Birch is a 60lb 6 year old wheaten terrier/Australian Cattle Dog/Samoyed mix in Hillsboro, OR. Birch is bright, affectionate, funny, and deeply loyal once bonded, but he is not a beginner dog. He has a history of reactivity with unfamiliar dogs and people until properly introduced, resource guarding, overstimulation in chaotic environments, and bite incidents when scared or pushed past his threshold. He is sensitive to having his paws handled. Because of this, he requires an experienced, patient handler who understands reactivity and dogs who need clear structure and boundaries. Birch will thrive in a calm, adult-only home with no cats and ideally no other pets (possible exception a very stable, trainer-level dog). A secure yard or access to outdoor space, consistent routine, and continued training are essential. Birch is a wonderful dog in so many ways. He loves to solve puzzles and is highly food motivated. His favorite game is “Find It” where I toss treats around the house and he sniffs them out. He also loves his stuffed animals. He is super gentle with them and will carry them around the house and gently place them here and there. His lambchop is still his favorite. He also lets me bathe and brush him, and even trim some of his scruff as long as I give him treats. I do take him to the vet for nail trims and he wears a muzzle. He knows commands, “Sit, shake, down, up, on your place, find it, leave it, heel, back up,” and he is especially good with “Wait.” Release words are “OK” and “Find it!” He is very patient and will wait on his place until told he can eat. He is not destructive in the home and has never had an accident. However, he does try to pull things off the counter when no-one is home. Bread is a favorite and he has eaten an entire baguette off of the counter before. Thankfully he is not tall enough to reach anything unless it’s right on the edge. His reactivity is primarily with new and unfamiliar people or dogs. He’s doing much better on walks, but dogs coming straight toward him are still a struggle. He does also still have issues with resource guarding high value treats and his toys. This is where 90% of his bite incidents have occurred, but it’s manageable for the most part. We were doing pack walks with Grand Fur Lodge until they stopped for the winter and he was doing amazingly well with all of those dogs. He even earned a “Most Improved” medal. 🏅 He really wants to be a good boy!