BLUE aka BETELGEUSE – 21820

A volunteer writes: Say it with me now…Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse! Adventure awaits when you conjure this petite cutie into your life, he’s all about playing with toys, snuggling with his people and going on rambling journeys of discovery in the big, wide world.Betelgeuse loves exploring so much that I’ve nicknamed him ‘Sir Sniffs-a-Lot’ and he rides so low to the ground that it’s like Mother Nature intended him for the job, everything worth smelling (and tasting!) is within easy reach of his snuffly little nose. He’s an easy walker on leash and seemingly very house trained too and when not out and about, he likes to show off his perfect come and sit on command and gently nibble reward treats from my hand. Betelgeuse is bouncy and enthusiastic in playgroup with other pups and when it comes to toys he can’t get enough of them, especially the plush, squeaky kind that you can toss, tug and ultimately pull apart–what fun! Not your typical hop-up-on-a-lap dog but ready to be snuggled once you get down on his level, he adores belly rubs and rolls from side to side to encourage them and his blissed-out smile once you give in is so sweet it’ll make your heart hurt. Betelgeuse is as unique as his name suggests, a silly, snuggly, sociable character wrapped in the most adorable little body and ready to shine like a star in any active, adult only home. So put on your walking shoes, warm up your belly rub hand and come see Betelgeuse at our Manhattan Care Center, he can’t wait to meet you!

Behavior assessment: 28-Feb-2018

Look: 1. Dog leans forward or jumps up to lick the Assessor’s face with tail wagging, ears back and eyes averted.

Sensitivity: 1. Dog leans into the Assessor, eyes soft or squinty, soft and loose body, open mouth.

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

Paw squeeze 1: 2. Dog quickly pulls back.

Paw squeeze 2: 2. Dog quickly pull back.

Toy: 4. Dog freezes and/or growls.

Summary: Betelgeuse approached the assessor in the assessment room with a soft body and jumped up in a social manner. He was mouth during the assessment, applying moderate pressure. When in possession of the toy, he froze when the hand touched it.

Playgroup notes:

2/28: When introduced off leash to female dogs, Betelgeuse engages in play with intent to mount.

3/1: Betelgeuse continues to attempt to mount female dogs, though engages in some exuberant play when solicited.

3/2: Betelgeuse attempts to mount male and female dogs.

Date of intake: 27-Feb-2018

Summary: Betelgeuse was social and allowed handling.

ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Betelgeuse so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. However, he is a young, enthusiastic, social dog who will need daily mental and physical activity to keep him engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct his energy and enthusiasm.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: ADULT ONLY HOME

Recommendations: No children (under 13)

Due to the high level of jumping and mouthing seen at the care center, as well as the potential for resource guarding, we recommend an adult only home.

Potential challenges: Resource guarding, Basic manners/poor impulse control, Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition

Resource guarding: On his assessment, Betelgeuse froze when the toy he was in possession of was touched by the assess-a-hand. For this reason, we advise against ever removing items from Betelgeuse’s possession without safely trading for an item or greater or equal value. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended to aid in safely managing/modifying this behavior in a new home environment.

Basic manners/poor impulse control: It is recommended that default behaviors such as “Leave it”, “Sit/Stay”, “Down” are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach him to control his impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward based training only is recommended.