Basic Information:: Harlem is a 1 year old large breed dog that the owner has had for a month. The owner is surrendering due to having no time to care for Harlem. Harlem’s last veterinary visit was when he was a puppy for his last boosters. Harlem does not have any injuries or health problems that the owner knows about.

Previously lived with:: adults, children, and 1 cat.

How is this dog around strangers?: The owner describes Harlem as cautious around strangers and sometimes he growls at them.

How is this dog around children?: Harlem has lived with an 11 year old boy and he was always relaxed and playful with him, always playing gently.

How is this dog around other dogs?: Harlem is playful with other playful dogs but will begin to bark if they seem threatening.

How is this dog around cats?: Harlem has lived with a cat and he is relaxed and playful with her.

Resource guarding:: Harlem is not bothered when his food bowl is touched while he eats but he will growl when a bone is taken away from him.

Bite history:: Harlem has never bitten or scratched another animal or person.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: very high

Other Notes:: Harlem is not bothered when he is restrained, when he is brushed, or when a toy is taken from him. Harlem is afraid when he is bathed. The owner has never disturbed Harlem when he is sleeping or trimmed his nails. Harlem barks when the doorbell rings.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: Harlem is described as friendly and affectionate. The owner’s favorite thing about Harlem is how much of a good dog he is. Harlem’s favorite thing to do is eat. When the owner is home, Harlem likes to stay in the same room. Harlem likes to play with all toys and he enjoys playing tug and fetch. Harlem has been kept mostly indoors, when taken out, he uses the cement and gravel. Harlem is usually fed people food, otherwise he eats Blue Buffalo dry food. Harlem sleeps in his kennel and does well in it for hours at a time. Harlem knows how to sit on command. On a leash, Harlem pulls very hard.

Date of intake:: 12/28/2017

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender (In home for 1 month)

Previously lived with:: Adults, a child (age 11), and a cat

Behavior toward strangers:: Cautious, sometimes growls at them

Behavior toward children:: Relaxed and gently playful

Behavior toward dogs:: Playful, will sometimes abrk

Behavior toward cats:: Relaxed and playful

Resource guarding:: Yes, he will growl if a bone is taken away from him

Bite history:: None reported

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Harlem is described as friendly and affectionate with a very high level of activity.

Date of assessment:: 12/31/2017

Look:: 1. Dog leans forward or jumps up to lick the Assessor’s face with tail wagging, ears back and eyes averted.

Sensitivity:: 2. Dog displays high energy and movement, but it is directed toward getting closer to the Assessor. Body is soft, likely panting, may jump up between attempts to lick Assessor.

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:: 2. Dog gently places open mouth over the Assessor’s hand without applying pressure.

Paw squeeze 2:: 2. Dog gently places open mouth over the Assessor’s hand without applying pressure.

Flank squeeze 1:: Item not conducted

Flank squeeze 2:: Item not conducted

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:: Harlem approached the assessor with a soft body and jumped up in a social manner. He displayed a very high level of activity and movement, and during tag began to mouth the assessor with moderate pressure. He also mouthed the assessor’s arm during squeeze.

Summary:: The behavior department recommends slow introductions between Harlem and social, playful dogs to allow him time to become comfortable. Harlem’s previous owner cited that he is “playful with other playful dogs” but may begin to bark if uncomfortable. Harlem has been observed to play exuberantly with dogs in the care center. He has not yet been introduced to other male dogs while in our care.

Summary (1):: 12/29: When introduced off leash to female dogs, Harlem engages in bouncy, running play.

Date of intake:: 12/28/2017

Summary:: Upon intake, Harlem had a loose and wiggly body. He allowed all handling.

ENERGY LEVEL:: Harlem is described as having a very high level of activity. He is a young, enthusiastic dog who will need daily mental and physical activity to keep him engaged and exercised. 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:: Harlem remains calm when in his kennel in the shelter environment and social with handlers outside of his kennel. He will solicit attention from handlers he knows, and warms up quickly to novel people. He may display some anxious behavior, but can be redirected with treats or toys. He displays the behaviors and energies of a young dog, engaging well with training and play.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: ADULT ONLY HOME

Behavior Asilomar: TM – Treatable-Manageable

Recommendations:: No children (under 13)

Recommendations comments:: No children: Due to the high level of jumping and mouthing seen at the care center, as well as his owner reporting that he growls at new people, we recommend an adult only home.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Basic manners/poor impulse control,Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding: Harlem’s previous owner reported that he will growl if a bone is taken from him. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of Harlem’s mouth, and any time something is removed he should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. He should be taught the “drop” cue and trade-up games. Basic manners/poor impulse control: It is recommended that default behaviors such as “Leave it”, “Sit/Stay”, “Down” are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach him to control his impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward based training only is recommended. Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition: Harlem has shown some mouthiness in the care center, applying moderate pressure. This is a behavior that should be extinguished through training alternate behaviors and lack of reward (ex. walking away whenever Harlem’s teeth make contact with skin). Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Harlem’s previous owner reported that he is cautious around new people and will sometimes growl at them. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is recommended to assess behavior after decompression in a new home environment. Force-free, reward based training is advised when introducing or exposing Harlem to new and unfamiliar situations.