ZEUS aka SPIKE – A1091297

ZEUS aka SPIKE – A1091297

**RETURN 10/17/16**

MALE, BROWN / WHITE, AM PIT BULL TER MIX, 1 yr, 1 mo
RETURN – PRE ADOPT, NO HOLD Reason NO TIME
Intake condition UNSPECIFIE Intake Date 10/17/2016, From NY 10303, DueOut Date 10/17/2016,

Medical Behavior Evaluation GREEN
Medical Summary Initial Scan Negative BARH Male intact around 1 year no fleas seen very nervous and defucalt to handle ambx4 EENT :Wnl NOSF
Weight 72.0

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**SAFER : EXPERIENCED HOME / NO CHILDREN**

MALE, BROWN / WHITE, AM PIT BULL TER MIX, 1 yr
STRAY – STRAY WAIT, NO HOLD Reason STRAY
Intake condition EXAM REQ Intake Date 09/26/2016, From NY 10314, DueOut Date 09/29/2016,

Medical Behavior Evaluation YELLOW
Medical Summary Initial Scan Negative BARH Male intact around 1 year no fleas seen very nervous and defucalt to handle ambx4 EENT :Wnl NOSF
Weight 72.0

A Staff member writes : Spike was VERY nervous when he came to the shelter, but as soon as we introduced him to another dog, he opened right up! Consider rescuing this cutie and getting him out of the shelter ASAP.

A Volunteer writes :  Spike is a mass of contradictions and a delicious one at that! Spike is nervous but attention seeking, shy but curious and he is scared but willing to trust once he knows his handler deserves it. At 12 months old he entered the SI Center as a stray and his initial medical did not go well. Spike growled at newcomers and it took some time to gain his trust. Slowly but surely, day by day he is showing his softer side. Spike walks beautifully on leash, solicits affection, returns to his cage like a gentleman, is social in playgroup with both males and females and truly and honestly believes he is a lap dog. Spike is a lost soul and he needs to find an experienced, compassionate and patient person to help him shine. Could that be you?

PROFILE :

Finder stated that Spike was nervous and growling at the finder but when he gave Spike food and water, Spike came over and allowed finder to pet him on the head. Finder has a neutered male dog at home & stated that Spike was very relaxed and playful with his other dog and never growled or tried to bite his dog. Spike was nervous to get into the car and owner had to nudge him in but stated Spike remained calm and relaxed in the car.

Enrichment Notes

Spike is very shy in his kennel but allows me to rope him easily. He walks nice on the leash but does crouched down to the ground at times. Outside in the yard he is usually by my side, soliciting my attention but does explore at times. I had Lori come into the yard while we were out there to see his reaction. He did growl at first but once she sat on the bench, he approached and sat next to her – soliciting attention. He did the same with Ryan yesterday. Spike is quite shy and nervous around new people at first but quickly warms up and is displaying great improvement.

9/28: Spike was loose, wiggly, tail wagging when I approached his kennel. He allowed me to rope him with no issues. In the yard he cuddles up next to me and sometimes even on my lap. He rolls over for belly rubs, gives kisses and often nudges his nose under my arm to solicit attention and petting. Spike is very attention seeking and will often follow me around the yard. I was able to give him a bath with no issues at all. Spike walks very nicely on a leash; he appears to enjoy walking slow, by my side and exploring his surroundings. When off leash in the yard, he greeted a person through the gate with his tail wagging, loose and wiggly but then became unsure and offered a nervous growl. Going back to his cage he walks right in, sits down and allows me to remove his leash. Spike does not display any aggressive behavior, he appears very scared and nervous around new people. Spike often lays across my lap and falls asleep next to me.

BEHAVIOR :

KNOWN HISTORY: N/A
Unaltered, Stray

ASSESSMENT:
Look: 1. Dog’s eyes are averted. His ears are back, his tail is down, and he has a relaxed body posture. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.
Sensitivity: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, his eyes are averted, ears back, mouth closed, neutral
Tag: 2. Dog is not fearful, but is unresponsive to the Assessor
Squeeze 2:1. Dog gently pulls back his paw.
Squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. His eyes are averted and his ears are relaxed
Toy: 1. Minimal interest in Toy, sniffs, then turns away.
Summary: Spike was initially nervous upon entering the shelter, low growling. He has warmed up significantly during his stay, calm and affectionate with staff. Volunteer write up has accurate descriptors.  Recommend slow approach/slow introduction so Spike can warm up to new people at his own pace.
PLAYGROUP:
*Spike is a social group greeter dog*
When off leash with other dogs, Spike engages in running, jumping and bouncy play with male and female dogs. He offered multiple play bows and was tolerant when mounted.
MEDICAL BEHAVIOR: 9/27/2016
During his initial medical examination, Spike appeared very nervous and was difficult to handle, tolerating minimal handling; uncomfortable with direct touch.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Experience
_X_No children (under 13) (Potential for defensive aggression)
Potential challenges:
_X_Fearful/potential for defensive aggression (Though he has improved during his stay at our care centers, Spike continues to give all appropriate warning signals when uncomfortable. Due to the consistent behavior displayed in shelter, the behavior department recommends an experienced adult home only until he can acclimate to his new home environment for the behavior to be further assessed. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is advised; force-free, reward based training only is recommended.)
Group Behavior
*Spike is a social group greeter dog*
When off leash with other dogs, Spike engages in running, jumping and bouncy play with male and female dogs. He offered multiple play bows and was tolerant when mounted.
10/2 – 10/3 update
Spike continues to be very social, playful and tolerant of male and female dogs.
10/4 update
Spike engages in gentle play with female dogs and rowdy play with male dogs, he offers multiple play bows and offers no corrections to mounting to pushy dogs.

 

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