Kaden

Summary of field trip notes: Kaden went on a field trip to Bay Farm Island Shoreline. He entered the car without difficulty but showed some panting, pacing, and whining during the ride, occasionally sitting down. Kaden pulled strongly on leash throughout the outing and displayed very high energy, preferring running or fast-paced walking and having difficulty settling. He was neutral toward unfamiliar people and generally ignored other dogs, though he pulled toward one smaller dog with a wagging tail. Kaden ran toward a nearby squirrel but ignored birds; no cats were encountered. He demonstrated knowledge of sit and took treats politely. Kaden was particularly enthusiastic about playing ball and appeared to enjoy physical activity. The volunteer described him as happy, energetic, and excitable, noting that he appeared to hold his urine, though his housetraining status remains unconfirmed.

Background: Brought in stray by finder on 9/28/26. Finder said dog walked right up to them, was bx00very friendlybx00 and jumped right in the car. Finder had dog in their home for one night with no issues and stated dog was friendly with people and other dogs and bx00very sweetbx00. Given yellow dot on intake. Staff noted dog was nervous during intake tolerant of all handling for intake procedures, including vaccines. Handling evaluation on 10/2/26.

O: Loose wagging tail and soft face at the front of the kennel. Easy to leash. Moderate pulling in the hallway. In the yard with dropped leash, dog urinated immediately then marked several places at different times during the outing. Approached seated handler with soft face and loose body language. Took treats gently with just tongue. Sat automatically when treat held near him. Leaned into pets all over head, neck, chest, and base of tail with soft face, tail high. Sensitivity to handling was tested during multiple interactions as dog sometimes moved away and sniffed the ground or looked through the fence when handler stopped for consent checks. Ran with loose rocking horse gait and relaxed open mouth when ball was tossed across the yard, but did not pick up. Walked away to look through the fence. During leashed walk in the yard, dog pulled hard while sniffing. Moderate pulling in the hallway walking back to the kennel. Entered kennel ahead of handler and was relaxed while handling around head and neck for removal of slip leash.Observations are consistent with Crew and Yellow volunteer notes to date.B

A: Approaches handler readily and shows enjoyment with pets. Appears to enjoy toy play but did not engage with toys today other than running playfully when toys were tossed. Can pull hard on leash. Knows some basic commands (Sit). Possibly house trained (eliminates immediately in the yard). Green for volunteer handling: Can pull hard on leash intermittently, but is easy to leash, walk, and re-kennel. Often approaches handlers during outings and has been relaxed with handling.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: At the gate, dog was calm and non-reactive. Calmly sniffed the testers through the fence. In the yard, dog was approached by the testers. Sniffed the belly of the male tester, tail high and wagging softly. Female approached to sniff, dog ignored her. Wandered around the yard, mostly ignoring the testers but on occasion would face them with tall posture and tail wagging, then move away.B

A: Independent (possibly Gentle), Medium Energy, Medium 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.

Kaden – Playful, Smart, and Affectionate

Meet Kaden, a 3-year-old, 51-pound Shepherd mix with a playful spirit and a sweet, loving side!

• Playtime Enthusiast: Kaden loves chasing balls, playing fetch, and tugging on rope toys. He usually releases the ball when he sees another one coming, eager to keep the fetch game going!
• Smart Cookie: Kaden knows “sit” and “stay,” takes treats very gently, and enjoys treat-foraging games that put his nose to work.
• Affectionate Companion: He enjoys pets, especially chest and butt scratches. He can get a little bouncy when excited, but that playful enthusiasm is part of his charm.
• Outdoor Explorer: Kaden is working on his leash manners and loves having room to sprint and play. He mostly ignores other dogs while out and about but would run towards a squirrel. He was reported to give a brief howl when a fire truck passed by!

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