Piper

This dog returned from a field trip, a staff member went out to retrieve this dog from the outing. While chatting with the field trip volunteer, Piper stood behind the handler during the conversation.Field trip volunteer handed the leash to the staff member while chatting, the leash wrapped around the volunteer and the staff member followed the leash to untangle it. Piper first took a few steps away, then began to lunge, bark, and snap at the staff member, making close contact with the staff member's leg. Staff member then stepped away to ask for assistance from another staff member.

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: At the gate, dog sniffed towards testers with high somewhat stiff wagging tail, neutral posture. In the yard with leash dropped, male and female tester approached and sniffed along side and tail end. This dog stood still with ears back, some high flagging tail as testers continued to sniff. This dog turned to sniff female tester then bounced away with loose body language and wagging tail. Approached male tester and sniffed tail end then bounced around the yard with wagging tail. This dog and tester dogs approached each other several times to sniff. Each time, this dog stood still and then bounced around the yard with wagging tail. Moved away when male tester approached her face from the side.

A: Gentle, Medium Energy, Low Contact, Neutral 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.

Background: Dog was seized along with another female dog of similar size. Dog's were separated on the property. This dog was tied up. ACO was unable to safely handle dog, unable to vaccinate and dog was given Blue dot on intake 9/9/26. On 9/10/26 PM, vet staff handled dog for intake and noted dog was cowering/trembling in back of kennel, tense during leashing and all handling for intake including vaccines. Blue dot after intake completed. Handling evaluation on 9/24/26.B

O: Dog approached the front of the kennel, bouncing up and down on front feet with loose wagging tail and relaxed open mouth. Easy to leash pulled moderately down the hallway with a loose, bouncy gait, pricked ears and wagging tail. In the yard dog walked well on leash with some hard pulling to sniff the ground. Dropped leash in the yard. Dog continued to walk and sniff. Urinated and defecated immediately. Began bouncing around handler without making contact when offered squeaky toy but did not follow tossed toys or balls. Put front paws up on seated handler. Leaned into pets all over head, neck, shoulders, back, with soft face, relaxed musculature and loose wagging tail. Bounced around handler and put paws up on legs when handler stood. Did not take treats. Did not respond to hand signal or verbal cue for sit. Flinched with hand signal for sit. Walked with moderate pulling back to kennel. Entered kennel ahead of handler. Relaxed for removal of slip leash by hand.B Crew and Yellow volunteer notes to date are consistent with handling evaluation.B

A: Affiliative, approaches handler readily and shows enjoyment with pets. Possibly house trained (eliminates immediately in the yard). Can be jumpy when seeking attention, putting paws up on handler often, but generally does not make hard contact. Does not appear to know any commands. Can pull hard on leash. Currently not treat or toy motivated. No issues kenneling. Yellow for volunteer handling: Attention-seeking jumpy behavior and can pull hard on leash.B

P: Make available for adoption. Adopters should 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. Attention-seeking jumpy behavior may make a home with young children less suitable. Adopters should be aware that this dog was very fearful on intake. Behavior may be shelter-specific, and may or may not have anything to do with the dogbx00s behavior outside of the shelter. Expect behavior to change as the dog gets more comfortable.B Recommend volunteers work with her on basic training, such as sit and down, leash skills and discouraging jumping by rewarding with treats or attention when she is standing or sitting.B B

Piper – Sweet, Shy, and Full of Potential

Piper is a 4-year-old, 35-pound American Pit Bull Terrier mix who is a gentle little sweetheart taking her time to show the world just how wonderful she is.

• Curious Explorer: Piper loves to sniff and investigate almost everything around her. She enjoys taking her time and gathering all the important neighborhood news.
• Sweet & Affectionate: With people she knows, Piper shows her happy side with a wagging tail and bouncy movements. She may put her front paws up, lean in for pets, or even climb into your lap!
• Growing Confidence: With patience and gentle encouragement, Piper’s confidence is growing. She’ll continue to thrive with someone who lets her warm up at her own pace.
• Gentle Dog Friend: Piper plays nicely and gently with her canine buddies in doggie playgroup.

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