PARKER Australian Shepherd & Border Collie Mix Phoenix, AZ

Parker tops the list of Handsome Doggos at Home Fur Good. He has irresistible floofiness and he knows it! Parker has a birthdate of January 4, 2020, so he is a young dog, and being a 70-pound, Australian Shepherd mix, he has energy galore. On the plus side, Parker is quite the smarty pants, he loves to learn and aims to please, so his new forever family can help him burn energy by exercising his brain, not just by taking him on jogs. Parker enjoys water sports, fetch, tug-o-war and playing with others. Parker has met many dogs at Home Fur Good and he does have a preference. He enjoys smaller buddies and ones who prefer a good game of chase over dogs that will be directly in his face. Parker originally came to Home Fur Good in February 2021 after being turned in at the county shelter as a stray. Parker was adopted and with his adopter for just over a year, before being returned because they could not keep up with his energy. Parker is ready to try again, and he would like his new family to be able to match his enthusiasm for life and adventures. Parker will adjust his leash style to his handler, if you are a hiker/walker/jogger/sprinter, Parker just needs a moment to settle in at your speed. Parker has been diligently working on his social skills. He can be hesitant and fearful of new people. A busy shelter can be stressful on a dog who is hesitant around strangers. Volunteers and staff have worked with him, and Parker has risen to the top of many “He is my favorite” lists. Parker is reactive to some classic triggers such as humans approaching his kennel head on, and bending over him, so approaching from the side or kneeling are important things to remember with him. He will need a home with no small children. Parker’s perfect family may need to make more than one trip to meet him. Bonds are not always created instantly, and multiple visits will just make the friendship stronger. He is very treat-motivated, which goes a long way in training. He has a strong desire to please and he catches on quickly. Parker seems happiest when given a task or learning something new. Parker does seek out interactions with people, he really loves booty scratches and will ask for them by putting his butt against you or by squeezing under your legs if you are sitting down. Parker has much to offer, and with a dedicated owner he will show his desire to learn, please, and be the best dog he can be. His new owner will need to continue training such as basic obedience, confidence building, and impulse control. His new family needs to be able to provide mental and physical stimulation. He is a high-energy dog and should ideally be doing agility or something similar. The adoption fee is $225 and includes spaying/neutering, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping, and a free wellness visit at Phoenix Mountain Animal Hospital. Our adoption hours are Thursday-Saturday from 11:00 am-4:00 pm by appointment.