Barley

Recent adoption, returned after 2 days. Surrendering party reported that dog would walk in between wife's legs, becoming a trip hazard. Wife is in poor health so adopter decided that they were not ready for a dog at this time. Handling and dog-dog evaluation notes are up to date. Dog can be made available for adoption.B

Summary of field trip notes: Barley went on a field trip to Crab Cove in Alameda for a waterfront walk. He was calm during the car ride and slightly hesitant when loading and unloading, possibly due to his recent neuter surgery. Barley walked nicely on leash with minimal pulling and enjoyed stopping to sniff. He generally ignored passing strangers but calmly accepted petting from those who approached. He showed little interest in larger dogs and mild curiosity toward smaller dogs but was easily redirected to continue walking. Barley ignored geese and pigeons on the ground but showed interest in birds flying overhead and squirrels, occasionally wanting to chase but remaining manageable on leash. He demonstrated knowledge of sit, particularly when treats were visible and paired with his preferred hand signal. Barley startled at a water fountain and running water from a bottle, preferring to drink water pooled on the ground, but showed no significant reaction to loud aircraft flying overhead. He was otherwise calm and relaxed throughout the outing, enjoying sniffing and watching the ocean.

Background: Brought in stray by ACO on 9/28/26. Given yellow dot on intake. Staff noted dog was scared but warms up and was tolerant of all handling for intake procedures, including vaccines. Handling evaluation on 10/2/26.

O: Neutral posture at front of kennel. Wide soft wagging tail and soft face. Easy to leash. Walked with little pulling down the hallway, following handlerbx00s lead when changing direction. Neutral posture, relaxed musculature. In the yard with dropped leash, dog urinated and defecated immediately then marked several places at different times during the outing.B Approached seated handler with soft face and loose body language. Sat with verbal cue plus lure. Took treats with moderate mouth, sometimes soft, sometimes with teeth lightly touching hand. Soft wagging tail when touched on head, neck, chest, and base of tail. Sensitivity to handling was tested during multiple interactions as dog moved away when handler stopped for consent checks. Ran with loose rocking horse gait and relaxed open mouth when ball was tossed across the yard and played three rounds of fetch then walked away while chewing on tennis ball. Handler sat in chair and patted lap. Dog trotted over with loose, relaxed musculature and jumped up on chair, squeezing behind handler to sit in chair. Soft face when handler stood and petting dog around the chin and head. Mild 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. Other volunteer notes indicate dog sometimes jumps up for treats and petting has been observed to increase level of arousal, resulting in dog jumping on handler.B

A: Approaches handler with verbal encouragement or for treats and toys and shows enjoyment with pets. Appears to enjoy toy play such as fetch. Walks well on leash. Knows some basic commands (Sit). Possibly house trained (eliminates immediately in the yard). Yellow for volunteer handling: Some high arousal/jumping on handler for treats or when stimulated by physical touch/petting, but is easy to leash, walk, and re-kennel. 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.B 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. Some whining as he watched the testers through the fence. Inside the yard, dog approached the male tester. Maneuvered around to his rear to sniff, tail high and wagging fast. Followed the tester as he moved away. Female approached, sniffed her nose-to-nose with tail high and wagging fast. Very slight hackles on back but body language generally relaxed. Explored the yard on his own for the remainder of the evaluation.B

A: Independent, 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.

Barley – Playful, Easygoing, and Affectionate

Meet Barley, a 3-year-old, 49-pound American Pit Bull Terrier mix with a playful spirit and a sweet, laid-back side!

• Great Walking Buddy: Barley walks nicely on leash with little pulling. On a field trip, he enjoyed sniffing and taking in the sights, generally ignoring passing strangers while calmly accepting pets from people who approached. He showed some interest in other dogs but was easily redirected to keep walking.
• Playful Ball Chaser: Toss a tennis ball, and Barley is ready to chase! He loves gnawing on his ball and is happy to trade it for yummy treats.
• Smart & Treat Motivated: Barley responds to “sit,” is still polishing up “down,” and can catch treats midair like a pro.
• Sweet & Affectionate: Barley loves leaning in for butt scratches and enjoying time with his people. He can get a little bouncy when excited, but his playful enthusiasm adds to his charm.

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