Date of Intake: 12/29/2017

Spay/Neuter Status: Not Applicable

Basic Information:: Buddha is a 3 year old, tan and brown, large mixed breed male. He was not neutered prior to coming into the shelter and has no known health issues or injuries. He was last at the vet 11 days ago and is up to date on vaccinations. He was an owner surrender due to behavior concerns and resource guarding aggression.

Previously lived with:: In home with owner

How is this dog around strangers?: Buddha is shy when first meeting new people and takes a few minutes to warm up. He will approach and sniff guests and sometimes allows guests to pet him.

How is this dog around children?: Buddha has spent time around a 4 year old and was respectful and tolerant around him.

How is this dog around other dogs?: Buddha has lived with another large breed, female dog, and after they adjusted were reportedly relaxed and respectful.

How is this dog around cats?: Buddha has not spent time around cats.

Resource guarding:: Buddha’s owner reported resource guarding behavior described as growling and snapping if the owner goes near his food bowl or objects.

Bite history:: Buddha has never physically made contact with anyone but he has tried to bite and snap at the owner and the owner’s step son.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Buddha has seen a vet for issues with anxiety and was given medication but was not given it.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: Buddha is described as being playful, confident and pushy. He will growl and snap when being pushed or pulled and cannot be forced to do anything he does not want to. His owner is able to bathe and groom him with ease, he will go into the tub by himself. The owner is not able to trim his nails as he will snap at the owner. He is not bothered if he is disturbed while sleeping, and enjoys swimming and hiking. He likes to play with all kinds of toys and likes to play fetch and chase. He has been an indoor dog and sleeps in his kennel. He eats dry food and is house trained to go outside, and rarely has indoor accidents. He knows the commands sit, come, down and stay, and walks on leash.

Date of intake:: 12/29/2017

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner surrender (time in previous home unknown)

Previously lived with:: Adults, another dog (female, large breed)

Behavior toward strangers:: Shy, warms up if given time

Behavior toward children:: Respectful, tolerant of a 4-year-old

Behavior toward dogs:: Relaxed and respectful with housemate

Behavior toward cats:: Unknown

Resource guarding:: Yes, growls and snaps when food or objects in his possession are approached.

Bite history:: None reported, but he has escalated to snapping on multiple occasions.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Buddha is described as playful, confident, and pushy.

Other Notes:: Buddha’s previous owner notes that he has escalated to snapping when being pushed or pulled.

Date of assessment:: 1/2/2018

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 assumes play position and joins the game. Or dog indicates play with huffing, soft ‘popping’ of the body, etc. Dog might jump on Assessor once play begins.

Paw squeeze 1:: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw.

Paw squeeze 2:: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw.

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

Summary:: Buddha came into the room loose and wiggly, he was friendly and playful towards the handlers.

Summary (1):: Buddha is social with female dogs, but may need time to acclimate around them. He engages in running chase play with limited body contact and can be somewhat pushy with his greet. Buddha’s previous owner reported that he has lived with another large dog and they were relaxed and playful together. The Behavior Department recommends that Buddha be placed in a home with resident dogs that match his energy level and are respectful. All introductions should be done slowly and under supervision. 12/30: When off leash at the Care Center, Buddha initially greets the novel female with a slightly nervous, tucked posture. As the session continues, he loosens up and engages in bouncy, running/chase play. He tolerates her body contact but when she begins to nip at his face, Buddha gives her appropriate corrections- low grumbles. 1/02: Today Buddha continued to engaged in running chase play with limited body contact. He takes breaks and explores the surrounding area. 1/03: Buddha is appeared much more confident, interacting socially with female dogs, and is somewhat persistent with his play solicitations. He is slow to respond to another dog’s warning, and needs handlers to interrupt.

Date of intake:: 12/29/2017

Summary:: Loose and wiggly, approached the counselor and then walked away.

Date of initial:: 12/29/2017

Summary:: Behavior not reported.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: NEW HOPE ONLY

Behavior Asilomar: TM – Treatable-Manageable

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: New hope partner: Due to all noted concerns displayed in a home environment, the behavior department recommends Buddha be placed with a New Hope placement partner who is able to provide an experienced adult-only foster home. A period of decompression is recommended to allow Buddha to acclimate comfortably to his new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing Buddha to new and unfamiliar situations. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended for guidance to safely manage/modify any behavior Buddha presents with outside of the care centers.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Handling/touch sensitivity

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding: Buddha’s previous owner notes that he growls and snaps when food or non-food items that he is engaged with are approached. We recommend that Buddha be left along while eating or chewing on items, 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 Beatty’s mouth, and any time something is removed he should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. We strongly recommend that he be taught the “drop” cue and trade-up games to safely manage situations where items he possesses need to be removed in the future. Handling/touch sensitivity: Buddha has been noted to become uncomfortable with handling at times, especially when being pushed or pulled. It is important to always go slow and give dog the option to walk away from any social interaction. Buddha should be encouraged to move in a desired direction using treats/rewards, rather than being forced to move in a direction. He has an established behavior pattern of escalating to snapping in these situations.