NIKKI – A1097736

NIKKI – A1097736

**SAFER : EXPERIENCED HOME / NO YOUNG CHILDREN**

FEMALE, BROWN / WHITE, AM PIT BULL TER MIX, 1 yr
STRAY – STRAY WAIT, NO HOLD Reason STRAY
Intake condition UNSPECIFIE Intake Date 11/23/2016, From NY 10459, DueOut Date 11/27/2016

Medical Behavior Evaluation BLUE
Medical Summary Microchip: negative Sex: intact female Age: appx 1y Mentation: BARH Eyes: clear Ears: clean Nose: no d/c Teeth: mild staining, young teteh (dietary debris?) If abnormal BCS: slightly underweight, closer to 2.75 Skin: some old scabbing around neck (no fleas seen but possibly old infestation) Hair Coat: WNL Declawed: N/A Any injuries: no Behavior: allows handling but tail tucked, head low, and very stiff and fearful. Medication: N/A, preventatives given TID feeding sign placed
Weight 27.4

A volunteer writes:  The Urban Dictionary defines Nikki as: “Quite possibly the cutest, sweetest, and most attractive girl you’ll ever meet”.  Let’s hear it for our Miss Nikki!  She’s a shy little peanut, lying up front in her kennel and easily leashed for a walk.  It was early, it was cold, and she allowed me to put a coat on her including slipping her arms into sleeves.  What a good girl!  And then she wouldn’t walk!  What is this thing on me she must have been thinking – ‘Volunteer calls this a coat – I’ve never had one before.’  I took it
off and she then cautiously walked with me.  Nikki went potty outside so could be housetrained, but may need some positive reinforcement training to hone her skills.  We’re feeding her an extra meal daily to help her gain some weight, and as hungry as she is took offered treats super gently as if not quite believing her good fortune.  Off leash in a pen she chose to sit near me as I took some notes, enjoyed some petting and a kiss although didn’t solicit it, and followed me around the pen as I walked.  Nikki will learn to trust again, will learn that hands are for petting, that kisses are freely and often given, and that food will be plentiful.   She’s hoping to find that person who will bring out the best in her.  It’s in there just waiting to be discovered.  Come meet our girl and show her the love.

BEHAVIOR :

KNOWN HISTORY: N/A

Unaltered, Stray

Other notes: Upon intake Nikki had a tense body and tucked tail

ASSESSMENT:

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

Sensitivity: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, her eyes are averted, her tail is between her legs, body stiff, mouth closed.

Tag: 2. Dog is fearful but unresponsive when touched.

Squeeze 1: 1. Dog does not respond at all.

Squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all.

Toy: 1. No interest.

Summary: Nikki was very fearful throughout her assessment, she displayed no social behavior and would attempt to shy away from direct touch.  She may benefit best from a calm, quiet environment while she adjust to her new home and would benefit from a slow introduction and slow approach.

PLAYGROUP:

Summary

MEDICAL BEHAVIOR:

During her initial  medical exam Nikki allowed handling but had a tucked tail and was stiff and fearful.

ENERGY LEVEL:

RECOMMENDATIONS: Experience (Suitable for an adopter with a previous amount of dog experience)

_X_No young children (under 5)

Potential challenges:

_X_Fearful/potential for defensive aggression (Nikki has been observed to display fearful behavior during her stay at our care centers; at times will avoid interaction and shy away from direct-touch. Nikki may easily startle and is made uncomfortable by loud noises and sudden movement. We cannot be certain if any other behavior is suppressed as a result of his environment. A period of decompression is advised before introduction or exposure to new and unfamiliar situations. Force-free, reward based training is advised.)

11/28: When introduced off leash to other dogs in the care center, Nikki greets and approaches small dogs with a soft body and wagging tail.

 

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