Muffler

Returned after 1 week in adoptive home. Adopter did not report any behavior issues that led to the decision to return this dog, adopter noted that their resident senior dog was not "warming up" to him as the reason for return.Adopted selected yes, that this dog is safe to be adopted by another person and recommended that this dog could live with another friendly, playful dog. Owner described dog as cuddly, friendly, playful, gentle, independent, shy, fearful, and easygoing; noted he will chew if not supervised. Medium energy level. Around children, owner stated he bx00seems friendly so far.bx00 Owner recommends dog live with adults, babies, children under 12, and teenagers. With other dogs, is playful, respectful, and curious; owner described him as gentle and very good with other dogs, but noted he will want to play. Owner recommends small or large dogs as companions.B For dog reactions, owner checked unknown when food bowl is touched while eating, isnbx00t bothered when toys are taken away, friendly when pushed/pulled off furniture, bathed or brushed, or disturbed while sleeping or resting, and isnbx00t bothered when a stranger passes the home. When a stranger approaches the handler and dog, owner noted he can be skittish with men. Owner also described him as a good listener.

Brought in stray by finder on 9/24/26 along with four other dogs of the same age. Dogs appear to be siblings and were found as a group. Given yellow dot on intake. Staff noted dogs were Green dot for handling, allowed all handling for intake including vaccines. Made Yellow dot only because they do not walk well on leash. Dogs were carried into the intake room. Handling evaluation based on review of volunteer and staff notes to date.

O: Dog retreats in kennel. Approaches handlers for food or baby talk. Soft while accepting pets all around head and neck. Accepts leash placed over head. Follows handler with verbal encouragement or treats. Backs away or pancakes with any leash pressure. Walks well following handler. Takes treats with a soft mouth. Handled on his head, ears, neck, chest and shoulders, received with soft eyes and face. Nudged at hands after pause for consent check. Put paws up on handler when offered treat. Follows tossed treats. Did not know sit cue, but learned in one outing. Returns to kennel without issues and relaxed while handling around head and neck for removal of slip leash.

A: Approaches handler readily and shows enjoyment with pets. Jumps up and makes soft contact for attention/treats. Does not appear to know any commands, but attentive to handler and learned sit in one outing. Appears to be unfamiliar with walking on leash. No issues kenneling. Yellow for volunteer handling: dog is somewhat avoidant of leashing and does not walk well on leash. Consider for Green if recommended by 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. Adopters should be aware that this dog may have no previous training and little socialization with people and/or other animals outside of his own family group.

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, stood back from the gate and resisted leash pressure to approach. Tester dogs were held back for gate to be opened wide so dog could walk in with encouragement from handler. Dropped leash in the yard. Male tester approached and sniffed near dog's face. Dog lowered head and crouched with tail fully tucked. Male tester walked away.B This dog followed while extending snout and sniffing toward male tester. Female tester was very forward so allowed only to approach with leash held. Female tester pulled towards this dog. This dog showed front teeth, tail fully tucked, and retreated. Walked around the yard with lowered body language and tail tucked. Began to relax after some time with raised head and pricked ears. Lowered head and turned away each time either tester dog approached.B

A: Uncomfortable/Anxious, Low 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.

Meet Muffler, a mellow, cuddly little guy with a gentle personality and lots of puppy charm! At just 10 months old and 19 pounds, this sweet boy enjoys walks, toys, and getting affection from his people. In foster care, he was friendly with visitors and did wonderfully with the children he met, happily accepting pets from kids who approached him. He’s attentive to his people and has already started learning sit!

Muffler has made great progress with leash walking and now walks nicely without much pulling. He can be a little shy in new situations, but with gentle encouragement, he warms up and enjoys being around people. He’s still working on house training and learning to settle quietly in his crate at night, so he’ll appreciate a family with patience for the usual puppy learning curve.

Muffler has shown interest in other dogs, but he may need thoughtful introductions and careful management around shared resources like food and water. For now, a home without other dogs may be the simplest fit while he continues learning. He can also be mouthy and chew on things, so supervision and appropriate chew toys will be important. If you’re looking for a sweet, easygoing young companion to help grow into his best self, Muffler might be the one for you!