Guido

Guido is an adoptable male Belgian Shepherd Malinois looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a young adult and large in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Guido, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 8/25/2026 08/25/26 12:33 Canine has demonstrated low tolerance for handling and other concerning behaviors during their time in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 8/30/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 8/31/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 8/25/2026 Assisted with moving dog to I building. Dog approached handler with soft body and wagging tail, demand barking. Easy to leash, moderate pull to new kennel, zigzagged, ignored kenneled dogs. Easy return, used clip leash. 8/22/2026 Dog was closed to back half of kennel, standing still, slight tense body, tail down. Handler spoke gently, crouched dog, offered hand outside of gate. Dog softened slightly, brief tail wag, then became stiff again as neighboring dogs began barking. Accepted treats through gate. Flinched on initial leash contact, then settled, allowed it. Exited quickly then walked slowly, appeared to have some difficulty finding footing on inside floor. Able to be directed past staff working in area. Once outside, dog walked with moderate pull once outside, no issues directing to play yard. Second handler distracted dogs with treats as first handler adjusted leash stopper, applied extended line. Dropped leash. Dog explored on own, relieved self, then returned to handlers. Dog had soft face when approaching, then would furrow brow, did not appear to be seeking physical attention but stood near handlers for most of evaluation. Ate treats when tossed nearby, accepted some treats by hand, grabby. Briefly chased tennis balls, lost interest quickly. Dog would brush against handlers occasionally, remained near them, panting. Handler retrieved leash. Moderate pull on return. Walked with more confidence inside building, appeared cautious at times, would circle around handler occasionally when slowing down, but no issues directing to kennel. Dog entered easily, leash removed via clip lead as precaution. 8/21/2026 Dog was closed to back for AM cleaning. Dog stood at front; still; tense; offered treats; took treats through kennel door; tossed treats at front of kennel; dog started eating treats; handler placed large loop over; flinched; secured leash; dog exited pulling hard out of kennel; pulled in different directions; hard pull; would turn back to look at handler; ears back; continued to pull hard all the way to yard. In yard, handler kept dog on leash while trying to place stopper down; dog would pull hard around in yard; eventually dog settled; attempted to place stopper down; dog would turn head; dog would continue to look at handler turning body around; handler tossed several treats onto ground; assistant handler tried distracting; not interested; gave dog a moment; sniffed around in yard; started eating tossed treats; gave more treats; able place stopper down; tossed more treats; able to place clip leash on while dog was eating treats; extended leash; dropped leash; dog explored. After a few moments, assistant handler tossed treats in air; dog jumped; air snapping at treats; demonstrated sit & lay; reached forward; took treats gently from assistant handler; sniffed hand; walked away; continued to explore; tense body entire time; alert ears; tail straight down; panting. Handler verbally coaxed; offered treat by hand; took treat gently; continued to explore; handler tossed several treats onto floor; dog started to eat treats; handler pet lower back; skin crawled; handler started to scratch lower back; dog was more interested in treats; continued to explore. Handler picked leash up; undid extended leash; dog flinched; exited yard; hard pull; pulled in different directions; would stop; circled around handler; entered kennel; removed leash with clip leash. 8/17/2026 seemed eager to meet me but when it was in the kennel at the house and I attempted to place a leash on growled. I had complainant take dog out and helped place in kennel. 8/17/2026 does not walk on leash, tail tucking, nervous with handler, allows some touching/handling - proceed with caution, skin crawling, heavy restraint for vaccines, attempt to bite with handling, snarls, shows teeth Name: Guido Animal ID: A5170140 Breed: BROWN/BLACK BELG MALINOIS Sex: Male Age: 1Y 0M Weight: 62.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing I - 267 Intake Date: 8/17/2026 Deadline Date: 8/30/2026