Matilda

"Background: Brought in stray by finder on 10/12/26. Finder had dog in their home for 2 days and noted that the dog was scared in the home and scared to get into the car. Yellow dot on intake. Intake staff noted dog did not walk on leash (pancaked, alligator rolled). Was carried to the intake room, cowered in the corner, but allowed all handling for intake procedures including vaccines.Summary of staff and volunteer handling notes to date.

O: Dog lowers body and head when leashed. Follows handlers out of kennel with some pressure/release. Did not initially walk on leash (pancaked and pulled back on leash pressure) and was carried in the hallways; however, will generally walk through hallways currently. In the yard with leash dropped, dog will approach handlers freely when in the company of other dogs. Soft face and low head and tail, some soft tail wags when approaching handlers. Step forward for pets around the head. Tolerant of handling all over head, neck, back, belly, and legs. Returns to kennel ahead of handler, no issues removing leash by hand.

A: Personality is difficult to assess as dog is under socialized and somewhat shutdown. However, dog is affiliative and tolerant of handling. Dog has limited to no training and does not appear to have any experience walking on leash. Yellow for volunteer handling as dog does not walk well on leash and is somewhat fearful and shutdown. Recommend volunteers use a drag leash in the yard.B

P: Make available for adoption. Dog is a puppy and will need continued appropriate socialization with new people, places and other animals, and positive reinforcement/rewards based training. Training should begin before this puppy learns unwanted behaviors and becomes difficult to control. Adopter must be prepared for the time, energy, patience and commitment needed to raise and train a puppy. Adopter must be physically capable of handling a large, strong dog. Disclose that dog was shutdown and fearful on shelter intake and may be a flight risk. Expect behavior to change as dog becomes more comfortable.

S: Dog-dog evaluation during AM playgroups.

O: At the gate, dog has been calm and non-reactive. Inside the yard, dog has been joining in a group of up to 7 during AM playgroups. Dog appears relaxed with soft eyes and tail neutral and wagging. Spends about half of her time with the other dogs, and the other half at the handlerbx00s feet. Extremely gentle when she plays. No issues over several days of playgroup.

A: Gentle, Low Energy, Low Contact, Defers, Takes Corrections, Avoids Conflict, Playgroup Size 5-10.

P: Recommend placement with appropriately matched dogs, or placed as a solo dog with appropriate dog friends.

Meet Matilda, a sweet, gentle puppy who’s still discovering the world! At 8 months old and 35 pounds, she can be shy around new people and is still learning how to walk on leash. Once she feels comfortable, she’ll approach people for pets and is tolerant of gentle handling. She may need time and patience to feel safe in a new home, but she has lots of room to grow with positive reinforcement and encouragement.

Matilda has also been a lovely, gentle presence in playgroups, enjoying the company of other dogs while checking in with her human friends. She could be a good match for a compatible canine companion or enjoy making dog friends as a solo pup. Matilda will need a patient adopter ready to help her build confidence, learn the basics, and explore the world at her own pace.