Details for A830968

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Animal information

A830968

Placement Info:
This animal may not be available for placement. Please contact the shelter directly to learn more.

Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Description: My name is Tuco.
I am a neutered male, black and white Labrador Retriever mix.

Weight: I weigh approximately 45.50 lbs.
Age: The shelter staff think I am about 3 years old.
More Info: I have been at the shelter since Jan 10, 2026.
I am in Kennel DOGISO 16.
If you are interested in adopting this pet, visit us during regular business hours. Please email pacc.adopt@pima.gov for any questions regarding the adoption process.
If you believe this is your lost pet, come down during regular business hours to reclaim or email pacclostandfound@pima.gov with any questions.

Bio: EMERGENCY PLACEMENT DEADLINE
CLOSE OF BUSINESS Monday 04/20/26
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION OR FOSTER THROUGH PACC



Name: Tuco
Animal ID: A830968
Age: 3yr
Weight: 45.5lb
Web Link: https://24petconnect.com/PimaAdoptablePets/Details/PIMA/A830968
About:


Meet Tuco! This handsome 3yr old came into the shelter in January after being surrendered. Since then we have learned lots about him. For instance, he loves belly rubs! He also likes when his volunteer friends take him out to a yard and let him wander for a bit and then getting some snuggles. Here is what two volunteers have had to say about Tuco:


“Tuco gets very excited to get out of the kennel and will whine and jump. When walking, he pulls slightly, but does a great job of checking in and looking back to me. He does great when wandering a play yard and I praise him for going potty. I do baby talk to him a lot because sometimes if you use a stern voice, he thinks he is in trouble and will sit in front of you and put his head all the way back. He loves his belly rubs. He also will jump up and hold my arm with his paws and look at me with his super soft puppy eyes. I always try to give him a snack when he goes back into his kennel. He will sit and wait for it!


Overall, Tuco is the bestest boy ever and is super smart and loving!”


“I love spending time with Tuco. he leashes up nicely. He is a bit kennel reactive when coming out and also on return. But he is easily steerable and once outside He is a wonderful dog to walk. Super easy. loves affection. sits for treats and takes them nicely. this boy would love to be in a home and get lots of belly rubs!”


Tuco has shown people selectivity in the shelter along with a recent altercation in playgroup at PACC, and is now in need of an urgent adopter.


If you think Tuco might be the boy for you please come down to PACC ASAP and ask to meet him!





Available for long term foster care (30+ days) or adoption through PACC.


Interested parties:
Must visit PACC before the COB Monday April 20th, 2026 deadline to meet with a counselor who will review notes and introduce you to the dog to ensure that it’s a good fit. Some dogs may also require an introduction to any dogs they may potentially live with.

Home Management Plan
1) No other dogs
• Reason: Dog selective and potential to tip in playgroup. Issues with dogs in previous home.
• Slow, Structured Introductions: Introductions must be gradual and carefully managed in neutral territory. Monitor all body language closely, and end sessions on a positive note.
• Muzzle Training: It is recommended to condition Tuco to a comfortable basket muzzle before introductions. This provides safety and allows for positive experiences during early meetings.
• No Dog Parks: Tuco should not attend dog parks or other uncontrolled environments. These settings can overwhelm or trigger negative interactions, making progress more difficult.
• Behaviors could improve with proper management and/or professional training.


2) Resource Guards Food from Dogs
• Tuco may guard valued items such as food, toys, bones, or resting spaces.
• Feeding Protocol: Feed them separately from other pets and in a quiet, low-traffic area. Allow them to eat undisturbed. Remove food bowls only after they have finished and moved away.
• Muzzle Training: Conditioning them to wear a muzzle can be beneficial during resource-handling practice or when introducing high-value items around people or other animals.
• Professional Support: Work with a qualified trainer or behaviorist to develop safe management and counterconditioning techniques.
• Recognize Warning Signals: Be aware of early signs of guarding behavior, such as stiffening, hovering over items, growling, or showing teeth. Respect these signals by calmly creating distance and redirecting their focus.


3) Destructive Behaviors
• Tuco may engage in destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging or shredding items - often due to boredom, anxiety or lack of stimulation.
• Crate Training: Proper crate training can help prevent destruction when unsupervised and provide a safe, calming space for them.
• Enrichment & Stimulation: Many dogs become destructive when under-stimulated. Offer daily mental and physical activities such as frozen kongs, puzzle toys, scent work, or enrichment games. Calming background noise (music or TV) may also help reduce stress.
• Prevention: Keep valuable or unsafe items out of reach and redirect inappropriate chewing to acceptable outlets.


4) People Selective - due to admissions stating Tuco was selective towards some staff members but not others
• Tuco prefers to choose their own human friends and may not be comfortable with everyone. Always allow them to approach new people on their own terms.
• Introductions: Keep initial introductions calm, controlled, and brief. Encourage visitors to avoid direct eye contact or reaching towards them until trust is built.
• Muzzle Training: Conditioning Tuco to comfortable wear a muzzle is recommended for new introductions to ensure safety and reduce stress.
• Visitor Management: Keep them securely separated when unfamiliar people are present, especially if they show signs of discomfort or stress. Gradual exposure and positive reinforcement are key to success.
• Recognize Warning Signals: The adopter/foster must be attentive to Tuco’s body language, which can indicate stress or potential for escalation. Early warning signs include:
• Lip lifting or showing teeth.
• Low growling or vocal tension.
• Avoidance, stiff posture, or freezing.
• These warnings should be respected immediately by creating distance and giving them space to recover.

Data Updated: This information was refreshed 26 minutes ago.
Shelter information
Location: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Address: 4000 North Silverbell Road
Tucson, AZ 85745

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