COSMOS – 8114 (ALT ID – A1124855)

COSMOS – 8114 (ALT ID – A1124855)

**SAFER : EXPERIENCED HOME**

NEUTERED MALE, WHITE / BR BRINDLE, AM PIT BULL TER MIX, 1 yr, 6 mos
STRAY – STRAYAVAI, NO HOLD Reason STRAY
Intake condition UNSPECIFIE Intake Date 09/08/2017, From NY 11207, DueOut Date 09/11/2017

Medical Behavior Evaluation BLUE
Medical Summary  Estimated age: ~1-2yrs, neutered Microchip noted on Intake? No History : Stray Subjective: Observed Behavior – BARH. Tense, nervous, soft muzzle placed, allowed all handling  P = WNL R = WNL BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal discharge noted Oral Exam: Teeth clean, pink mm PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Neutered MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: mentation appropriate – no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment: Apparently healthy Plan: Continue to monitor while at BACC Prognosis: Excellent
Weight 49.4

A Little Bit About Me…

A volunteer writes: Are you looking for a dog that’s out of this world?! Well look no further because shockingly, Cosmos is still available! Cosmos has become quite the departure from how he was when he first arrived (nervous, a bit aloof). He’s morphed into the most fun-loving, playful guy. He’s always up for a game of fetch, and loves to bring his toys to you to play tug. He’ll even climb into your lap, casually holding his toys in his mouth. Cosmos seems impeccably housetrained and walks nicely on the leash. He knows some commands and is so food motivated that I suspect he could learn pretty much anything you’re willing to teach him. He’d likely do best with other calm, sociable dogs and a family that has experience with large, high energy pups! You don’t need a spaceship to to find Cosmos. Head to the Brooklyn ACC and ask to meet him today!

Let’s get to know each other a bit more…

What is the name and A# of your foster dog? Cosmos

How long have you fostered this dog? Three weeks

How many people are in your household? only me

Is your dog house trained? Yes

Is your dog paper trained? No

If he/she had any accidents in the house, please give details. Only once.

How long do you usually leave your dog alone each day? 6 hours

Where is your dog kept when alone (crate, in bedroom, loose in house)? Cosmos is loose in the house at all times and has a free access to the backyard, which he enjoys a lot.

Did you foster dog live with other dogs? there are no other animals in my place.

How does your foster dog behave around other dogs (plays, ignores, growls, etc)? Details about body language are greatly appreciated (ex. Body tense, baring teeth, play bows, soft squinty eyes, tail tucked, etc.) When encounters dogs Cosmos growls at them and when they approach him he attempts to launch at them.

How does your foster dog behave around strangers (friendly, ignores, barks, ect)? In general, Cosmos is very friendly towards people but can be aggressive (she means he becomes mouthy and jumpy. Cosmo with start mouthing her arms and sometimes her clothing without letting go) when getting too excited.

How does your foster dog behave around children? No idea

Does your foster dog know any commands? Cosmos sits and gives his paw. He also brings his toy though usually doesn’t drop it.Cosmos is motivated by food and usually follows commands unless something catches his attention.

How does your foster dog behave on a leash (pulls, excited, calm, afraid, barks at other dogs, cat, people)?

Cosmos walks perfectly on a leash unless encountering dogs, cats, or squirrels. (when he sees a dog, cat, or squirrel he starts barking and usually pulls towards the animal)

Does your foster dog have any behavior problems that you are aware of? Cosmos barks and launch at dogs, cats, and squirrels. He can be aggressive when gets excited or not exerting his energy. He’s mouthy and has moderate separation anxiety. if he doesn’t exert out his energy and doesn’t have interesting toys to keep him busy he’ll exert his energy at home and be destructive (he will chew on furniture. She has not tried crating him).

What type of home do you think would best suit your foster doG Cosmos? will do the best in a country house with a large yard, where there are no other pets or kids. His owner should be calm, assertive and physically fit to provide cosmos with the active lifestyle that he needs; lots of running, and physical and mental exercising will make Cosmos happy, and calm.

Does your foster dog have any cute or endearing habits that would make people want to meet him/her?

