Animal Profile


Leo

Hello, my name is Leo. My animal id is #238912. I am a desexed male tan dog at the Manhattan Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 1 months 1 weeks old.

I came into the shelter as a agency on 11/8/2025.

Sorry, this pet is for new hope partners only.

Pre-Screener Form

Leo is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Leo was returned to the Care Center as a stray. During his current stay Leo has been observed to have a much lower threshold for arousal. During an assessment Leo very quickly became over aroused. He was observed to be jumping on furniture, towards handlers, while barking and vocalizing. When conducting the handling portion of the assessment, Leo began to head-whip, snap at the handler and leashes, and lunge with an open mouth. His arousal kept escalating to the point of requiring the assistance of a secondary handler to to safely return him to kennel. During his previous stay, Leo was noted to be social with staff and allow contact. Medically, Leo is apparently healthy.

Let's get to know each other a bit more...

This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Leo is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Leo was returned to the Care Center as a stray. During his current stay Leo has been observed to have a much lower threshold for arousal. During an assessment Leo very quickly became over aroused. He was observed to be jumping on furniture, towards handlers, while barking and vocalizing. When conducting the handling portion of the assessment, Leo began to head-whip, snap at the handler and leashes, and lunge with an open mouth. His arousal kept escalating to the point of requiring the assistance of a secondary handler to to safely return him to kennel. During his previous stay, Leo was noted to be social with staff and allow contact. Medically, Leo is apparently healthy. Leo was returned to the Care Center as a stray. During his current stay Leo has been observed to have a much lower threshold for arousal. During an assessment Leo very quickly became over aroused. He was observed to be jumping on furniture, towards handlers, while barking and vocalizing. When conducting the handling portion of the assessment, Leo began to head-whip and snap at the handler. His arousal kept escalating, requiring the assistance of a secondary handler to to safely return him to kennel. Due to Leo's rapid escalation, we recommend placement with an experienced New Hope Partner that can safely manage his behavior.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 69 lbs

10/10/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1-2 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Agency Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - allows handling for exam with full body pets, no interest in treats, becomes hyper-aroused for tasks and jumping up on staff being lightly mouthy, muzzled as precaution, limited tasks performed as he began baulk, opted to save HWT for time of sx Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective P = 120 R = WNL BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, fairly clean -- limited due to muzzle PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally WNL, intact male, 2 scrotal testes MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally WNL Assessment Slightly overweight Apparently healthy Intact male Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks + exam Await sort Rx: Trazodone 275mg PO BID indefinitely SURGERY: Okay for surgery, HWT at sx!

10/15/2025

Pre-Op Exam S: QAR + laying down in kennel O: Visual exam only EEN: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal discharge RESP: eupneic, no appreciable sneezing or audible congestion MSK/i: Ambulatory x4, healthy haircoat Neuro: alert/appropriate A: Appears to be a good anesthetic candidate P: Neuter today HWT at time of sx

10/15/2025

[Surgery - Dog Neuter] Was this dog a cryptorchid? No Pre scrotal Incision Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 2-0 PDS using two modified millers knots x2 Sub Q closure: 2-0 PDS using 3 cruciates Skin closure? 2-0 PDS intradermal Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 2172

10/15/2025

[Dispensing Medication] Carprofen is being dispensed to the client. In compliance with Bouy's Law, a written client information sheet was included with the prescription. The handout was downloaded from Plumb's™ and discloses all required information regarding the use of this drug, side effects and missed dose and handling instructions.

10/15/2025

Canine Neuter performed by Vet: 2172 Patient anesthesia form uploaded to Shelter Buddy in Vet Documents. Start the following pain managements: Rimadyl 100 mg, Give 1.5 tablet, orally, once a day for 2 days beginning the day after surgery for post op pain management.

