Basic Information:: Dini was brought in as a stray so there is not much behavior on him.

How is this dog around strangers?: he was brought in by police officers and reported being friendly with them.

Date of intake:: 12/26/2017

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 12/28/2017

Look:: 2. Dog’s eyes are averted, body posture is stiff and fearful, tail is low and not moving. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.

Sensitivity:: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, tail is between legs, body stiff, mouth closed, lip long, ears likely back, may lip lick.

Tag:: 2. Dog is fearful but unresponsive when touched. Approaches the Assessor when the game ends. Dog is likely crouching, may have a long lip or lip lick.

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

Flank squeeze 1:: Item not conducted

Flank squeeze 2:: Item not conducted

Toy:: 1. No interest.

Summary:: Dini did not approach the assessor in the assessment room but allowed the assessor to approach him. He had a tense, trembling body and tucked tail in the assessment room and throughout the assessment but he allowed all handling.

Summary:: *PLAY GROUP GREETER DOG* The behavior department feels that Dini may be most compatible with respectful, gently playful dogs. Behavior history around other dogs is not available due to nature of arrival into our care. He has been observed to be respectful, calm, and at times playful when introduced to dogs while in the care center.

Summary (1):: 12/29: When introduced off leash to a female dog, Dini greets politely and wanders the pen, checking in with the other dog periodically.

Summary (2):: 1/3: Dini greets male dogs politely and offers a brief play bow when solicited by one of the dogs. He continues to engage with both dogs while they play but does not join in.

Summary (3):: 1/6-8: Dini engages in running and bouncy play with male and female dogs.

Date of intake:: 12/26/2017

Summary:: Dini had a low body and was alligator rolling.

Date of initial:: 12/26/2017

Summary:: Dini was tense, growling, and resisted handling.

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Dini so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct his energy and enthusiasm.

IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: Dini is fearful in the shelter environment. He has allowed minimal touch when interacting with handlers and has kept his distance. Although a slow approach and sufficient time to acclimate has helped Dini to become more comfortable with handlers, in where he chooses to approach them and remain near them, he still remains fearful at the care center and avoidant of touch.

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

Behavior Asilomar: TM – Treatable-Manageable

Recommendations:: No young children (under 5)

Recommendations comments:: No young children: Due to the behavior seen in the care center, we feel that Dini 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: : Fearful

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful: Dini is very fearful at the care center. It is important to always go slow and give Dini the option to walk away from any social interaction. Dini should never be forced to approach anything that he is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Dini’s choice to approach a new person or thing. Dini would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to his new surroundings.