Cosmos is smart, lovable, and very handsome. He has tons of energy and enjoying running, catching food or toys in the air, and playing with balls. and he can amuse himself with puzzle games especially when stuffed with food. He’s still working on drop off the object that he fetches and calming down at the sight of dogs. Cosmos is a quick learner which also means that he likes to challenge boundaries. So being consistent with him is essential otherwise he will rule the house. he loves belly rub and playing with people. He sits, when asked and offers his hand a hand in demand.

My medical notes are…

Details on my behavior are…

Date of assessment: 12-Sep-2017
Look: 1. Dog holds gaze with soft eyes, soft body. Allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands. Dog holds gaze for three full seconds.
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 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. 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: Cosmos was friendly and social toward the assessor. He allowed all handling and showed no concerns.
PLAY GROUP
When off leash at the Care Center, Cosmos displays a nervous posture initially and avoids the other dog. In subsequent sessions, Cosmos has become a little playful but remains overall uncomfortable. Cosmos was brought in as a stray so his behavior around other dogs is unknown. The Behavior Department recommends that Cosmos be placed with resident dogs that match his gentle play style. All introductions should be done slowly and under supervision.

9/9: When off leash at the Care Center, Cosmos is hesitant to greet the novel female dog, and scurry away. He eventually approaches the greeter with a soft body and tuck tail. He mostly keeps to himself.

9/10: Cosmos greets a male helper dog with a stiff, assertive posture. He relaxes a bit after the initial greet and offers one, awkward play bow and chase.

9/11- 9/16: Cosmos continues to loosen up and engage in very brief bouts of bouncy play.

9/17: Cosmos is used as a social greeter dog today. He engages in bouncy play with a novel playful female.

9/19-25: In a group of playful dogs, Cosmos is slightly assertive, and offers a few muzzle punches. He engages in brief bouts of gentle play.

9/26-28: Cosmos engages in rough play- wrestling, while grabbing her legs. When introduced to a gentle player, he becomes frustrated when he moves away from his mouthy solicitations.

***Cosmos foster reported that Cosmos is reactive towards other dogs while on leash.***

10/28: Cosmos enters the pen with a tense body and high energy. He tolerate another dog mounting him, and runs away. When he is introduced to a softer female dog, he attempts to engage in running chase play, but begins to become over-aroused and target the her; jumping on her back while grumbling.
Date of intake: 8-Sep-2017
Summary: Loose and wiggly but barked at another dog in the lobby, began jumping and continued barking.
Date of initial: 9-Sep-2017
Summary: Tense, nervous, soft muzzle used, allowed all handling.
ENERGY LEVEL: Cosmos is reported to have a very high energy and activity level in a home environment, which matches what we have seen in the care center. Cosmos will need daily mental and physical activity to keep him engaged and exercised. We recommend feeding from food-dispensing objects (like Kongs) and using puzzle toys to exercise Cosmos’s mind.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:
EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below)
Recommendations: Recommend no dog parks
Recommendations comments: Due to the concerning behaviors that Cosmos has shown during playgroup, we feel that Cosmos should not visit dog parks at this time. The Behavior Department recommends that he be socialized in a more controlled setting until his behavior towards other dogs can be further addressed.
Potential challenges: Destructive behavior, Social hyperarousal, On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration
Potential challenges comments:
Destructive behavior: His foster reports that he may chew on furniture in the home, particularly if he has not received adequate exercise that day. We suggest to future adopters that Cosmos will need to be provided with physical and mental stimulation and with a variety of appropriate and engaging chew toys so he can engage in necessary chewing behavior without damage to human objects.

Social hyperarousal: When Cosmos becomes overly excited (overstimulated or over aroused) he begins to mouth hands and pull on clothing, and is difficult to distract or redirect. We recommend ending play sessions before Cosmos becomes overly excited, using treats and attention to reward Cosmos for appropriate behavior and ignoring undesirable behavior.

On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: His foster also reports that Cosmos barks and lunges toward dogs, cats, and squirrels on leash. We recommend a counterconditioning/desensitization protocol to keep Cosmos focused on his human (and yummy treats his human is providing) before he has a chance to engage with other animals on walks, as well as avoiding the animals he is reactive to. A qualified professional trainer may need to be consulted to address this behavior. We recommend only positive reinforcement-based, force-free training for Cosmos.

Recommendations
Adoption Recommendations:
Comments:
Suitability With Children:
Other: 10/27: Experience

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