11/8/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1-2 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive History: Agency, recently reclaimed by owner states they rehomed Leo and did not have that individual's information. Officer stated dog was bleeding from nose. Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - allows handling for exam with ease, only due for some tasks Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective P = 120 R = WNL BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Adult dentition, clean PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Externally WNL, recently neutered male, surgery site healing well MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Externally WNL Assessment Apparently healthy No appreciable epistaxis noted Neutered male Prognosis: Good Plan: Update tasks + exam Await sort Restart behavior meds at adjusted dose SURGERY: Already neutered

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Basic Information:: Name: Leo Age: 1-3 years old Color: Brown, white and black Sex: Male Altered: Yes Size: Medium Surrender Reason: Financial complications Length of time owned: 1 year Where the previous owner got this dog: Purchased

Previously lived with:: Adults, Children

How is this dog around strangers?: Friendly & Outgoing

How is this dog around children?: No experience, Playful, Tolerant

How is this dog around other dogs?: Familiar dogs: Friendly & Outgoing Unfamiliar dogs - on leash: Alert barks Unfamiliar dogs - off leash: Shy/Contact on their terms

How is this dog around cats?: Cats: Friendly & Outgoing Other Animals: Tolerant

Resource guarding:: Valuable items: Toys, Food, Treats (bones, rawhides, etc.) Reaction: Has a tense body or hovers over them

Bite history:: No bite history

Housetrained:: Partially

Energy level/descriptors:: High (often playful/busy)

Other Notes:: Goes potty on: Wee-wee pads, Outside on walks (grass, cement, dirt, etc.) Accident frequency: Few times a month Additional info: Pees outside of pee pad over night Behavior concerns: Pulls hard on leash, Destructive tendencies (furniture, walls, shoes, household items, etc.) Additional info: Not reported Reacts to on walks: Strangers that approach you/family members, Strangers that approach the home/yard, Small animals (squirrels, birds, rats, etc.) Reaction type: Growling/Hard barking Additional info: Not reported How this dog reacts when... - Held/restrained: Isn't bothered - Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Isn't bothered - Startled: Isn't bothered - Pushed/pulled off furniture: Isn't bothered - Paws are touched: Isn't bothered - Collar grabbed/touched: Isn't bothered

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: Allergies: Unsure Allergy info: Not reported Veterinarian: Doesn’t have one Last vet check: 6/12/2024

For a New Family to Know: Description of this dog most of the time: Social/Affectionate, Very active & Playful Where the dog spent most time: Where people are, In their crate For grooming, this dog: Allows owner/family to bathe and brush, Allows owner/family to trim nails Walks on leash rating: 3 - Mild to moderate pulling Walk Frequency: 1-2 times per day Walk length of time: 20-30 minutes Crate trained: Yes, does well, se porta bien Hours in crate: 3 Type of crate: Normal black crate During car rides, this dog: Vomits in the car Additional info: Having his head out avoids a little vomiting This dog knows the following cues: Sit, paw, lay down, stand up, eat Previous owner's favorite things about the dog: He’s gentle, he loves cuddling and kisses, is attentive. This dog's favorite activities/toys/food/snacks: He likes bones in treats and made with yarn. He likes catching the ball. He likes all toys. Type of food the dog eats: Both wet and dry food Brand of food: Pedigree

Date of intake:: 11/8/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: Yes

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, Limited history

Other Notes:: Previous Stay- 10/10/25: Stray, No known history During his previous stay Leo was observed to resource guard toys, have poor impulse control, social hyperarousal and rope reactivity. *Previous assessments can be given upon request* Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Moderate Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Highly social Call over: Approaches hander readily Sociability comments: Once entering the room Leo very quickly became over aroused. He was jumping towards handlers while barking and vocalizing. The handler was able to place a collar on him. When placed on a drag leash Leo found a toy and began engaging with it exuberantly, knocking over a table and chairs. The handler was able to move him away from the toy however he began head whipping, and jumping up towards the the leash. The handler sits down to begin the handling portion, as the handler begins shortening their leash Leo begins head whipping and snapping, almost making contact with the handlers hand. The primary handler stands up while the secondary handler sprays pet corrector. The secondary handler attempts to place another leash on Leo however he lunges towards them and begins biting the leash. Leo then turns towards the primary handler and lunges towards them with an open mouth snapping, then jumps up and bites the leash. The secondary handler tries two more times to place another leash on Leo however he continues to lunge, bite and tug on the leash. The primary handler is able to put a kennel rope on him while he is head whipping and return him to kennel without further issue. Soft handling: Did not conduct Exuberant handling: Did not conduct Comments: Arousal Jog comments: Did not conduct Knock Knock comments: Did not conduct Toy Toy comments: Did not conduct

