teenager-only person or family with an energetic lifestyle. He would love to hike for miles, or play for hours, which we can't physically do. He's got agility dog potential - he can make a six foot vertical jump from a standing position, and he can take the training if you can afford it. He would also make an excellent working dog, with a herding drive and willingness to work.