POCK – 7810

Behavior Determination: New Hope A volunteer writes: I am quite puzzled about Pock. First his name. He is nothing like a “pimple” but rather a breathtaking black stallion. His master says aggressive toward strangers while gentle with children. He has been nothing but a sweet dog with me and we have met a few times. He is said to be hard to control but has a good behavior, no handling or reactive issues, a well mannered boy when left alone in the house and loves baths. He is quite strong. I was told that he barked strongly watching his peers playing in playgroup although he was not yet tried as a playmate(Pock was not socialized with other dogs other than his housemate, Zimba). Pock and I had a ball in the yard. He loves running and jumping after tennis balls that he catches on and off. He is a little bit of a space Cadette, looking for the ball where it is not, same for treats. He has a gentle mouth taking duck jerkies from my hand. He has the most engaging smile, bright and excited eyes and likes caresses. I never felt uncomfortable with him, he never jumped on me, mouthed me or toy with the leash. Still, owners words have always to be taken into consideration and a strong and big dog like Pock needs experienced hands. I truly hope and dream that Pock will meet his match and live a long, happy and wonderful life with a new owner or family.

Pock 7810 is at risk with a New Hope Only determination as he was unable to complete a handling assessment. Pock displays concern when approached by strangers, jumping up and hard barking towards them; he gives clear warning when uncomfortable.

Weight: 54.125 lbs

Date of intake: 30-Sep-2017 Spay/Neuter status: Yes Means of surrender (length of time in previous home): Owner Surrender (In home for 2 years) Previously lived with: Adults and a dog Behavior toward strangers: Somewhat aggressive Behavior toward children: Relaxed Behavior toward dogs: Relaxed and playful with the dog he lived with Behavior toward cats: Unknown Resource guarding: None reported Bite history: None reported Housetrained: Yes Energy level/descriptors: Pock is described as friendly, affectionate, playful, excitable, confident, independent and pushy. He has a high activity level. Date of assessment: 3-Oct-2017 Look: 5. Dog freezes and/or growls or tries to bite. Toy: 1. Minimal interest in toy, dog may smell or lick, then turns away. Summary: Pock did not approach the assessor in the assessment room. When the assessor approached him, he turned his body away and would not turn back towards her. When the assessor reached to touch him, he turned with a tense body, lips pursed, and froze. The rest of the handling portion of the assessment was not conducted. Summary: Pock’s previous owner describes his behavior as “relaxed” and also “playful” with he dog he formerly lived with. Pock has displayed interest in play behavior with dogs in the care center, though has also displayed the potential to quickly tip into over arousal during interaction, requiring intervention from handlers. The behavior department recommends allowing Pock a period of decompression before immediate introductions to unfamiliar dogs. Future introductions should be conducted at a slow pace to respectful dogs. Summary (1): 10/2: When introduced off leash to the female greeter dog, Pock initially keeps to himself and paces the perimiter of the yard. When approached playfully, Pock displays exaggerated playful behaviors, bows, bounces, and mouths. When play intensifies, Pock begins to display increased arousal, but is easily interrupted. Summary (2): 10/3: Puck keeps mostly to himself. He briefly engages in play when solicited, then quickly becomes over aroused by the interaction. He is easily interrupted by handlers. When the female helper ceases play, Pock approaches and begins to hard bark. He continues to do so when the female helper attempts to walk way. Date of intake: 30-Sep-2017 Summary: Upon intake, Pock was barking and growling, He did not allow handling. ENERGY LEVEL: Pock’s previous owner described him as having a high level of activity. 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: When given time to warm-up and he becomes comfortable, Pock will jump up high seeking attention from the handler. He settles down when ignored and/or given treats to redirect his attention. Pock has shown little interest in toys, but has responded well to cues such as “sit”, “stay”, and “come” in exchange for high-value treats. 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 Pock’s previous owner stating that he was aggressive with strangers, as well as the warning signs he has displayed at the care center, we recommend an adult only home. New Hope: Due to the warning and distance-increasing behaviors shown in the care center, as well as Pock’s owner stating that he is aggressive with strangers, we recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide force free behavior modification to address the and underlying fear. Potential challenges: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression Potential challenges comments: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Pock gives clear warnings when he 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 Pock, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow Pock to initiate interactions with new people. He should never be forced to greet or to interact if he is not comfortable and soliciting attention.