Animal Profile

Oreo Cheesecake is at risk due to behavioral concerns reported in his previous home. Oreo Cheesecake has bitten his previous owner three times in the past and has a history of spinning in circles/chasing his tail while growling since he was a puppy, will growl and bark at strangers if approached too fast, is reactive to other dogs during walks; and he escalates to growling and snapping during any form of grooming. All three bites were bites and releases. Medically, Oreo Cheesecake is cryptorchid, and there is concern for neurological disease due to his persistently spinning and growling.

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 Oreo Cheesecake is at risk due to behavioral concerns reported in his previous home. Oreo Cheesecake has bitten his previous owner three times in the past and has a history of spinning in circles/chasing his tail while growling since he was a puppy, will growl and bark at strangers if approached too fast, is reactive to other dogs during walks; and he escalates to growling and snapping during any form of grooming. All three bites were bites and releases. Medically, Oreo Cheesecake is cryptorchid, and there is concern for neurological disease due to his persistently spinning and growling. Oreo Cheesecake was surrendered by his previous owner due to behavior concerns that have been worsening over time. His family described him as very playful and very active. But he has bitten one of his owners three times in the past; the two most recent bites broke skin, and the first did not. The first two were due to being dried after a bath and attempting to bathe him; the last and most recent was when the owner opened his crate door, ushering him inside. Oreo Cheesecake is noted to growl and spin in circles/chase his tail and has been doing this since he was a puppy. This behavior was seen during his intake, his medical exam, and during his stay in care. Due to these concerns, we reccommend for Oreo Cheesecake be placed in an adult-only home through a New Hope partner that can address his concerns after consultation with a professional trainer/ or veterinary behaviorist, as it is highly recommended for guidance to safely manage/modify any behavior Oreo Cheesecake presents with outside of the care centers.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 13.4 lbs

Medical Notes

7/7/2026

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 2yrs based on dentition/conformation Microchip noted on intake? scans negative History: owner surrender; hx of chasing his tail while growling and biting at his hind end since he was a puppy. Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - initially calm, wagging tail, taking treats, spontaneously would start to growl and bite at his hind end while spinning in a circle- at times seemed to be triggered by handling/stress but other times seemed to be random - sedated for exam and tasks Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? no Objective: P = 100 (sedated) R = 20 BCS 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: muzzled; clean adult canines and incisors PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI; 1 testicle descended MSI: Ambulatory x 4, reactive to extention of stifles and hips even under sedation, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: fecal staining around perineum; rectal WNL with soft anal glands and small amount soft stool present Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment: Approx. 2yr MI canine chronic hx of biting at hind end and growling (r/o central neuro (congenital vs acquired) vs pain-related vs behavioral) cryptorchid Reactive to extension of hips and stifles (r/o pain (trauma/old fracture vs arthritis vs other) Prognosis: guarded to fair given chronicity of signs Plan: sedated with dexdomitor 10mcg/kg + torb 0.2mg/mg IM- was still growling and trying to bite muzzle so ketamine 2mg/kg IM was given and this resulted in adequate sedation Start gabapentin 15mg/kg (100mg) PO BID indefinitely Start trazadone 8mg/kg PO BID (50mg) indefinitely CBC/Chem/T4 to idexx Pelvic radiograph (x) no overt stifle or pelvic injury Reversed with equal volume antesedan Rec consult with neurologist and advanced imaging to determine underlying cause of clinical signs if placement is considered vs EHR if unable to control clinical signs and quality of life is deteriorating DVM recheck in 24hrs and to review labs SURGERY: Temporary waiver due to concern for neurologic disease; would rec neuro work-up prior to general anesthesia

7/8/2026

Recheck, bw results S/O: BAR, eating well, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge LUNGS: Eupneic MSI: Amb x 4 CNS: Appropriate mentation CBC: Hct 40.0 (L), monocytes 0.99 (H) CHEM: Potassium 3.9 (L), albumin 2.6 (L) T4: 0.9 (L) A: Mild bw abnormalities including anemia, hypokalemia, hypoalbuminemia, low T4 (all values within 1 of normal range) - ro normal variant/transient vs pathology Chronic hx of biting at hind end and growling (r/o central neuro (congenital vs acquired) vs pain-related vs behavioral) Reactive to extension of hips and stifles (r/o pain (trauma/old fracture vs arthritis vs other) Cryptorchid P: Continue trazodone and gabapentin Recommend placement for neuro consult CTM closely while at QACC

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake, Oreo barked at staff but came up and sniffed curiously. He did not escalate and took treats from staff. Owner was asked to put leash on dog. Oreo started to spin, growling and chasing his tail, but then stopped and allowed staff to walk to kennel. A hook was used to remove his leash. Oreo continued to chase his tail in kennel

Spay/Neuter Status: Unknown

Basic Information:: Oreo is a 2-year-old SMB dog who was surrendered due to behavior concerns.

