Spay/Neuter Status: Neutered

Basic Information:: Rocko is a 6 year old neutered large breed dog that the owner got from a friend when he was just a puppy. The owner is surrendering because she is unable to keep him in the apartment she has moved in to. Rocko’s last vet visit was last year and the owner reports that Rocko has diabetes but has never been treated for it.

Previously lived with:: adults and children

How is this dog around strangers?: Rocko is described as very friendly around strangers.

How is this dog around children?: Rocko is relaxed and respectful around children, he plays very gently with them.

How is this dog around other dogs?: Rocko has never been around other dogs.

How is this dog around cats?: Rocko has never been around cats.

Resource guarding:: Rocko growls when his food bowl is touched while he eats or if a treat or toy is taken from him. Rocko growls if any of his property is taken from him.

Bite history:: Rocko has never bitten or scratched another animal or person.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: medium

Other Notes:: Rocko is not bothered when he is restrained, when he is taken off furniture, when he is disturbed while he is sleeping, when he is bathed, or when he is brushed.

Medical Notes: Rocko’s last vet visit was last year and the owner reports that Rocko has diabetes but has never been treated for it.

For a New Family to Know: Rocko is described as playful. The owner’s favorite thing about Rocko is how loving he is and over protective he is. When the owner is home, Rocko follows her around. Rocko likes to play with balls. Rocko has been kept mostly indoors and when he is walked outside, he uses the cement. Rocko sleeps in the living room because he was not allowed in the owner’s room. Rocko is fed 1 cup of Wilderness twice a day. Rocko knows how to sit, stay here, and give five on command. On a leash, Rocko pulls very hard and the owner has never taken Rocko off leash.

Date of intake:: 1/9/2018

Spay/Neuter status:: Yes

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

Previously lived with:: Adults and children

Behavior toward strangers:: Friendly

Behavior toward children:: Relaxed, respectful, gentle

Behavior toward dogs:: Unknown

Behavior toward cats:: Unknown

Resource guarding:: Yes, Rocko growls if his food bowl is touched or if any other possessions are touched.

Bite history:: None reported.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Rocko is described as playful with a medium activity level.

Other Notes:: Rocko’s owner reports that he may tense and may snap when approached by strangers on walks.

Date of assessment:: 1/11/2018

Look:: 1. Dog’s eyes are averted, with tail wagging and ears back. Allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.

Sensitivity:: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, and tail is in neutral position with a relaxed body posture. Dog’s mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item.

Tag:: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft.

Paw squeeze 1:: Item not conducted

Paw squeeze 2:: Item not conducted

Flank squeeze 1:: 1. Dog does not respond at all.

Flank squeeze 2:: 1. Dog does not respond at all.

Toy:: 5. Dog snaps or bites the Assess-a-Hand.

Summary:: Rocko approached the assessor in the assessment room with a soft body. He was limping, so flank was used. He allowed all handling. When in possession of the toy, he growled and snapped when the hand touched it.

Summary (1):: 1/10: When introduced off leash to the female greeter dog, Rocko approaches and offers brief sniff, greeting.

Date of intake:: 1/9/2018

Summary:: Rocko appeared agitated but allowed handling.

Date of initial:: 1/9/2018

Summary:: Rocko allowed some handling but then growled and snapped.

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Rocko so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. In the care center, he displays a medium level of activity.

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 potential for defensive aggression displayed at the care center, as well as potential resource guarding, we recommend an adult only home. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to potential for defensive aggression displayed at the care center, as well as potential resource guarding, we recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding: Potential resource guarding was observed at the care center as Rocko growled and snapped when the assess-a-hand touched the toy he was engaged with. This is in line with the previous owner’s report that Rocco growls when items are taken from him. For this reason, we advise against ever removing items from Rocko’s possession without safely trading for an item or greater or equal value. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended to aid in safely managing/modifying this behavior in a new home environment. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Rocko has snapped quickly when startled at the care center. 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 Rocko to new and unfamiliar situations.