Animal Profile

Makael is at risk due to behavioral reasons. In his previous home there is a reported bite incident that did not break skin. His previous owner also states he will snap at people that approach, cats, and other small animals. While in care Makeal has been observed to be highly fearful. Noted to hard bark, growl, and snarl during intake. He was also observed to bare teeth, hard bark, vocalize, and hover over the feed slot when handlers attempt to feed him. Medically, Makeal is apparently healthy.

Let's get to know each other a bit more...

This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Makael is at risk due to behavioral reasons. In his previous home there is a reported bite incident that did not break skin. His previous owner also states he will snap at people that approach, cats, and other small animals. While in care Makeal has been obsvered to be highly fearful. Noted to hard bark, growl, and snarl during intake. He was also obsvered to bare teeth, hard bark, vocalize, and hover over the feed slot when handlers attempt to feed him. Medically, Makeal is apparently healthy.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 53 lbs

Medical Notes

1/21/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: Reported 3y, exam agrees Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Owner surrender due to leaving the country. Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Reported growling and lunging toward staff. Elected sedation to reduce FAS and allow for safe handling. 0.7ml dexmedetomidine 500mcg/ml and 0.7ml dexmedetomidine 10mg/ml IM, additional 0.2ml dexmedetomidine 500mcg/ml, 0.3ml ketamine 100mg/ml, 0.2ml butorphanol 10mg/ml IM needed for adequate sedation. Evidence of Cruelty seen -no Evidence of Neglect seen-no Evidence of Trauma seen -no Objective T = P =wnl R =wnl BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: muzzle in place, but upper incisors appear to have minor tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male intact, 2 scrotal testes MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal external Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment apparently healthy Prognosis: good Plan: intake tasks Starting on 225mg trazodone PO BID indefinitely for in shelter FAS 0.7ml antisedan IM SURGERY: Okay for surgery

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 5. Red

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of Intake: 1/18/2026

Spay/Neuter Status: Unknown

Basic Information:: Makael is a 3 year old male Siberian Husky. Owner is surrendering due to moving temporary out of the country for a training of a job and financial issues.

Previously lived with:: 1 adult.

How is this dog around strangers?: With strangers and visitors, Makael is reported to hard bark and growl, owner reports that this is due to him not knowing people but overtime will be friendly and outgoing.

How is this dog around children?: Around children Makael is reported to be friendly and outgoing.

How is this dog around other dogs?: Familiar dogs : friendly and outgoing, snaps. Unfamiliar dogs - on leash: snaps Unfamiliar dogs - off leash : no experiences.

How is this dog around cats?: Makael has no experiences with cats however at stray cats outside he will lunge at them.

Resource guarding:: Owner reports that Makael does not resource guard anything.

Bite history:: Owner reported a bite happened a couple of months back when he had dropped an envelope and letter in the floor, Makael took it as playing and took the paper. Owner chased Makael around before attempting to snatch the paper from his mouth, Makael then nipped the owner on the hand but did not break skin. Owner stated there was no other bite incident after that and was the only time.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Makael tends to pull really hard in the leash and is fearful of loud noises. He is reactive to strangers that approach owner and family members, he is reactive to also cats and small animals. He will react by snapping at them. Held/Restrained: unknown/have not attempted Disturbed while resting/sleeping: isn’t bothered Startled: unknown/ have not attempted Pushed/pulled off furniture: isn’t bothered Feet/paws are touched: snaps Collar grabbed/touched: snaps

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: N/A

For a New Family to Know: Makael is reported to be very quiet, very active and playful, and independent dog. He likes to spend most of his time in the living room. He allows owner:/family to bathe and brush him. Makael is rated a level 3 when walking, mild to moderate pulling. Makael gets walked 1-2 times a day. He does well being crated for about 8 hours a day. Makael gets nervous when being inside of a car. He knows how to sit, stay, down, and give paw. Owner loves how Makael is very loyal and protective, and how gentle he can be once trusting. Makael likes to eat wet and dry food, blue buffalo.

