LENNOX – 8605

Lennox is at risk with a New Hope Only behavior determination. While noted to be friendly and affectionate in his previous home, and while he was social at the time of intake, once in the care center Lennox has allowed limited handling from his human caretakers, snapping when attempts are made to remove him from his kennel. We have been unable to complete a handling assessment or get Lennox into playgroup as a result of this behavior.

Weight: 52.4 lbs

Date of intake: 2-Oct-2017 Spay/Neuter status: No Means of surrender (length of time in previous home): Owner Surrender (In home for 5 years) Previously lived with: Adults Behavior toward strangers: Friendly Behavior toward children: Friendly, can play rough Behavior toward dogs: Barks at them, attempts to play Behavior toward cats: Unknown Resource guarding: None reported Bite history: None reported Housetrained: Yes Energy level/descriptors: Lennox is described as a friendly, affectionate, playful, excitable dog. He has a medium activity level. Date of assessment: 5-Oct-2017 Summary: Lennox has been difficult to remove from his kennel, attempting to bite when attempts are made to do so. Out of concern for his stress levels and due to safety concerns, we feel Lennox is not a great candidate for a handling assessment at this time. Please see his owner surrender profile for a full summary of his behavior in his previous home. Date of intake: 2-Oct-2017 Summary: Upon intake, Lennox had a wiggly body and allowed handling Date of initial: 4-Oct-2017 Summary: During his initial medical exam, Lennox was very tense and resisted handling. ENERGY LEVEL: Lennox’s previous owner described him as having a medium level of activity. Recommendations: No children (under 13) No cats Place with a New Hope partner Recommendations comments: No children: Due to how uncomfortable Lennox 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: While Lennox’s previous owner describes an affectionate, playful dog, he is not thriving in the shelter environment and has had a hard time with handling in the care center. He has attempted to bite when attempts are made to remove him from his kennel, making it not safe for staff to handle him. We feel that placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification guidance in a stable home environment will best set Lennox up for success in a future adoptive home. We recommend only force-free, reward-based training methods as more aversive techniques will likely increase fear and increase the risk of aggression. Potential challenges: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression Potential challenges comments: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Lennox is fearful at the care center and is unable to be safely removed from his kennel, he attempts to bite when efforts are made to do this. 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 Lennox to new and unfamiliar situations.