Date of Intake: 1/20/2018

Spay/Neuter Status: Unknown

Basic Information:: Razz is a roughly 4 year old large dog whom was bought from a friend and kept in the same home since he was just a few months old. Unfortunately due to a previous bite history he could not be kept.

Previously lived with:: 3 adults, 1 small dog

How is this dog around strangers?: Around strangers Razz is described as reactive and plays rough with adults

How is this dog around children?: Razz has not been socialized with children so this behavior is unknown.

How is this dog around other dogs?: He has been socialized with one small breed dog and is described as relaxed and plays very rough

How is this dog around cats?: Razz has not been socialized with cats so this behavior is unknown

Resource guarding:: Razz is known to have no resource guarding issues.

Bite history:: Razz has a previous bite history which is elaborated in a separate memo

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: High energy level

Other Notes:: Razz is described to bark a lot and isn’t bothered by loud storms of fireworks. He isn’t bothered with having his food or toys touches, being given a bath, having his nails trimmed or being disturbed while asleep. He will bark, growl and occasionally snap when being held or restrained or when unfamiliar people approach his owner or home.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: Razz has no known medical issues.

For a New Family to Know: Razz is described as playful, independent, pushy and excitable.He enjoys playing with ropes, ate Merrick dry food 3 times a is considered very house trained. He would be walked 2 times a day, pulls very hard on leash and off leash he wanders but comes when he is called.

Date of intake:: 1/20/2018

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner surrender (in previous home since puppyhood)

Previously lived with:: Adults (3), small dog

Behavior toward strangers:: Reactive, plays roughly

Behavior toward children:: Unknown

Behavior toward dogs:: Relaxed, plays roughly with housemate

Behavior toward cats:: Unknown

Resource guarding:: None reported.

Bite history:: Yes, Razz bit one of his owners the day before intake. The owner was attempting to collar Razz for the first time (he did not wear a collar at home), and Razz responded by growling and lunging. The owner tried again to collar and Razz escalating to a bite on the right hand. This was a bite-and-release that resulted in several punctures. The owner sought treatment at the hospital for the injury. The owners reported being shocked by the behavior and believing it was due to fear.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Razz is described as playful, independent, pushy, and excitable, with a high energy level.

Other Notes:: Razz is reported to bark, growl and occasionally snap when being held or restrained or when unfamiliar people approach his owner or home.

Date of assessment:: 2/2/2018

Summary:: Throughout his stay in the care center, Razz has shown generally fearful behavior. He has made progress in recent days but out of concern that a handling assessment with a stranger at this point may push him over threshold, he will not receive a SAFER handling assessment at this time.

Date of intake:: 1/20/2018

Summary:: Barking, lunging, growling in the crate; tense body, tail tucked.

Date of initial:: 1/20/2018

Summary:: Excited, barking, growling.

IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: Since his arrival, Razz has shown great behavioral improvement. Initially he would lunge and hard bark at handlers whenever a leash was presented, and would not leave his kennel. With daily sessions of leashing and giving treats, and providing a stepstool for him to step onto, Razz is now able to leave his kennel and solicits pets from multiple employees while out on a walk. He now allows handling and will lean in to handlers for pets, and will walk appropriately on a leash. Outside of his kennel Razz displays loose and wiggly body language and while still somewhat fearful he has continued to improve since his arrival.

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 Razz’s general fear of strangers, sensitivity to certain types of handling, and bite history, we recommend an adult-only home for Razz. Place with a New Hope partner: Razz will need guidance to learn to feel more confident in new situations and to learn new coping skills when frightened. We recommend ONLY force-free, reward-based training methods for Razz; more aversive techniques will increase fear and increase the risk of future aggression.

Potential challenges: : Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Handling/touch sensitivity: Razz’s previous owners note growling, barking, and snapping when restrained. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Razz has shown an escalation to a bite when frightened. He gave appropriate warnings (growling, lunging) before the escalation, but when not respected a bite followed. It is essential to always respect his warning signs. It is important to move slowly with Razz, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow Razz to initiate interactions with new people. He should never be forced to greet or to interact if he is not comfortable and soliciting attention.