Date of intake:: 8/2/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, No known history

Date of assessment:: 8/5/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Mild Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: Inconclusive Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Fearful Call Over: Approaches handler with coaxing Sociability comments: Tense body, retreats from collar initially Soft handling: Fearful Exuberant handling: Fearful Comments: Tense body, handler needs to coax him closer Arousal Jog comments: Follows handler with coaxing Knock Knock comments: No approach Toy Toy comments: Sniffs, No reaction

Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded. 10/8/26: Garden is introduced to a novel intact intact male and is neutral at the fence with high wags. He engages in mutual sniffing and then stands still as the other dog mounts him. He gives high wags from a distance when separated. The other dog reapproaches and again mounts him, Garden is tolerant before they are separated. He is then introduced to a novel intact female and gives high wags at the fence. The other dog is let into the yard and he engages in mutual sniffing with high wags. Both dogs are let off leash and Garden playfully spins towards the other dog while they circle and sniff. He is tolerant of being leapt on and continues to follow the other dog continuing interaction. He bounces once when the other dog is wiggly at a distance, and the two coexist in the yard nearby each other, greeting each other often. 9/30/26: Garden is introduced to a familiar intact female and is neutral at the fence with high wags. He is let in and engages in mutual sniffing off leash. The other dog curls her butt away and sits when he sniffs her genitals, he will take pauses but then return to sniff her genitals. The other dog gives a short correction snarl and Garden retreats. Both dogs are independent off leash in the yard, sniffing and using the bathroom. The other dog attempts to reapproach a couple of times but Garden is avoidant, seeking reassurance from his handlers. He is then introduced to a novel intact male and gives high wags at the fence, then marks towards the other dog. The other dog is let in the yard and leaps on Garden, Garden lowers himself but playfully spins back towards him. He attempts mutual sniffing but the other dog leaps on him and pushes him and he does not engage, turning away. He is given a break and shakes off and greets handlers. He reapproaches but the other dog immediately leaps on his face and Garden turns his head away and the meet is ended. 9/29/26: Garden is introduced to a novel intact male small dog and is neutral at the fence with high wags. The other dog marks on the fence and he does the same. He is let into the yard and allows the other dog to sniff him and leap onto him. He sniffs the other dog, then greets a familiar handler while the other dog sniffs him from behind and follows him. The other dog continues to leap on him and attempt mounting. Garden gives high wags and stays nearby the other dog, although he will turn his head away at times. He is tolerant of the other dog digging on his back, remaining soft and giving high wags. The other dog is led away and Garden greets a handler, then continues giving high wags as the other dog attempts mounting. The meet is ended due to the other dog's fixation. He is then introduced to a novel intact female and gives high wags at the fence. The other dog displays signs of discomfort and Garden disengages on his own and walks away, interacting with a handler.

Summary (1):: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded. 9/24/26: Garden is introduced to a novel intact female and is neutral at the fence with high wags. He is let into the yard and circles and sniffs the other dog. He attempts to sniff her from behind/her genitals but the other dog curls away and sits, Garden is receptive and will disengage on his own. The tow are let off leash and Garden greets a familiar handler and allows the other dog to sniff him from behind. The other dog play bows and begins bouncing around him, Garden is perked with high wags, tolerating play slapping but does not reciprocate play. The other dog disengages and they are independent in the yard, reapproaching each other often. He is then introduced to a novel intact male and greets the other dog with high wags. The other dog does not approach, and he walks away and engages with a handler. 9/15/26: Garden is introduced to a novel intact male and is loose at the fence with mid-high wags and perked ears. He is let into the yard and engages in mutual sniffing, playfully spinning to be face to face. He is tolerant of the other dog leaping on him, doing chin overs, and pawing at him. He follows after the other dog when they greet their handler and gives a small play stomp when nose to nose again. The other dog begins greeting handlers, jumping fully over garden and Garden will lower his head but continue to playfully spin towards the other dog. He gives a deep play bow and the two run a couple laps across the yard. He is tolerant of the other dog mouthing him and leaping on him repeatedly, lowering himself and then continuing to follow the other dog engaging in play. The other dog becomes over aroused during chase and the meet is ended. He is then introduced to a novel neutered male and is neutral at the fence with high wags. The other dog is let into the yard and begins bouncing and leaping on Garden. Garden is tolerant but will move his head away and lower himself. He is taken across the yard and given a break, independently sniffing. The other dog reapproaches and leaps on him, Garden turns his body away and retreats and the meet is ended. *Prior dog-dog notes can be given upon request*

