Meet Tuff! Another pull from the Maricopa County shelter, Tuff was placed on the euthanasia list simply for being a young, mouthy husky in need of some training. Since we met him, we have not observed any aggressive behavior at all. This beautiful boy absolutely did not deserve to end up on the e-list and has done very well in a more stable environment.

Tuff truly offers the best of both worlds; when he’s only with a person, he’s equally content being mellow or going for a run. His energy increases when he’s around other dogs. He’s very playful but does try to be somewhat dominant. He will need continued work on his boundaries, as his biting and alpha-type behavior can be too much for some other dogs. That being said, he responds well to both verbal correction and redirection with food, and he has learned to coexist peacefully with both larger dogs and cats in his foster home.

Tuff does display some behavioral issues that are common in young huskies: counter-surfing, eating trash, chewing on items around the home, and jumping on people. However, we have no reason to believe that these problems won’t improve with some patience and consistent training. He has done very well around the older kids and teenagers in the home. He’s also crate-trained and walks well on a leash without much pulling.

To top it all off, Tuff is an affectionate, cuddly boy. He loves food and treats, but also belly rubs and doing his best impression of a lap dog. He would make an amazing companion for an active person or family. He has a sassy side and will tell you when he wants to get moving, but he’s also happy to just hang out with his people. He would thrive as an only dog but could also do well with other rambunctious dogs after an adjustment period with some continued work on his boundaries. This sweet boy has so much love to give. If you’re looking for a unicorn husky – snuggly, polite on leash, and cat-friendly, Tuff is your boy! Fill out an application today to meet this handsome guy.