Date of intake:: 1/18/2026

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender

Previously lived with:: 1 adult

Behavior toward strangers:: Makael will hard bark and growl

Behavior toward children:: Makael is friendly and outgoing

Behavior toward dogs:: Makael is friendly with familiar dogs, and snaps at unfamiliar dogs

Behavior toward cats:: Makael will lunge at cats

Resource guarding:: None reported

Bite history:: Owner reported a bite happened a couple of months back when he had dropped an envelope and letter in the floor, Makael took it as playing and took the paper. Owner chased Makael around before attempting to snatch the paper from his mouth, Makael then nipped the owner on the hand but did not break skin. Owner stated there was no other bite incident after that and was the only time.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Makael tends to pull really hard in the leash and is fearful of loud noises. He is reactive to strangers that approach owner and family members, he is reactive to also cats and small animals. He will react by snapping at them. Held/Restrained: unknown/have not attempted Disturbed while resting/sleeping: isn’t bothered Startled: unknown/ have not attempted Pushed/pulled off furniture: isn’t bothered Feet/paws are touched: snaps Collar grabbed/touched: snaps

Date of assessment:: 1/20/2026

Summary:: Makael arrived at MACC as an owner surrender. His owner states that he will hard bark and growl towards strangers. While on leash it is reported that he will snap towards strangers that approach and cats. Makael also has handling sensitivity and will snap when his paws or collar is touched. During intake Makael was obsvered to hard bark, growl, and snarl whenever staff approached. Behavior team members hand the leashes to the owner to have them place it on. When they attempted to walk, Makael began thrashing on leash. While in the hallway waiting to enter the kennel room Makael began staring at the handlers while growling loudly with a tense body. He then baulks on leash and has to be muscled into kennel. While in care Makael has remained high fearful. It is noted that he will not move over for his kennel to be cleaned, and when handlers attempt to feed him. Makael becomes tense, hovers over the feed slot while baring teeth, hard barking and vocalizing. Due to his high level of reactivity and defensive behaviors Makael is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 1/23/26: ACS reports Makael is not moving for cleaning. Staff also observes Makael to be licking and eating his own urine/feces. 1/20/26: KSV. Makael is laying down in the middle of his kennel. Handler approaches and crouches down. He tenses moderately. Handler throws treats. He eats the treat and loosens his body. He shimmies forwards for more treats. Interaction ended. 1/20/26: ACS report that Makael will not move over for his kennel to be cleaned. 1/18/26: Makael is obsvered to be tense, hovering, baring teeth, hard barking and vocalizing when handlers attempt to feed him.

Date of intake:: 1/18/2026

Summary:: Growling, hard barking, snarling

Date of initial:: 1/21/2026

Summary:: Reported growling and lunging toward staff. Opted to sedate

ENERGY LEVEL:: Makeal is described as medium energy. They will need daily mental and physical activity to keep them engaged and exercised. And we recommend using force-free, reward-based training techniques for them.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),No cats,Recommend no dog parks,Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to fearful behavioral and bite history we recommend a home with no children. No Cats: Due to snapping at cats we recommend a home with no cats. We recommend placement with a New Hope rescue partner who is able to provide an experienced, adult-only foster home. Force-free, reward based training and/or consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Strength/leash pulling,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Resource Guarding: Makael has been obsvered to become tense, hover, bare teeth and vocalize while being fed. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of Makael's mouth, and any time something is removed they should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. Please see handout on Resource Guarding. Handling Sensitivity: Makael's previous owner states that he will snap when his paws are touched and when his collar is grabbed. Positive reinforcement, reward based training should be used to pair touch with good things such as food rewards in order to teach Makeal to be more comfortable with this. Please see handout on Handling and Touch Sensitivity. Fearful Defensive: During intake Makael was obsvered to hard bark, growl, and snarl towards handlers. It is important to move slowly with Makael, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow them to initiate interactions with new people. They should never be forced to greet or to interact if they are not comfortable and soliciting attention. Please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression. Bite History (Human): Please see bite history above for more details. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression. On Leash Reactivity: Makael's previous owner states that he will snap when strangers approach and at cats and small animals. Makael will need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach them to look at you rather than other dogs. We recommend a front clip harness to help manage this behavior. Please see handout on On Leash Reactivity and Barrier Frustration. Leash Pulling: Makael's previous owner states that he will pull very hard while on leash. It is recommended that they be walked on a front clip harness or head halter, which will help diminish their strength through leverage, and that they be trained using positive reinforcement, reward based training to not pull on leash. Please see handout on Leash Manners.