Summary (3):: 10/10/26: Garden is lying down with crossed paws on his kurunda bed when approached. He stretches and approaches the front when the handler unlocks the kennel and is leashed without issue, giving high wags with a soft body. Garden walks with no pulling, checking in with the handler and taking treats softly. He is taken for a street walk, walking by crowds of people and multiple dogs without issue. He walks by construction, flinching at a loud noise, then looks to his handler and receives a treat. He sits and performs touch while waiting for a crowd of people to pass, not distracted by any stimuli. At one point, he does turn and look to a MOP that is walking behind in close proximity, pushing his ears back and curling his butt away. The handler walks him across the street without issue. He is taken inside through PAC, paying no attention to adopters or cat rooms, checking in with the handler often. He is brought to the behavior office and greets handlers with a soft body. He attempts to climb up onto the couch, placing his front legs on it but struggles to fully climb up, he allows the handler to lift him the rest of the way and immediately lies down. He rests his head on the handler's lap as they work and allows pets. He is given a chew and works on it for a while, allowing handlers to adjust his paws and the chew to give them more room on the couch. He struggles to climb off the couch, often putting his front paws on the ground and then scrambling back up on the couch and lying down. He is able to slowly climb down with a treat trail. He is walked back to kennel without issue, entering on his own.

Summary (4):: 10/8/26: It is reported that Garden is finger painting his entire kennel with feces. Handler states that feces is everywhere and that he is jumping while in kennel. 10/2/26: Garden is lying down at the front of his kennel, springing up and pawing at the door when the handler approaches. He is leashed without issue and walks with no pulling, checking in with the handler often and taking treats gently. He is taken to a yard and the handler works on sit and touch. He is focused during his training session and gains confidence with time, performing sit on his own for a treat. He at times moves his head away from the handler's palm for touch, but once given a moment and re presented, he offers a touch. He takes breaks with a snuffle mat, and then returns to the handler, sitting. At one point, he lays down and continues to engage with touch while lying down. He allows petting in between spurts of training, remaining relaxed. He will perk towards dogs walking by/in neighboring kennels, but disengages quickly and engages with the handler. He walks with no pulling and enters kennel on his own. 9/30/26 [playgroup]: Garden is at the front of his kennel, pawing at the kennel door and vocalizing when handler approaches. He is easily leashed with treats and willingly exits the kennel. His body is soft. Garden walks alongside the handler in the hallways with no reaction to pop-up crates or staff members. Garden is taken to the yard for the playgroup (see D2D notes). During return handler pre-clips the leash and brings Garden back into his kennel with ease. 9/29: The glass door to Garden's kennel is covered in smeared feces. 9/29/26: Garden is at the front of his kennel with a soft body; the handler observes his kennel to be painted in feces. Garden is easily leashed and brought out the room. Garden slowly walks next to the handler and he is brought into the yard for playgroup (see D2D notes). In between interactions, Garden approaches a familiar handler with a soft body and lies down in front of them; he allows pets and softly takes treats. After the interaction, the handler brings Garden inside and returns him to his kennel.

Summary (5):: 9/28/26 - per whiteboard Garden will not pass gate for outside walks, only will go to backyard. 9/26/26: It is noted on the whiteboard that Garden will lie down in the driveway during walks. Walking in the backyard goes better. 9/24/26 (D2D): Garden is lying down and slowly approaches the front with a neutral body; he is easily leashed and brought out the kennel. Garden is brought to the yard for playgroup (see notes); in between the interaction, Garden lies down and stays close to a very familiar handler, taking treats and allowing pets. After the interaction, the handler walks Garden back to his room; he slowly walks and looks in the kennel he passes before entering his own; the handler removes his leash with ease. 9/19/26 [playgroup]: Garden is at the front of his kennel with neutral body when handler approaches. He gently takes offered treats, is easily leashed and exits the kennel. Garden slowly follows the handler in the hallways with no reaction to pop-up crates or staff members. Garden is taken to the yard for the playgroup (see notes). During return handler is abled to pre-clip the leash and bring Garden back into the kennel with no further issues. 9/18/26: Garden is lying down at the front of his kennel and comes forward when the handler approaches, giving a few high wags. He jumps on the door once as his kennel is unlocked, then takes a treat gently as the leash is slipped on. Garden pulls minimally going outside, then walks on a loose leash by the handler's side. He checks in often and takes treats gently. He does not react to people or dogs, occasionally he will get startled by a loud noise and flinch, but continues walking without issue. He is taken to a yard and put on a drag, sniffing independently for a while, and then comes over to the handler and works on a kong. He does not have much interest in half a bully stick, chews it a few times but loses interest. He takes treats gently and looks softly to the handler for more. Eventually, he lies down and rests his head on the handler. He allows head and back pets but does not lean in for more. He gets startled with the heavy wind and looks around frantically during the loudest moments. He remains lying down and takes a treat, settling after without issue. He occasionally paws at the handler for another treat, then takes a short on and off nap, resting on the handler's lap. He walks back on a loose leash and enters kennel without issue, taking a treat gently.

