Zo

BACKGROUND: Brought in stray by ACO on 10/5/26. Dog was previously at this shelter two times in July 2025. Previously given Green dot on intake. Also given Green dot on most recent intake, October 2026. Dog has tolerated all handling for intake procedures, including vaccines, without issues. Handling evaluation based on staff handling during the dog-dog evaluation, Green volunteer, and a Crew volunteer outings reported to date, 10/10/26.

O: Dog greets at door with wagging tail, loose body language. Easy to leash. Moderate to heavy pulling exiting building. Urinates and defecates immediately on entering the yard. Pulls excessively towards other dogs at barriers, but can be distracted with squeaker noises. Walks nearby handler while sniffing. Jumps on handler when spoke to. Gets down for treat lures/tosses. Engages with treat finding games. Sits for verbal cue. Does not respond to down. Approaches handlers when kneeling and leans in to pets all over head, neck, chest, shoulders, back. Pulled to end of leash towards another dog at 50 feet distance, with tall posture and puffed out chest, but not vocal or reactive. Moderate pulling back through building.B Entered kennel ahead of handler and was relaxed while handling around head and neck for removal of slip leash.

A: Approaches people readily for social interaction. Shows enjoyment with pets. Treat motivated with soft mouth taking treats. Knows basic commands (sit). Can pull very hard on leash towards other dogs. Likely housetrained (eliminates immediately in the yard). Yellow for volunteer handling: Dog may pull very hard towards other dogs. Otherwise dog was easy to handle for Green volunteers.B

P: Make available for adoption. Recommend adopters continue to work on basic manners (leash skills, recall, sit) using a patient, reward-based training approach. Unknown how this dog may behave around children.B

S: Dog-dog evaluation with a male and female tester dog. Tester dogs selected due to their ability to politely greet and not escalate conflict.

O: Dog pulled hard to approach the gate. Calmly sniffed the testers through the fence. Inside the yard, leash was held and dog pulled hard to approach the male tester. Briefly sniffed, then wandered away to eliminate. Approached again, sniffed nose-to-nose, tail high and wagging fast. Dog started bouncing up and down, leashes dropped. Started running with the tester around the yard. Tester got into a corner and dog became vocal and appeared to overwhelm the tester. Shaker can was used and dog rapidly moved away and lowered to the ground. Shaker can likely not needed in hindsight.B

A: Tackle, High Energy, High Contact, Forward Social Dynamic, no Corrections or Conflict observed, Playgroup Size 2-3.

P: Recommend placement with appropriately matched dogs, or placed as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

S: Dog-dog eval with male and female dogs.B

O: Tail high and wagging slightly, ears up, sniffing nose-to-nose briefly on the fence, then sniffing the ground in the catch pen. Let into the yard. Tester dogs approached quickly, sniffed all over. This dog stood with head high, ears up/back, eyes wide, tail high and wagging somewhat stiff. Tester dogs walked away, this dog sniffed the ground. Male tester dog stood close to this dog. Tester dog walked away, this dog approached and sniffed end-to-end.B

A: Gentle. Low to medium energy, no contact, neutral social dynamic, no corrections or conflict observed, playgroup size 2-3.B

P: Recommend placement with appropriately matched dogs, or as a solo dog with appropriately matched dog friends.

Green dot on intake. Intake staff note dog had no issues with handling during intake process.B B

Zo – Affectionate, Enthusiastic, and People-Loving

Meet Zo, a 2.5-year-old, 69-pound American Pit Bull Terrier mix, who is ready to shower his forever family with affection, enthusiasm, and plenty of happy tail-wagging moments.

• Affectionate Lovebug: Zo adores pets and scratches and isn’t shy about asking for more! He responds wonderfully to verbal praise and attention, making him a fun, rewarding companion.
• Smart & Talented: Zo knows “sit” and is happy to practice his barkour skills by hopping onto outdoor benches when prompted.
• Playful Enthusiast: Zo may get so excited about attention that he sometimes jumps up to say hello but would follow quickly treat lures and tossed treats to get down.
• Leash Manners in Progress: Zo pulls moderately when excited and is still polishing his walking skills. He notices other dogs and may pull toward them, but he hasn’t shown barking or growling in these observations.

Zo would do best with appropriately matched dogs or as a solo dog with well-matched canine friends.