DUKE – 8583

Duke 8583 is at risk with a New Hope Only determination due to the level of discomfort he has displayed when caretakers attempt to interact. When approached unfamiliar caretakers, Duke low growls and remains stiff bodied. He has tolerated minimal handling at times though remains highly uncomfortable with many forms of approach and direct touch; growling and hard staring.

Date of assessment: 5-Oct-2017 Summary: Duke has displayed concerning behavior at the care center, growling at intake and when approached in his kennel. When handlers linger by his kennel, he will then lunge and snap. Do to this consistent behavior, we feel that he is not a safe candidate for a handling assessment at his time. Summary (1): 10/3: Duke was unable to be colalred or off leash introduction to another dog. When greeting on leash, he displays a slightly tense body and high tail, brief wag. Date of intake: 2-Oct-2017 Summary: Upon intake, Duke was tense and growling ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Duke so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. In the care center, he displays a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: NEW HOPE ONLY Behavior Asilomar TM – Treatable-Manageable Recommendations: No children (under 13) Place with a New Hope partner Recommendations comments: No children: Due to how uncomfortable Duke is currently with touch and novel stimuli, we feel that an adult-only home would be most beneficial at this time. Place with a New Hope partner: Duke has not acclimated well to the kennel environment and has allowed only minimal handling since intake. We recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home. Potential challenges: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression Potential challenges comments: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Duke gives clear warnings when she is uncomfortable and does seem to choose to avoid or retreat when given the opportunity, but if prevented from moving away there is a potential to escalate to higher-level warning behaviors and possible fear-based aggression. It is important to move slowly with Duke, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow Duke to initiate interactions with new people. He should never be forced to greet or to interact if he is not comfortable and soliciting attention. Consultation with a professional positive reinforcement trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended.