TAJ – 9523
Safe - 10-21-2017 Manhattan
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SAFE 10/21/17
Hello, my name is Taj. My animal id is #9523. I am a male brown dog at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 1 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a stray on 11-Oct-2017.
Taj 9523 is at risk for behavior concerns (Experience determination). He has allowed handling and restraint but is cautious and timid with his human handlers. He shows good coping mechanisms when uncomfortable (ex. looking away) but can become jumpy when excited. He also pulls hard on the leash. Due to his level of fear and hesitancy to return to his kennel after walks, we are concerned that Taj will not thrive in the shelter environment. We recommend an experienced adopter prepared to work with his behaviors. Medically Taj has a skin condition (pyoderma) that will need treatment.
Let’s get to know each other a bit more…
A volunteer writes: With his wrinkly face, amber eyes, furrowed brow and big head on a gorgeously gleaming red coat, Taj made me thinK of Clifford, The Big Red Dog. But he’s real, he’s here, and he’s waiting to meet you. Taj loves toys, loves playing fetch, and that definitely trumps getting petted, in his book. Show him a ball and it’s play time, and that’s that! He cutely gets attached to one ball out of the many we have in play, and I’m told that he may guard his favorite, but not the others. Like most of us do, Taj has clearly assigned a value to his toys. So cute! After some play, he lies down to chomp on his favorite ball, sometimes on the bench, and sometimes under the bench as he spreads out froggy style. He knows ‘sit’ and ‘down’, and is just waiting to show off to his new person. Wagging tail, soft body, soulful eyes and a gentle playful way about him is what dreams are made of. He does pull on his leash, so some leash training and/or a harness might help. OK, so he’s not perfect, but pretty darn close. Not a fan of going into his kennel, he is learning that it’s necessary after play time, and he’s getting it. Of course, toys and treats and lots of ‘good boy’s’ help. He’s a staff favorite with good reason, so come meet him and see what he’s all about. We’ll send him home with a ball or two to start your collection.
My medical notes are…
Weight: 76 lbs
Details on my behavior are…
Behavior Condition: 1. Green
Basic Information:: The dog came in friendly and easy to approach with a wagging tail and smiling face. Immediately jumped on me to greet when going to scan for microchip. The man that brought him in stated he had the dog around his kids and he was good and friendly with them.
Date of assessment: 13-Oct-2017
Look: 2. Dog pulls out of Assessor’s hands each time without settling during three repetitions.
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 assumes play position and joins the game. Or dog indicates play with huffing, soft ‘popping’ of the body, etc. Dog might jump on Assessor once play begins.
Paw squeeze 1: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back.
Paw squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back.
Toy: 2. Dog takes toy away, keeps a firm hold. His/her body is between you and the toy, and is loose and wiggly. No growling or stiffness.
Summary: Taj was a bit cautious upon first entering assessment room. He used good coping strategies when uncomfortable (shoulder rubbing, looking away) and tolerated all handling.
Summary (1): 10/12: When introduced off leash to a female dog, Taj
is highly focused on the female with intent to mount.
Date of intake: 11-Oct-2017
Summary: Taj was social and soliciting attention.
Date of initial: 11-Oct-2017
Summary: Taj allowed handling.
ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Taj so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. In the care center, Taj displays a medium level of energy. He will benefit from daily mental and physical activity to keep him engaged and exercised. We recommend daily walks, runs, exercise, and play.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined
below)
Recommendations: No young children (under 5)
Recommendations comments: When excited, Taj may jump up playfully, which may be intimidating to very young children. Older, dog-savvy children may be considered pending an in-depth interaction. Taj may do best with a slow introduction, preferably with treats, and being spoken to softly and gently.
Potential challenges: Basic manners/poor impulse control
Fearful
Strength/leash pulling
Other
Potential challenges comments: Basic Manners: Taj may
jump up lightly when excited/playful. It is recommended that default behaviors such as ‘leave it’, ‘sit/stay’, and ‘down’ are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach him to control his impulses instead of simply reacting. Force free, reward based training only is recommended.
Fearful- Taj is a bit timid with new environments. He manages his stress well and has not escalated to any warning signs. he needs a slow approach and the ability to warm up at his own pace. Taj should never be forced to submit to petting or handling when he is uncomfortable.
Leash pulling-Taj is a strong dog with the capability to pull over an average adopter. It is recommended that he be walked on a harness, which helps diminish his strength through leverage, and that he be trained using positive reinforcement, reward based training to not pull on leash.
Other- Taj is reluctant to return to kennel, but will walk easier when shown a toy that is tossed inside. He should never be forced to go places he is uncomfortable with, and should be rewarded with treats and praise once he complies with a request that he is uncertain about.
You may know me from such films as…
For more information on adopting from the NYC AC&C, or to find a rescue to assist, please read the following: http://urgentpodr.org/adoption-info-and-list-of-rescues. If you are local to the Tri-State, New England, and the general Northeast United States area, and you are SERIOUS about adopting or fostering one of the animals at NYC ACC, please read our MUST READ section for instructions, or email [email protected]. Our experienced volunteers will do their best to guide you through the process. * We highly discourage everyone from trusting strangers that send them Facebook messages, offering help, for it has ended in truly tragic events.* For more info on behavior codes and ratings, please click here: http://information.urgentpodr.org/acc-placement-status-descriptions. For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please see: http://information.urgentpodr.org/category/frequently-asked-questions/. You can call (212) 788-4000 for automated instructions.
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