
Looking for an Australian Shepherd dog for adoption near Philadelphia, Jersey City, Newark and New York City in Princeton, NJ? Liam would love to be considered for the position of your cherished family companion.
Liam’s Story: A Love Letter from a Complicated Boy
Hi. I’m Liam. You probably noticed I’m handsome—Aussie eyes, floofy tail, and the kind of photogenic good looks that get me compared to a canine James Dean. But let’s be clear: I am not just a pretty face. I am a whole situation. A lovable, cuddly, brilliant, complicated situation.
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Let me back up.
I once believed I’d be with my family forever. They love me deeply, and I love them back with my whole wildly beating shepherd heart. I’ve curled up next to them when they were sad, made them laugh with my silly howling serenades, and wrapped my paws around their fingers while gently licking them like some kind of therapeutic otter. I can fetch like a champ, solve puzzle toys like I invented them, and if cuddling were an Olympic sport, I’d take the gold.
But sometimes love alone isn’t enough.
You see, I’m an intense guy. Like, capital I Intense. I have big feelings and no chill. When life throws too much at me—a barking dog, a squealing kid, a snack I thought was mine—I get overwhelmed. My family has tried everything—trainers, meds, enrichment, structure, patience. They’ve worked tirelessly to help me. But even with all that love and effort, I’m still not safe around other dogs, small children, or in high-energy homes. I get overstimulated, and I can react. It’s not because I’m mean—just because my brain sometimes short-circuits under pressure.
So now, with broken hearts and tearful hugs, they’re doing what’s best for me. They’re giving me a chance to start over with someone who can give me what they no longer can—a peaceful, structured, dog-free life with someone who understands dogs like me.
I’m not looking for a casual adopter. I need a teammate. Someone smart, dog-savvy, patient, and kind. Someone who sees past my big emotions to the snuggly, brilliant boy underneath. Someone who won’t flinch when I flinch, and who’s ready to walk beside me through the tough stuff, not just the easy.
I come with my favorite toys, my crate, my nosework set, and an all-star support team—including continued guidance from my trainer, paid for by my current family. They aren’t giving me up and disappearing. They’re staying in my corner, just passing the leash to someone new.
So if you’re reading this and thinking, Maybe… maybe I’m the one, I hope you’ll reach out. Because under all my quirks and quirks-about-my-quirks is a dog who wants desperately to be understood, trusted, and loved—all the way.
Apply to adopt me, Liam, today. I’ll be waiting—kong in paw.
Questions about Liam? Check out our Liam Adoption FAQ below, or contact us by email at petrehomingnetwork@gmail.com
If you have room in your heart and home for Liam, then please offer a loving, forever home today. Liam can’t wait to show you the true meaning of unconditional love.
How To Adopt Liam
Please fill out our online meeting request form via the button below. Once your application is received and reviewed, our New Jersey dog rehoming team will ask the pets owner to reach out to you and arrange a meeting.
There is a $150 adoption/rehoming fee. Supplies and veterinary records will be included.
All About Liam – Aussie dog For Adoption in Princeton NJ
Name of Pet: Liam
Location: Princeton, NJ
Type of Pet: dog
Breed of Pet: Australian Shepherd
Sex of Pet: Male
Age of Pet: 3 years
Spayed/Neutered?: Yes
Health Problems: Yes Anaplasmosis but is asymptomatic.
Behavior Issues: Yes – see Personality below
Up To Date on Vaccinations: Yes
Gets along with cats: No
Gets along with dogs: No
Good with Children?: No
House Broken or Litter Trained?: Yes
Crate Trained?: Yes
Accessories Included: Crate, dog bed, bowl, food, collar/leash, toys, nose work set, and maybe some various other items.
Liam’s Personality
Meet Liam, a 3-year-old purebred Australian Shepherd (male, neutered) in search of a calm and experienced home. He is incredibly intelligent, affectionate, and a devoted cuddler who thrives on human companionship. Liam loves to play fetch, engage in nose work, and solve puzzles with his favorite Kongs and West Paws toys. His eagerness to learn new tricks and serenade his humans with his charming howls showcases his playful spirit.
However, Liam requires a special kind of owner—someone experienced with high-energy and arousal-prone breeds. He is currently under daily medication and needs ongoing positive training to manage significant behavioral issues. Liam is not suited for homes with other dogs or young children due to his overstimulation tendencies, which can lead to reactive behavior.
While he’s not “aggressive”, his arousal can result in attacks on other dogs, especially around resources or when he’s over threshold.
We deeply care for Liam and hope to stay in touch with his new family. Priority will be given to applicants in/near Mercer County, and we are committed to assisting with Liam’s integration into his new home, including continued support from our trainer at our expense.
Liam’s Favorite Toys, Foods, Activities?
He enjoys all kinds of toys – frisbee, soccer ball, kongs, west paws, benebone, etc.
Cute Liam Story:
He loves to cuddle with us and his favorite calming activity is to lick our fingers while holding them with his paws.
Why is Liam Being Rehomed?
Behavioral issues. We can share more information from our trainer and behavioral vet.
Liam’s Perfect Adoptive Home Will Be:
Someone who is familiar with high-energy breeds and high-arousal dogs. Must be willing to dedicate significant time, money, and energy to training (positive only). Needs to be very skilled at dogs with significant triggers and behavioral issues. Ideally, someone who is nearby so we can still have a relationship with Liam.
Liam’s Location
Liam is located close to the following towns and cities in NJ, PA and NY, and can be adopted from anywhere within a reasonable distance.
