Date of intake:: 11/23/2017

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 11/26/2017

Look:: 1. Dog’s eyes are averted, with tail wagging and ears back. Allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.

Sensitivity:: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, and tail is in neutral position with a relaxed body posture. Dog’s mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item.

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.

Flank squeeze 1:: Item not conducted

Flank squeeze 2:: Item not conducted

Toy:: 1. Minimal interest in toy, dog may smell or lick, then turns away.

Summary:: Billy approached the assessor in the assessment room a bit cautiously. He was very distracted during the assessment, focusing on the exit and sniffing the room. He seemed to become uncomfortable with quick movements, puling away from them at times and being difficult to position properly.

Summary (1):: 11/24: When introduced off leash to a female greeter dog, Billy is somewhat fearful and avoids interaction.

Summary (2):: 11/25: Billy keeps mostly to himself, but approaches the calm female dog when given time to acclimate.

Summary (3):: 11/26: Billy more readily approaches and greets.

Summary (4):: 11/27: Billy approaches and greets all dogs.

Summary (5):: 11/28-29: Billy greets politely and wanders the pen.

Date of intake:: 11/23/2017

Summary:: Billy froze and snapped when touched.

Date of initial:: 11/24/2017

Summary:: Billy was tense and flinched when touched.

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Billy so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. In the care center, he displays a medium level of activity.

IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: Billy has been slightly uncomfortable in the shelter environment, flinching and moving away from touch from handlers. However, he will warm up and become social with handlers while engaging outside the kennel. He continues to be cautious of touch, but will engage with handler after a slow approach.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below)

Recommendations:: No young children (under 5)

Recommendations comments:: No young children: Due to the behavior seen in the care center, we feel that Billy may be intimidated by young children. He needs a slow approach and time to warm up. He should never be forced to interact with new people, and should be allowed to greet and initiate an interaction at his own pace. Older, gentle children should have an in-depth interaction prior to adoption.

Potential challenges: : Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Anxiety

Potential challenges comments:: Handling/touch sensitivity: Billy has been noted to become uncomfortable with handling at times, especially when a person is reaching over him. It is important to always go slow and give Billy the option to walk away from any social interaction. Billy should never be forced to approach anything that he is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Billy’s choice to approach a new person or thing. Billy may do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to his new surroundings. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Billy has appeared fearful at times and snapped during intake. It is important to move slowly with Billy, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow Billy to initiate interactions with new people. He should never be forced to greet or to interact if he is not comfortable and soliciting attention.