Basic Information:: Spot is a 5 month old black and white male dog who was surrendered by his owner due to the fact they moved and can not have pets were they are staying. Owner stated that she got Spot from a friend when he was 6 weeks old.

Previously lived with:: Owner

How is this dog around strangers?: Owner stated that when around strangers Spot is friendly and outgoing. When playing with adults he is gentle.

How is this dog around children?: Spot has spent time in the home around several children ranging in age from 1-10 years old. Owner stated that when around the children Spot is friendly and affectionate. when playing with children he is gentle.

How is this dog around other dogs?: Spot has not spent time in the home around other dogs but he has went on several play dates with large dogs and he does well. when playing with other dogs he is gentle.

How is this dog around cats?: Spot has spent time in the home around cats and he is respectful.

Resource guarding:: Spot isn’t bothered if someone was to touch his food treats or toys. He will bark if someone unfamiliar was to approach his house or family member.

Bite history:: Spot has no bite history.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: High

Other Notes:: Spot isn’t bothered if he is pushed off the couch restrained or disturbed while he sleeps. Spot is afraid of being bathed. He enjoys being brushed. He has never had his nails trimmed so it is unknown how he will react.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: No reported medical concerns.

For a New Family to Know: Owner described Spot as friendly affectionate and playful. When at home he will follow his owner around. He likes to play tug with ropes. He has been kept indoors only and eats both wet and dry food. (Blue Buffalo) When using the bathroom Spot will go on the grass or cement. When left alone in the house or yard he is well behaved. He has been crated and does well for up to 8 hours. Spot knows how to sit, come when called and give paw. Spot is used to brisk walks on the leash. When off the leash he stays close by your side.

Date of intake:: 1/30/2018

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Previously lived with:: 1 adult

Behavior toward strangers:: Friendly, outgoing, gentle

Behavior toward children:: Friendly, affectionate, gentle around children he has spent time with (aged 1-10)

Behavior toward dogs:: Gentle

Behavior toward cats:: Respectful

Resource guarding:: None reported

Bite history:: None reported

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Friendly affectionate and playful with a high energy level

Date of assessment:: 2/1/2018

Summary:: Spot is underage for a SAFER assessment.

Summary (1):: According o Spot’s previous owner, Spot has not spent time in the home around other dogs but he has went on several play dates with large dogs and he does well. 1/31: When off leash at the Care Centers, Spot is nervous, entering the pen with a lowered body , tucked tail and tense face. He does tolerate the female helper’s greets, but mostly keeps his distance from her. 2/1: Spot is more social and confident today. He greets both male and female dogs with a soft body, and listens to another dog’s series of correction. He did offer one play bow. 2/2: Today Spot briefly greets a calm female dog, then spends the rest of his session seeking the handler’s attention.

Date of intake:: 1/30/2018

Summary:: Hard barking, growling

Date of initial:: 1/30/2018

Summary:: Tense, froze though allowed all handling

ENERGY LEVEL:: Spot is reported to have a high energy level in his previous home environment.

IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: Spot was at the front of the kennel when two handlers approached him. Once the kennel door was unlocked, Spot came forward but immediately retreated to the back once the handler went to rope him. He began to tremble, growl, and press himself further into the back of his kennel. He did balk at the rope, but the handler was able to rope him after a few attempts. He was brought to the SAFER room due to the cold weather outside. Once in the SAFER room, a drag leash was attached. Spot was soft and social with the handlers that were present in the room. He would attempt to lay in their laps or give kisses. He did show interest in toys, but did not interact with them, nor did he eat treats. When the session was over, Spot was easily roped and returned to his kennel without issue.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: NEW HOPE ONLY

Behavior Asilomar: TM – Treatable-Manageable

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: New Hope Only: Spot displays concerning and inappropriate behavior for a puppy, showing signs of fear based aggression, possibly due to lack of socialization/traumatic handling experiences. Because we are unsure of the depth of his fear, we recommend immediate intervention to appropriately socialize and desensitize to novel stimuli. Spot is likely to succeed in an experienced adult-only home with guidance and consultation from a veterinary behaviorist

Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Spot has been observed to display fearful behavior during his stay at our care centers (freezing, growling upon approach); at times will avoid interaction and shy away from direct-touch. Spot easily startles and is made uncomfortable by loud noises and sudden movement and will display proper warning signals as well as increase distance from anything that may present a threat. We cannot be certain if any other behavior is suppressed as a result of his environment. A period of decompression is advised before introduction or exposure to new and unfamiliar situations. Force-free, reward based training is advised