Date of intake:: 10/25/2017

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray

Date of assessment:: 10/27/2017

Look:: 1. Dog’s eyes are averted, ears are back, tail is down, relaxed body posture. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.

Sensitivity:: 2. Dog is active and focused on the Assessor and all other stimuli available. Body is soft, likely panting, likely to display high movement between attempts.

Tag:: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft.

Paw squeeze 1:: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back.

Paw squeeze 2:: 2. Dog gently places open mouth over the Assessor’s hand without applying pressure.

Flank squeeze 1:: Item not conducted

Flank squeeze 2:: Item not conducted

Toy:: 1. Dog settles close, keeps a firm grip and is loose and wiggly. Dog does not place his/her body between you and the toy.

Summary:: Ben was alert and a bit flinchy upon first entering SAFER assessment area, but warmed up significantly quickly and tolerated all handling without issue.

Summary (1):: Ben has displayed brief interest in greeting female dogs in the care center. Behavior around male dogs is unknown at this time. The behavior department recommends slow introductions between Ben and respectful dogs. 10/26: When introduced off leash to the female greeter dog, Ben follows, sniffs, and repeatedly attempts to mount. He does not engage in play when solicited.

Summary (2):: 10/27: Ben greets politely and wanders the pen, checking in with the female dog.

Summary (3):: 10/28: Ben completely avoids interaction with an exuberant female dog.

Date of initial:: 10/25/2017

Summary:: During his initial medical exam, Ben displayed high energy and movement, tense with upclose handling

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Ben so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. Once comfortable, Ben was social and enthusiastic, playful with paw slaps and bounces. We recommend daily mental and physical activity to keep him engaged and exercised, such as walks, runs, exercise, and play.

IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: Ben has been observed to become tense/stiff when approached while engaged with toy items. Though he has readily traded – we recommend appropriate management when attempting to modify this behavior.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: ADULT ONLY HOME

Behavior Asilomar: TM – Treatable-Manageable

Recommendations:: No children (under 13)

Recommendations comments:: Due to the behavior Ben has displayed when engaged with toy items in addition to our lack of known history, we advise against a home with children at this time. Ben may be initially best set up to succeed in an adult only home.

Potential challenges: : Fearful

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful: Ben is initially cautious and a bit timid with quick movements. He manages his stress well and chooses to avoid or retreat when uncomfortable. Ben will do best with a slow approach, preferably with treats, and should be permitted to greet new people at his own pace and to initiate interaction rather than being approached and pet immediately by a new person so he has time to adjust. Resource guarding: When engaged with toy items, Ben has been observed to become stiff when approached. We recommend that Ben be left along while eating, and that food guarding behavior modification steps (available at ASPCApro.org) be utilized if this behavior is problematic in his future home. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of Ben’s mouth, and any time something is removed he should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. He should be taught the “drop” cue and trade-up games.