Potts

Summary of field trip notes: Potts went on a field trip to the volunteerbx00s home and neighborhood, followed by a visit to Dimond Park. He eagerly entered the car, sat upright during the ride, and exited calmly, though he panted throughout the outing. Potts initially pulled strongly on leash but relaxed and walked more calmly as the outing progressed. He stopped at corners when prompted and frequently marked during walks. Potts generally ignored unfamiliar people and other dogs, though he showed curiosity toward a dog barking behind a fence. He ignored squirrels and birds and walked past the volunteerbx00s cat on the porch without reacting. Potts demonstrated knowledge of sit and shake when relaxed and motivated by treats, which he took gently. At the volunteerbx00s home, he enjoyed playing ball, relaxing on the couch, and receiving affection. The volunteer described him as playful and affectionate.

Staff member had this dog out to show to a potential a foster parent, who lives in an apartment. P was affiliative and relaxed with the staff member and foster, however was very loud barky/vocal during the meet so staff member opted for a different dog.Volunteers should advise adopters on this dog's barky/chatty behavior and that this dog may not be suitable to live in a home with shared walls/apartments. Adopters should be advised that this behavior may be due to stress or possibly this is just the dog's personality. Adopters should be counseled on providing adequate enrichment and training, and may need to work with a qualified positive reinforcement dog training if adopters desire to train an alternative behavior to P's chatty-ness.

Summary of field trip notes: Potts went on a field trip to Bay St and San Pablo Park. He was eager to get in and out of the car and sat upright in the back seat for most of the ride. Potts pulled ahead on leash for most of the walk but generally ignored unfamiliar people, occasionally pulling toward them. He ignored other dogs, including those behind fences in front yards, and showed no reaction to squirrels. Potts demonstrated knowledge of sit and remained largely unbothered by environmental stimuli throughout the outing. He barked when one person walked away from the group but was otherwise described as friendly, sweet, and energetic.

Background: Brought in stray by finder on 9/13/26. Given Yellow dot on intake. Dog was nervous throughout intake but allowed all handling for intake procedures including vaccines. Handling evaluation on 9/17/26.

O: Easy to leash. Moderate pulling to the yard. Urinated and defecated in the yard. Dropped leash in the yard. Soft face and leaned into pets all over head, neck, chest, back with wagging tail and loose, relaxed body language. Approached for treats, taken with soft mouth. Played several rounds of fetch with loose, relaxed body language. Dropped ball at handlers feet. Began barking and running along with handler. Approached handler and sat when asked. Returned to kennel with moderate pulling. Entered kennel ahead of handler. Slip leash removed by hand without issue.Volunteer notes to date are consistent with staff notes.Has been groomed by volunteer with no issues handling.

A: Affiliative adult with some training. Presents as medium stable energy. Approaches handler for treats and shows enjoyment with pets. Enjoys playing fetch. Possibly house trained (eliminates on entering the yard). Know some basic commands (sit). Easy to walk on leash with moderate pulling. Can be very vocal. Green for volunteer handling: dog pulls moderately on leash but is otherwise affiliative and easy to handle (including tolerating grooming).

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. Adopters should be aware that this dog can be very vocal (appears to bark when excited/playing and barks for attention).

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 was calm and non-reactive. In the yard, dog was approached by the testers. Testers sniffed him all over. Dog stood mostly still but did turn to look at each dog before wandering off. Moved around the yard, sniffing the ground and eliminating. Testers following, dog ignored. Dog remained independent for the remainder of the evaluation.

A: Independent, 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.

Potts – Independent, Easygoing and Curious

Potts is a 7-year-old, 58-pound Shepherd/Border Collie mix with an independent, easygoing personality and a curious mind. He enjoys exploring his surroundings, sniffing, and taking in all the activity around him.

• Leash Manners: Potts pulls mildly on leash and is mostly interested in sniffing, marking, and exploring at his own pace.
• Independent Explorer: Potts enjoys entertaining himself, often running around the perimeter of the yard and investigating every interesting scent. He doesn’t actively seek out attention but may lean in for pets when he’s ready.
• Playful: Potts enjoys chasing a tossed ball, although he doesn’t always bring it back.
• Treats & Engagement: Potts knows “sit”, “paw” and can catch treats mid air. He takes treats gently, though he isn’t consistently treat motivated. He may be curious about activities around him and may vocalize when excited.

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