Summary (6):: 9/15/26: Garden is observed to bark and paw at the transfer door when the room isn't active. 9/12/26 [D2D]: Garden is at the front of his kennel when handler approaches. He is easily leashed and taken out of the kennel. Garden walks alongside the handler and has no rection to other dogs, pop-up crates or staff members. He is taken to the yard for the playgroup (see notes). During return handler is able to pre-clip the leash and bring Garden back into his kennel with ease. 9/11/26: Garden is at the front of his kennel with soft body when handler approaches. He is easily leashed and exits the room with no reaction to neighboring dogs. Garden walks alongside the handler in the hallways, maintaining relaxed body. He has no interest in pop-up crates or staff members. He sits next to the handler in elevator accepting pets and treats. When he gets to the driveway, Garden sniffs around and relieves himself. He continues walking on the loose leash slightly ahead of the handler with no tension. Garden has no reaction to dogs, people passing by or other stimuli on the street. He is social with handler, gently takes treats and allows petting. His body is soft. During return handler is able to pre-clip the leash and bring Garden back into his kennel with ease. 9/7/26: Garden is observed to be finger painting in his kennel, while heavily panting. 9/5/26: Garden is at the front of his kennel with a soft body; as the handler attempts to leash him, he backs away. when a treat lure is used, Garden approaches the front and the handler leashes him. Garden is brought to the yard for playgroup (see D2D). In between interactions, Garden allows pets from a familiar handler. Afterwards, the handler clips their leash and returns Garden to his kennel with ease. 9/4/26: Garden is observed to lick the kennel bars when the room is active. 9/2/26: Garden is at the front of his kennel with a soft body; as the handler attempts to leash him, he backs away. when a treat lure is used, garden approaches the front and the handler leashes him. Garden is brought to the yard for playgroup (see D2D). In between interactions, Garden allows pets from familiar handlers. Afterwards, the handler clips their leash and returns Garden to his kennel with ease.

Summary (7):: 8/26/26: Garden was observed to bite and pull in the bars of his crate. A handler vocally attempted to distract him but he continued pulling the bars inward until he was redirected with a peanut butter bowl. Later in the day, he was observed to be barking and whining in his crate. 8/26/26: Garden is at the front of his crate with a neutral body; as the handler attempts to leash him, he retreats and sits at the back. The handler then presents treats through the leash, and as he eats them, they quickly secure the leash around him. Garden is brought to the yard for playgroup (see D2D notes); before the interaction, he allows pets from another familiar handler with a soft body. After the interaction, the handler brings Garden inside and returns him to his kennel. 08/24/26: Garden is at the front of his crate as handler approaches, he is leashed while distracted with a treat and is taken to the street for his walk. Outside Garden is aloof and slightly tense, he lip licks and stops at random points before pulling back toward the shelter but he continues to walk with a bit of leash pressure. Garden walks past people on the street without issue and stops to sniff on occasion but generally stays near handler and walks alongside them. He is walked a bit more and returned to his crate without issue. 8/13/26: Garden is lying down in his crate as the handler approaches; the handler speaks to him softly and tosses treats inside the crate. Garden slowly stands up and approaches the front to eat the treats with a neutral body; he is then leashed, brought out the crate, and brought into the yard for playgroup (see D2D notes). Afterwards, the handler walks Garden back inside; he briefly baulks, but continues to walk inside. Garden doesn't enter at first, but with a little leash tension, he enters his crate with ease. 8/5/26: Garden is at the front of his kennel with a neutral body; he is easily leashed and brought out the room. Garden slowly walks behind the handler as they walk out the room, but eventually walks next to them on the street. Garden doesn’t react to people. When the handler presents their hand, Garden sniffs; as they attempt to pet his head, he looks at their hand with widen eyes so they stop. The handler brings Garden inside for his assessment (see notes); afterwards, Garden returns to his kennel with ease.

Date of intake:: 8/2/2026

Summary:: Fearful, panting heavily, allowed handling

Date of initial:: 8/4/2026

Summary:: Tense body for exam

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

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 3

Recommendations:: No children (under 13)

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to fearful behavior we recommend an adult only home.

Potential challenges: : Fearful

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful: Garden has been observed to be tense and fearful when handlers interact with him. He does well with a slow approach and is receptive to treats. They should never be forced to approach anything that they are uncomfortable with or submit to petting or handling. It should always be their choice to approach a new person or thing. Garden would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Please see handout on Decompression Period.