NANA – A1076893

Nana  is with us for no fault of her own. Her owners lost their home and could not keep their pet anymore. Having met them the night she was relinquished, I could tell that beautiful Nana was very much loved  and excellently cared for. Nana is so pretty in her milk and honey dress. She looks quite serious at times, eager at others when treats, a toy or a ball are involved. She gets all excited and even a little inpatient.  She walks quite well on the leash, does her business on the way and comes when requested.Owned since tender puppyhood, Nana must be  baffled at the change of scenery and caretakers. This might account for the fact that she appears at times  a little bit tense. She was all wiggly, tail wagging and relaxed when she arrived at the care center. It could just be a matter of time for her to go back to square one. Better of course, would be, a she is in our adoptive quarters for Nana to find a new home and a loving master. Nana is said to be welcoming of strangers, affectionate and playful with the young children and the adults  in her former home. She is not hyper, is house trained, non destructive  when left alone and very obedient. She would not like cats and prefers not to share her toys or bone.We all have our little issues. It is a matter of working willingly and smartly around them. Lovely Nana is at the Manhattan Care Center, waiting to start a new life with you.

PROFILE :

Basic information

Nana is a 5 years old American Pitbull mix. She is an altered female. Owner got her from a breeder and is surrendering due to landlord issues. There are no injuries or health problems with nana and she saw a vet back in June of 2016.

Socialization

Around strangers she is friendly and approaches but likes to smell first before being pet. She lived with a 4 and 9 years old and respectful with the children. She played gentle with the children and exuberant with adults. She lived with another large breed dog and was respectful but would growl when she would be too much in her face. She has spent time with a cat and does not do well with her. She has chased and tried to bite the cat. There is no bite history of a person or animal. She has been scratched by a cat when she was a puppy.

Behavior

Owner stated that she does not get along with other cats but other than that her behavior is good. During storms she barks. She isn’t bothered with touching of food bowl, holding or restraining. She growls when someone is taking a toy or bone out her mouth but has not escalated. She struggles a little bit when given a bath, trimming of nails. She isn’t bothered with unfamiliar approaches to house or family member.

For the new family to know

Owner described her as friendly, affectionate, confident, and mellow. She has a medium activity level. Owner’s favorite thing about nana is how obedient she is. When owner is home, she follows you around the room. She loves chew bone and playing tug with them. She was kept mostly indoors. She eats both pedigree wet and dry food 2 cups a day and night. She likes any type of treats. She is very house trained and never has accidents. She is well behaved in the home when left alone. She is crate trained and does well in it 4-8 hours. She knows sit, down, and slow down. She doesn’t pull on leash and when off leash she keeps her distance and sometimes hard to catch

Behavior upon intake

Nana was receptive to all handling including scanning, collaring, and petting. She had a comfortable body language and wagging tail

BEHAVIOR :

KNOWN HISTORY:

Spayed, Owner Surrender (In previous home for five years)

Previously lived with: Adults, children (ages four and nine), another large dog.

Behavior toward strangers: Friendly

Behavior toward children: Playful and gentle

Behavior toward dogs: Respectful of the dog she lived with but would growl if the dog got in her face.

Behavior toward cats: Will chase and try to bite.

Resource guarding: Growls when a bone or toy is taken out of her mouth.

Bite history: None reported

Housetrained: Yes

Energy level/descriptors: Nana is described her as friendly, affectionate, confident, and mellow with a medium activity level.

ASSESSMENT:

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

Sensitivity: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, her eyes are averted, and her tail is in neutral position with relaxed body posture. Dog’s mouth is closed.

Tag: 1. Follows at end of leash, body soft.

Squeeze 1: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds.

Squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds.

Toy: 1. No interest.

Summary: Nana displayed no concerning behaviors on her assessment.  She was social throughout.

DOG-DOG INTERACTION ASSESSMENT:

Summary

PLAYGROUP:

2/10/17: Nana solicits chase play.  She runs through the pen playfully when no other dog is engaging.

2/11: Nana initially engages in gentle, running play. She will eventually become vocal, barking at nothing in particular.

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:

During her initial medical exam, Nana was relaxed.

ENERGY LEVEL:

Nana’s previous owner described her as having a medium energy level.  At the care center, she has also displayed a moderate level of activity.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Experience (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with behaviors outlined below)

_X_No young children (under 5):  Due to the report by the previous owner that Nana will growl if bones or toys are taken from her mouth.  Older children who can be trusted to leave Nana alone while she is in possession or something may be considered.

_X_No cats: Previous owner reported that Nana will chase and attempt to bite cats.

Potential challenges:

_X_Resource guarding (Potential resource guarding was noted in the previous home as Nana was observed to growl when items were taken from her mouth. For this reason we advise against ever removing items from Nana’s possession without safely trading for an item or greater or equal value).