Date of assessment:: 11/11/2025

Summary:: Leo arrived at MACC as a stray. During his previous stay Leo also arrived as a stray. He was noted to resource guard toys in his possession, have poor impulse control, social hyperarousal and rope reactivity. During his current stay Leo has been obsvered to have a much lower threshold for arousal. During his assessment, once entering the room Leo very quickly became over aroused. He was jumping towards handlers while barking and vocalizing. He also was jumping on and off the furniture. The handler was able to place a collar on him. When placed on a drag leash Leo found a toy and began engaging with it exuberantly, knocking over a table and chairs and shaking the toy venously. The handler was able to move him away from the toy however, he began head whipping, and jumping up towards the leash. The handler sits down to begin the handling portion of the assessment, as the handler begins shortening their leash Leo begins head whipping and snapping, almost making contact with the handler’s hand. The primary handler stands up while the secondary handler sprays pet corrector. The secondary handler attempts to place another leash on Leo however he lunges towards them and begins biting the leash. Leo then turns towards the primary handler and lunges towards them with an open mouth snapping, then jumps up and bites the leash. The secondary handler tries two more times to place another leash on Leo however he continues to lunge, bite and tug on the leash. When the main handler uses a squeaky sound to distract Leo, he spins towards them and lunges towards them. The primary handler is able to put a kennel rope on him while he is head whipping and return him to kennel without further issue. Due to the low threshold for arousal and quick escalation in behavior, We recommend placement with an experienced New Hope Partner.

Summary (7):: 11/11/25: Leo is at the front of his kennel with a neutral body as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and brought out the room. When walking through the hallway, dogs are present but Leo doesn't react to any of them. On the street, Leo walks ahead of the handler with tension on leash; as the handler calls his name, Leo does not approach them. When walking back to the building, Leo jumps on two separate parked cars. Leo is brought in for his assessment. Upon entering the office, Leo begins to jump on furniture, as well on the handler as they are seated. After the assessor place Leo on a collar and drag, Leo grabs and shakes a toy, knocking items, including a table. After he drops the toy, the assessor removes the toy from the room; as they attempt to adjust his collar, Leo headwhips and snaps at the assessor. When the assessor shortens the drag leash (during the handling portion of the assessment), Leo turns, headwhips, and snaps at the drag leash and the handler. As the handler attempts to place a pre-clipped leash on him (as the assessor holds the drag leash), Leo lunges and bites their leash twice. The assessor uses a squeaky sound and Leo turns, lunges and snaps at them. The handler attempts to leash him again and Leo lunged and snapped at him. The assessor is able to hold Leo of a short leash while placing a leash on him. Leo is then returned to kennel.

Date of initial:: 11/8/2025

Summary:: Allows handling for exam with ease

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Leo so we cannot be certain of his behavior in a home environment. However, he will need daily mental and physical activity to keep him engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct his energy and enthusiasm.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: No Children: Due to Leo's capacity for arousal and poor bite inhibition we recommend a home with no children. Place with New Hope Partner: Due to escalation in arousal, impulse control, and mouthiness during handling assessment, we recommend placement with an experienced New Hope Partner.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Basic manners/poor impulse control,Social hyperarousal,Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition,Leash-biting,Low threshold for arousal

Potential challenges comments:: Resource Guarding: When attempting the toy portion of Leo's assessment he muzzle punched the assess-a-hand and was slightly tense with the toy in his mouth. We advise against ever removing items from Leo's possession without safely trading for an item or greater or equal value. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended to aid in safely managing/modifying this behavior in a new home environment. Please see handout on Resource Guarding. Basic Manners/Poor Impulse Control: Leo was observed to jump on handlers during social interaction, table surf and jump on the office door. It is recommended that default behaviors such as "Leave it", "Sit/Stay", "Down" are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach him to control his impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward based training only is recommended. Please see handout on Basic Manners and Impulse Control. Social Hyperarousal/Mouthiness: During medical exams, Leo was reported to become aroused and began jumping on handlers, mouthing them. Positive reinforcement, force-free training should be used to teach Leo to remain calm when people and other exciting things are around. He should be rewarded with treats when calm. If he escalates to jumping or mouthing, people should immediately walk away from and separate themselves from Leo. Please see handouts on Arousal and Mouthiness. Leash Biting: During his assessment Leo began leash biting when socially greeting a handler. We recommend walking him with a toy to dissuade him from grabbing the leash. Positive reinforcement, force-free training is advised to teach him to focus on you rather than grabbing the leash. Please see handout on Leash Biting.