Critter Details

Meet Sasha! A lively five-and-a-half-year-old Australian Shepherd currently in Alexandria, VA, whose tricolor coat and bright spirit make every day feel like an outdoor adventure. Sasha is an energetic girl who lights up at the sight of a bouncing ball, a flying rope toy, or an open path for a long walk! With her sharp mind and eagerness to learn, she already knows sit, lie down, heel, stay, and come, and she enjoys practicing with positive reinforcement and engaging training games. True to her herding roots, Sasha can become very excited by movement, sometimes chasing runners, bicycles, or playful kids, and she is still learning how to channel that enthusiasm in calmer ways. She has shown occasional herding-related nipping during these moments of excitement, with a few instances where skin was lightly broken without injury, reflecting her instinct to guide movement rather than harm. With consistent positive reinforcement and guidance, she continues to make progress. Sasha would thrive with an experienced pet parent who understands active breeds and can provide daily exercise, structure, and continued training support. In a fenced yard or secure space, she shines as a joyful playmate who loves to run, fetch, and explore! Sasha is friendly with people of all ages and often greets newcomers with enthusiastic curiosity, though she may jump up in excitement as she says hello. She has shared gentle moments with children who are learning how to interact with dogs, especially after a good walk or game of catch. Around other dogs, she can be selective and appreciates slow, respectful introductions, while a home without cats or fast moving small animals may help her feel more comfortable. Sasha is also quite the porch commentator, happily keeping an eye on passing neighbors and announcing their arrival with a confident bark. After a full day, she shows her affectionate side by staying close and even offering sweet grooming kisses to her favorite humans. Sasha needs a caring environment where her energy, intelligence, and loving nature can shine. Could this playful, loyal girl be the one who brings new adventures and joyful routines into your world? She is ready to begin her next chapter! If you are ready for an active, devoted companion who will fill your days with movement and connection, reach out to adopt@joyfulpets.com to learn more about welcoming Sasha into your life! Content Notice: This pet is represented by Joyful Pets. All photos, descriptions, and behavioral summaries are proprietary and may not be republished, altered, or used by third-party platforms. Any unapproved aggregation or rewriting of this listing is strictly prohibited.Please complete our adoption application to arrange a meeting with this wonderful pet. Your consideration and eagerness to adopt truly make a difference. We're excited to assist you in this journey!