Clint

Allow additional hold period in order to document behavior with a variety of handlers as intake notes indicate that dog can be very reactive to certain types of handling in some situations. Dog is going out with Crew or Staff on a daily basis. On 10/16/26 dog was taken out for a playgroup session and engaged in relaxed play with two female dogs for the duration of the outing. No issues with handling for leashing or re-kenneling. Leaned into pets while handling.Updated handling notes, 10/22/26 BACKGROUND: Staff were unable to vaccinate the dog on intake as stray, brought in by animal control. Dog was "highly reactive to anything approaching it. Dog had a leash around its neck that is tied in a knot on the end, unable to slip it off. Attempted to cut the leash off the dog with MT but dog showed clear signs of aggression towards anything approaching it." Aggression later described as snapping at tool that was being used to try to remove leash from around the dog's neck. Dog was initially growling and retreating in kennel. Warmed up with treats and baby talk. Dog was relaxed with all handling during first outing with staff. Dog has been going out with staff and/or volunteers on a daily basis and had attended playgroups with well matched dogs. Summary of observations from crew volunteers and staff.

O: Dog approaches the front of the kennel with soft wagging tail and soft face. Eliminates immediately once outside. Walks alongside handler in yard with leash dropped. Often puts paws up on handler with loose wagging tail and soft face. gets down when handler disengages. Knows sit, touch, and spin. Takes treats with a soft mouth. Readily approaches handlers when kneeling and leans into pets all over head, neck, shoulders, back with soft wagging tail and loose, relaxed body language. Rolls over for belly rubs. Does not follow tossed toys. Walks beside handlers inside the building, and often checks in with handler while walking. Enters kennel ahead of handler. Relaxed during handling around the neck for removal of slip leash. Dog was walked through the office space by a volunteer handler. Met an unfamiliar staff member and took treats. Loose, relaxed body language, and rolled over for belly rubs from volunteer handler while they continued a conversation with staff.

A: Approaches handlers readily and shows enjoyment with pets. May be slightly sensitive (flinching) to touch initially. Knows some basic commands (sit, volunteers working on touch and spin). Walks well on leash. No issues kenneling. Blue for volunteer handling: Dog was fearful on intake and appears to be slightly sensitive (flinching) to touch at first, some jumping with light body contact. Otherwise dog has been relaxed with all handling to date and is easy to leash, walk, and re-kennel. Evaluate for Yellow if recommended by Crew volunteers.

P: Make available for adoption by appointment. 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 be fearful and sensitive to environmental stimuli in some situations. This behavior may be shelter-specific and may be completely unrelated to behavior outside of the shelter.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. Tail high and wagging as he sniffed through the gate. Inside the yard, dog ran fast to the female and started bouncing around with her. Male approached and again, dog started bouncing around. Lots of brief start/stop motions with some spins in between. Continued bouncing around the yard with both dogs and lots of frontal body contact. Mounted the female at one point and was steered off by handler. Body language was relaxed for the duration.

A: Wrestle, Medium-High Energy, High 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.