Choco Chip

Choco Chip is an adoptable male Black and Tan Coonhound looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a young adult and medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 2 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Choco Chip, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/27/2026 10/27/26 14:06 Canine has exhibited escalating behavior that resulted in a bite incident while in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 11/1/26 to provide behavior intervention in a non-shelter setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 11/2/26 or sooner if warranted. **Interested parties should be aware canine is unable to be picked up until 10/30/26.** Intake 9/28/2026 A5167438 and A5172356 were found together. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/27/2026 Updating color due to NHO status. 10/20/2026 Responding to loose dog call on radio* Dog was standing up alongside fence with eyes wide, ears alert, wary of ACT staff member placing leash while heavily panting, pawing towards leash to push away, allowed handler to slowly approach and place leash over head. Became erratic on leash, zig zag walking pattern, strong pull back to kennel, began thrashing/pulling on leash when approaching kennel, able to guide dog into kennel as dog thrashed with no issues, tense bodied while sitting in middle of kennel, would not come forward as handler knelt down attempting to coax over, would allow handler to slowly approach and place clip leash while in kennel, able to exit kennel and remove leash via clip leash with no issues. 10/20/2026 Dog was being leashed to be moved into the indoor part of the kennel for daily cleanig procedures, once the leash was placed the dog began to thrash and leash bite. The dog redirected up towards the handlers hand making contact and not engaging further. Upon redirection the leash became loose around the dog's neck leading the dog to stick it's paw in the loop to loosen it further and escaping the leash and kennel. The dog ran from I building over to a gate next to F building where the handler eventually caught up to the dog and an EET staff member was able to leash the dog and guide them back to kennel without issue. 10/18/2026 Presented leash, dog would start to dodge leash placement. Able to step into kennel & leash dog. Would walked to PY with a stop & go style on leash while needing verbal coaxing. Once in PY, dog would explore with a relaxed & wiggly body. Approaching handler on own & when called over. Would \"SIT\" for treats & take treats gently. Would run & do zoomies then approach handler & jump up while leaning against handlers body for more petting, able to direct off without issues. Picked up leash & verbally coaxed dog to walk into behavior taxi without issues for kennel return. Rode well back to kennel. Exited into kennel & allowed leash removal to be done by hand. Interested parties should be counseled on providing this dog with proper decompression time in a new home.  Allowing time to adjust is important for their comfort and well-being.  Adopters should be counseled on proper dog-to-dog introductions, which should only occur after the dog has fully decompressed. *This dog may need a behavior taxi to help with an easier kennel return* 10/17/2026 Closed outside for AM cleaning. Dog approached handler with soft body and wagging tail, took treats. Avoidant of leash placement, handler stepped into kennel, dog approached, able to slowly place leash, dog exited kennel then thrashed head briefly when feeling leash pressure, quickly settled and walked with light pull to yard, ignored kenneled dogs in passing. Affiliative with handler, front paws on lap soliciting attention, leaned into handler and allowed petting all over, panting, eyes soft, tongue lolled, explored yard but checked in with handler frequently soliciting more attention. Picked up leash and walked back to kennel, once in front of kennel dog stopped and began pulling away from handler, gave dog a moment to settle, dog stood with front paws against handler, panting, body soft, tail wagging, allowed handler to pick up and carry into kennel, able to reach in and remove leash by hand. 10/16/2026 During AM cleaning dog refused to move inside with verbal coaxing and treats, dog was laying agianst back kennel door and rerfused to move, went to back side and dog got up excited to exit kennel, would dodge attempts to leash, did a big loop and got leash on, opened kennel door and dog came out, allowed petting and walked polietly to other side of building, before entering building decided to use a back clip for easy return, dog remained calm with a soft body when attatching back clip leaning against handlers legs, entering the door way the dog walked forward and hit the end of the leash, the dog whipped backwards and vocalized, handler used leash pressure away to prevent from coming towards handler and dog began biting at leash, handler quickly opened the kennel door and allowed dog to move into kennel, dog would continue to bite at leash, once in kennel dog would vocalize at any slight pressure added so quickly removed leash with back clip, once leash was removed dog went and laid down in back of kennel. Offered treats once door was closed and dog came up and ate the ones tossed on the floor after a minute. 10/16/2026 Assisted with M&G. Adoptions staff had dog on leash on approach; dog had soft body language, wagging tail, leaned into handler's legs to seek attention. Some hesitation to walk on leash but easy to encourage forward with verbal coaxing. In yard, dog greeted customer with loose body language. Dog allowed all petting, sought attention. Handler took leash for return. Dog walked well, then stopped at open kennel gate. Dog began thrashing and crying out when any leash pressure was applied. Dog would twist body, jump up into air, then land on ground. Handler released all leash tension, spoke softly, was able to pet dog. Dog softened towards handler and adoptions staff. Ate wet food from hand but would not enter kennel for it. Dog continued to thrash, twist, and cry out when handler tried guiding dog into kennel. Second handler arrived, used sort board to guide dog forward. Dog fought against leash, began chewing it, whipped body around. Handler used straight arm on leash while closing gate. Dog continued to chew on leash. Handler spoke softly, dog dropped leash, came forward, panting but appearing to settle. Dog allowed slow leash removal by hand. 10/12/2026 Nervous, tense body, skin crawling, slow leash placement, tolerated some handling and vaccine booster with muzzle wrap restraint, thrashed slightly during restraint, slowly coaxed back into kennel with slight leash pressure, clip lead used to remove leash. 10/7/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Stop and go, Calm, Sit, Stepped into kennel to leash, some stopping when dogs were barking at him, appears potty trained, food motivated, affectionate, greets staff, friendly, good boy. 10/2/2026 Soft body, wagging tail, paws up on gate to solicit attention from handler. Placing YELLOW level based on kennel presence and intake notes. *Dog should not be introduced to any other pets until end of 14-day decompression period. Potential adopters should be counseled on proper dog introductions, which must be slow and supervised. This approach is essential for the safety, comfort, and well-being of all pets involved.* 9/28/2026 dog was soft body, allowed petting/handling, walked on leash, allowed to carry into kennel with no issues 9/28/2026 walked on leash then stopped, carried, soft body, mild restraint for vaccines, allows all petting, allows all handling, carried to kennel Name: Choco Chip Animal ID: A5172356 Breed: BLUE TICK/TAN QUEENSLAND HEEL/MIX Sex: Neutered Age: 1Y 1M Weight: 35.4 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing S - 316 Intake Date: 9/28/2026 Deadline Date: 11/1/2026