SMOKEY – A1081364

A volunteer writes:

I thought some other volunteer had beaten me to it when I came to walk this cute little guy and saw his bed, bowl and toys sitting in an empty kennel…until the bed frame rattled and rolled and out from underneath wiggled a little grey scruffball with a wagging tail stump–surprise, it’s Smokey! Easily leashed and keen to get outside, he’s a total gentleman when walking and despite not being a fan of other dogs he never lunges or barks as we pass and keeps a perfect pace, not too fast and not too slow. Though Smokey can be a little shy at first it’s not long before we’re sitting down, chilling out side by side and just quietly watching the world go by as I gently rub his back and tell him what a good boy he is…and he is! Smokey loooves his treats and as my Mum would say he must have a ‘hollow leg’ because for a little dude he can really pack ’em away! He sits on command, mouths them gently and is never grabby or pushy despite his eagerness and I bet he’d be a very willing pupil when it comes to learning new commands and tricks too. When I stand up he hops his two front paws onto my leg for a hug and we stay like that for a few minutes, him keeping an eye out on the street while I softly caress his ears and rub his side. Smokey previously lived in harmony with a 13 year old and would make a lovely companion for an active yet relaxed home where he can be the one and only doggie King of the castle. He needs an experienced touch but has so much love, loyalty and laughter to offer a family who’ll let him take things at his own pace and shower him with just the right amount of attention. Visit our Manhattan Care Center and ask to meet him today, Smokey will be waiting for you…

BEHAVIOR :

Smokey came into our center on 7/15/2016 after he bit another resident dog’s eye which resulted in the other dog needing surgery to remove the eye. It is reported Smokey spent time with a 13 year old child, got along. It is also reported Smokey will snap if anyone attempts to trim his nails, is not fully housebroken and will have accidents inside a few times a week. During intake, Smokey was timid but allowed all handling. During his stay, Smokey has been social with his handlers and easily leashed. He walked well on leash for his relief walk, no pulling. Smokey appeared a bit anxious, focused on exit when in the SAFER assessment room. Smokey was tense for all tactile portions of the SAFER assessment. He allowed his head to be cupped in assessor’s hands, eyes averted. He stood still during Sensitivity item, mouth closed, ears and tail neutral. Smokey spun towards assessor’s hand on 2nd pass of Tag game, then focused on exit for remainder of the game, lip licking and uncomfortable. He did not pull his paw back on both Squeeze attempts. Smokey showed no interest in Toy. He approached the helper dog with his tail above spine level, a bit tense. The Behavior Team feels Smokey would do best with an Experienced adopter that does not have young children. He must be the only resident dog to avoid any further conflicts. Smokey may benefit from a slow approach/slow introduction, as well as going home to a calm, quiet, structured environment so he can relax and know what to expect.

Look: 2. Dog’s eyes are averted. His body is tense, his tail is low and not moving. He allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.

Sensitivity: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, his eyes are averted, his tail is between his legs, body tense, mouth closed, lip long

Tag  3 . Dog spins toward the touch on second pass, then tries to exit, crouched at touch, lip lick

Squeeze 1 / 2: 2. Dog does not pull back paw, a bit tense

Toy 1: No interest.

Dog-dog: 2. Dog approaches the helper dog, body soft, tail well above spine level, ears forward, a bit tense