Princeton NJ,
Philadelphia PA,
Newark NJ,
Jersey City NJ,
New York NY,
Ewing NJ,
Trenton NJ,
North Brunswick NJ,
Manville NJ,
Somerset NJ,
New Brunswick NJ,
Somerville NJ,
East Brunswick NJ,
Highland Park NJ,
South River NJ,
Bound Brook NJ,
Levittown PA,
Middlesex NJ,
Edison NJ,
Sayreville NJ,
Adopt this deserving Aussie dog in Princeton NJ today.
🐾 Liam’s Adoption FAQ
Thinking about adopting Liam? Here’s everything you might want to know—honestly, openly, and with love.
🧠 About Liam’s Personality & Temperament
Q: What breed is Liam?
Liam is a purebred Australian Shepherd—brilliant, energetic, and emotionally complex, just like the breed is known for.
Q: How old is Liam?
Liam is 3 years old. He’s fully grown, in excellent physical shape, and in the prime of his Aussie life.
Q: What is Liam’s personality like?
He’s incredibly affectionate, loyal, and smart. He bonds deeply with his people and thrives on connection. He’s also playful and loves to work—whether that’s nose games, fetch, or solving puzzle toys. At home, he’s a certified cuddlebug. His favorite way to relax is to gently hold your hand with his paws and lick your fingers like a sweet little therapist.
Q: Is Liam a good cuddler?
Yes. Elite level. He lives for snuggle time.
Q: Is Liam an “aggressive” dog?
No, not in the classic sense. But he has high arousal levels and can become reactive—especially to dogs and overstimulating environments. He is not suitable for homes with other animals or children due to his thresholds.
🚩 Behavior & Special Needs
Q: Why is Liam being rehomed?
Liam’s family loves him dearly, but after extensive training and support efforts, it became clear that his behavioral needs exceed what they can safely provide long-term. Rehoming is not due to a lack of love—it’s a loving, heartbreaking decision based on safety and realism.
Q: What kind of behavioral issues does Liam have?
Liam has a high arousal threshold and can become overstimulated. This can result in reactive behavior such as lunging, barking, or snapping—especially around other dogs or when overwhelmed by stimuli. He is resource-guarding prone and is not safe in environments with other pets.
Q: Is Liam aggressive toward people?
No. Liam is affectionate and loving with his humans. However, because he’s so easily overstimulated, homes with children (especially younger than 12) are not recommended.
Q: Is Liam OK with other dogs or cats?
No. He needs to be the only pet in the home. He does not do well with other animals and has shown reactive behavior around them, especially when resources (food, toys, space) are involved.
Q: Can Liam go to dog parks or on-leash walks in crowded areas?
No. Busy dog parks and high-traffic areas are too stimulating for him. He will thrive in quiet, structured environments with predictable routines and low outside stimulation.
Q: Does Liam need ongoing training?
Yes. Liam needs an adopter who is committed to using positive reinforcement training only. He has a solid base from previous professional training and is currently on a behavior plan designed by a certified trainer and a behavioral vet. Continued support is available—and encouraged.
Q: Will the adopter receive help from Liam’s current trainer?
Yes. His current family is offering ongoing support from his professional trainer, at their expense, to ensure a successful transition and long-term success in his new home.
🩺 Health & Vet Care
Q: Is Liam neutered and up to date on vaccinations?
Yes, he is fully vaccinated, neutered, and up to date on all veterinary care.
Q: Does Liam have any known health conditions?
Yes. Liam has tested positive for Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne illness, but is currently asymptomatic. It is not contagious and does not currently affect his quality of life. His condition is managed with monitoring and occasional vet checkups.
Q: Is Liam on any medications?
Yes. He is on daily behavioral medication to help manage arousal and anxiety. Details will be provided to any serious adopter, along with vet records and prescriptions.
🏠 Home & Lifestyle Requirements
Q: What kind of home is best for Liam?
Liam needs a calm, structured, adult-only home with no other pets. Ideally, it will be a house (not an apartment or condo) with a fenced yard, or in a quiet neighborhood with minimal exposure to dogs and outside stimuli.
Q: Can Liam live in an apartment or condo?
Generally, no. Too many unpredictable noises and limited outdoor space can cause overstimulation and behavioral setbacks. A home with controlled outdoor access is best.
Q: How much exercise does Liam need?
Liam needs regular mental and moderate physical enrichment—not just exercise for the sake of movement. Think: puzzle toys, nose work, controlled games of fetch, and trick training. Over-exercising can actually increase arousal, so balance is key.
Q: Is Liam house-trained?
Yes, 100%.
Q: Is Liam crate-trained?
Yes, and he finds comfort in his crate. It’s a great safe space for him, and he will come with his crate as part of the adoption.
Q: What supplies come with Liam?
Liam will come with a crate, bed, food bowls, toys, leash/collar, nosework enrichment gear, food, and any other useful supplies his current family can provide. They want to set him up for success.
❤️ The Adoption Process
Q: Where is Liam located?
He’s in Princeton, New Jersey—but adoptable to qualified homes within a reasonable distance. Priority will be given to adopters near Mercer County NJ, or within the NYC, Philly, Jersey City, Newark area.
Q: Is there an adoption fee?
Yes. There is a $150 adoption fee, which helps ensure Liam goes to a committed home. It also includes his supplies, veterinary records, and ongoing trainer support.
Q: Will his current owners want updates or contact?
Yes. Liam’s family would love to stay in touch (as much or as little as you’re comfortable with) and be a quiet support system in the background. They’re deeply bonded to him and want what’s best for everyone involved.
Q: What happens after I apply?
If you’re seriously interested in Liam, please email us at petrehomingnetwork@gmail.com. We’ll follow up promptly to answer questions, learn more about your home and experience, and arrange a meet-and-greet if it feels like a potential match.
💬 Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to help. Email us any time at petrehomingnetwork@gmail.com — Liam may have his quirks, but he also has a huge heart waiting to meet the right person.