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Worf - Akita Available

3-7 years|Male|X Large|Philadelphia, PA
AgeBreedColorSexSize

About Worf

Worf ACCT-A-245811 is currently considered urgent and at risk of euthanasia due to behavioral concerns. Worf must have confirmed placement with a RESCUE PARTNER, or EXPERIENCED ADOPTER by Thursday, April 9th, 2026 at 10AM. Should Worf's medical or behavioral status change, his urgency and timeline for placement may also change. Worf is a striking 95 lb male dog with a big heart and a sweet, affectionate personality. While he enjoys human interaction, leaning into pets, offering a paw, and relaxing like a little lap dog, Worf also comes with some behavioral considerations that require an experienced home. Worf has shown progress with leash training and clicker work, but he can be reactive toward other dogs and may bark, pull, or escalate in high-stress situations. In one instance during a leashed hike, he became involved in a dog-on-dog altercation on a narrow trail, highlighting the importance of an experienced handler who can safely manage him and continue working on his socialization. Worf also displays excitement behaviors, including jumping and humping, which may be stress-related, and would do best in an adult-only home. Because Worf is still learning appropriate boundaries and responding to triggers, he is best suited for an experienced adopter or rescue partner who can provide structure, guidance, and consistent training. He is looking for a home where he can receive patient, knowledgeable care to help him safely navigate the world while showing off his gentle, loving nature! Videos: Worf likes pets: https://youtube.com/shorts/bIGR2XsNCJk?si=vtV7l2TXsWQmvBYl Rottie Lee and Worf Meet: https://youtu.be/MaE5HuPh5zY dog meet with Nova1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM4y8OE-3IE dog meet with Nova2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDA9NOYRLF0 Behavior Notes: Per foster 4/7/26: "While fostering Worf, I got to see how sweet and affectionate he is. At home, he is well mannered and eager to please. He will wait for food until directed, enjoys stuffed and enrichment toys, and is very content relaxing and acting like a little lap dog. On walks, he does pull on leash, but we made progress using clicker training. He is very food motivated and responsive. Although he improved with walking beside me, he can be reactive toward other dogs and may bark and pull strongly in those situations. Once removed from the trigger, he is able to calm down and reset. He does have a tendency to jump up when excited, so he may do best in a home without small children given his size. Overall, Worf is a gentle and handsome boy who would thrive in a structured and experienced home. With continued training and support for his leash skills and reactivity, he can be the perfect companion:)" Per volunteer (from walksheet) 4/6/26: good boy Per foster 4/5/26: While on a leashed hike, Worf was involved in a dog-on-dog altercation. On the trail, Worf became reactive when he spotted the other dog, barking and pulling. He was fully leashed and harnessed at the time. We initially had distance and were attempting to pass safely, but the situation escalated quickly in a narrow trail setting, and I lost control momentarily after tripping while he was pulling, at which point he made contact with the other dog. The other dog was evaluated by a veterinarian and did not require stitches and is currently stable. Contact lasted approximately 10-20 seconds. I do not believe the other dog retaliated. My friend and I were able to separate them by pulling Worf away. I checked Worf afterward and did not observe any injuries. In the home, Worf has been very sweet, responsive, and affectionate. He had also been making progress with leash training and was walking next to me with reduced pulling, though he continued to show reactivity when seeing other dogs. Per staff 4/1/26: Worfs foster reached out about some behavioral issues they are experiencing. He is showing some anxiety when the foster is about to leave the house. Jumping up and humping the foster. Also he is pulling on the walk. Below are the recommendations 1. Use a crate or baby gate in a room as to not give him full run of the house. 2. Pulling on walks: use a no pull harness to deter pulling, like a freedom harness. 3. The humping can be stress related and not just sexually related. Anyway, with time I'd expect to see it reduce. 4. Calming agents like anxitaine or zylkene can be natural ways to provide some relaxation, naturally. Per volunteer 3/28: I met him when another volunteer had him out for a dog meet. He had no issues with the multiple volunteers around him. He even came over to me, put his paws up on my shoulders and allowed and enjoyed all over pets. He seems like a good dog and he is so handsome. Per volunteer 3/26/26: Worf (ACCT-A-245811) came to the shelter after being found loose on a baseball field at a park, where a bystander helped safely secure him. While initially unsure and keeping his distance, Worf quickly showed he was willing to engage, sitting on cue and allowing himself to be leashed and brought in without issue. Since arriving, Worf has shown himself to be a gentle, social, and cooperative dog. Though he was a bit wary at first, he has consistently demonstrated friendly behavior with people-leaning in for affection, taking treats gently, and even offering a paw. He walks well on leash, is easy to handle, and has a soft, relaxed demeanor once comfortable. Overall, he presents as a large but kind-hearted dog who enjoys human interaction and is easy to work with. Per staff 3/26/26: Kennel Presentation: At the front of the kennel with soft eyes, ears to the side, loose body and mid tail wagging. Leash Skills: Easy to leash and came right out of the kennel without hesitation. Mildly pulls through the kennels, half way through the the kennel he did a shake off. Outside he would mark. Sociability: Leaned into handling with soft eyes, open relaxed mouth, ears to the side and mid tail. Did stand on his hind leg and put his paws on my shoulder (which he was taller then me haha). He is gentle for his size. Play: n/a Dog Interaction: met nova. appropriate greetings able to walk away on his own. Return to Kennel: Pulled hard on the way back in the kennel. Went right into kennel and removed leash with hand. Color Level: Exp Gold Per staff 3/26/26 (Regarding dog meet with Nova): Curious, appropriately sniffed and tolerant of being sniffed. At one point attempted to mount. Neutral body language. Per staff 3/24/26: Worf came into dog intake panting, head high and started sniffing and looking around. When given treats Worf was gentle would sit and give paw. Leaned in for pets. We used cream cheese on the door and were able to vaccinate and chip him no problem. Per staff 3/23/26: dog was warning barking, with a tail tucked when I entered the field. He kept running away then running back to the fence where a bystander was. I told him to sit and he sat down by the fence. I threw the bystander my leash and she was able to leash him through the fence. Got onto the truck with no issue. Leashed easily and walked well to kennel. Easily put in kennel. Removed one large RAL Akita mix from baseball field at park with help of bystander - Due to being significantly overcapacity with dogs and cats and higher than usual intake, extensions are unlikely to be granted. If you are interested in an animal please contact ACCT Philly immediately. Due to limited space, timestamps may also be proceeded with early so it is imperative to let us know if you are considering adopting or tagging a dog or cat. ACCT Philly is located at 111 West Hunting Park Ave in Philadelphia. We are open for adoptions 7 days a week. Please visit www.acctphilly.org/adopt for details. If you are a rescue interested in pulling this animal, please email our lifesaving team, or visit here if you are not currently a rescue partner: https://acctphilly.org/acct-philly-love-local-partnership-program/ Confirmed placement is considered confirmation of an actual rescue pull. Possible placement, interested parties, and other "TBD" statuses are not considered confirmed and do not indicate an animal is no longer urgent. All animals at ACCT Philly are from Philadelphia, as the only open intake animal shelter in Philadelphia, we are not able to accept animals from outside of Philadelphia. ACCT Philly's Pennsylvania kennel license number is 08313.

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