Previously lived with:: 2 adults

How is this dog around strangers?: Oreo will take time to warm up, prefers contact on his own terms, and will be playful. He has growled and barked if a stranger does not go slow with him.

How is this dog around children?: No experience.

How is this dog around other dogs?: Oreo has done well in a dog cafe but will growl and alert bark at dogs on walks. He may escalate if close to another dog on leash.

How is this dog around cats?: No experience

Resource guarding:: No reported resource guarding/Unknown

Bite history:: Oreo has bitten the owner in the home 3 times. The most recent incident was a month ago when the owner was opening the crate to tell Oreo to go in. He first growled and then escalated to a bite release on his hand that broke skin. Another incident occurred months ago when the male owner was drying Oreo after a bath. It was a bite and release that broke skin. The first incident was when the male owner attempted to bathe Oreo and the bite did not break skin. Oreo has not escalated to biting any other people.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: High

Other Notes:: Oreo would growl/hard bark at small animals and cats on walks. He is known to bark a lot and is fearful of loud noises. He will bark or growl when restrained. He may escalate to snapping when started or his paws are touched. Oreo is not bothered when he is moved from furniture or when his collar is grabbed. Oreo will bark when he needs to use the bathroom outside but his stomach is sensitive and will use the bathroom inside if his diet was changed. Oreo has been taken to a groomer but will bark, growl, and snap so groomers no longer work on him.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: Oreo is crytporchid and has a history of spinning in circles. He last saw a vet on 6/8/2026 at Petco.

For a New Family to Know: Oreo is known to be very playful and very active. He likes to be where people are. Oreo was taken on 20-25 min walks 1-2x daily with very little pulling. He is crate trained and will go in when told. Oreo loves car rides and eats ceasar's dry food.

Date of intake:: 7/3/2026

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender

Previously lived with:: 2 adults

Behavior toward strangers:: needs time to warm up, prefers contact on own terms, has growled and barked if stranger is too fast

Behavior toward children:: unknown

Behavior toward dogs:: growl and alert bark at dogs on walks, may escalate if close to another dog on leash

Behavior toward cats:: unknown

Resource guarding:: none reported

Bite history:: Oreo has bitten one of his owners in the home 3 times. The most recent incident was a month ago when the owner was opening the crate to tell Oreo to go in. He first growled and then escalated to a bite release on his hand that broke the skin. Another incident occurred months ago when Oreo was being dried after a bath. It was a bite and release that broke skin. The first incident occurred during an attempt to bathe Oreo, and the bite did not break skin. Oreo has not escalated to biting any other people, including the original owner.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Oreo Cheesecake is reported to have a high energy level.

Other Notes:: Oreo Cheesecake has a history of spinning in circles and growling while chasing his tail; he has done this since he was a puppy. Oreo would growl/hard bark at small animals and cats on walks. He is known to bark a lot and is fearful of loud noises. He will bark or growl when restrained. He may escalate to snapping when started or his paws are touched. Oreo is not bothered when he is moved from furniture or when his collar is grabbed. Oreo will bark when he needs to use the bathroom outside but his stomach is sensitive and will use the bathroom inside if his diet was changed. Oreo has been taken to a groomer but will bark, growl, and snap so groomers no longer work on him.

Date of assessment:: 7/6/2026

Summary:: Due to Oreo Cheesecakes variety of concerns in the previous home, including a multiple-bite history and the concerns of his tail chasing/spinning in circles while growling, he is not an appropriate candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 7/6/26: Oreo Cheesecake is at the front of the kennel as the handler approaches. He will come up to the door with a loose frame at first but will then tense up as the leash is placed in kennel. He will back up to avoid it and will then begin to spin in circles for approximately 10 seconds, growling as he does so. The handler tosses some treats into kennel and leashes him while he sniffs them. He is then brought out to the behavior office where he will sniff around and approach handlers and will sniff their legs. He is called away and will continue exploring around the room on leash. The handler will then use a large amount of treats to distract him while they clip the leash ring. He is then returned to kennel with no issue and secured safely. 07/05/26: Oreo Cheesecake is at the front of his kennel as the handler approaches. He backs up, and when the handler inserts the leash into the kennel, Oreo Cheesecake growls, jumps, bites his tail and starts spinning around. Once he settles, the handler attempts to leash him again and he snarls, spins, and bites his tail again. He shows no interest in treats, but the handler is able to get him to investigate one long enough to get the leash over his head. Once the leash is on him, Oreo Cheesecake begins snarling, biting his own tail, and spinning again. He does this one more time before exiting the kennel. Then, he walks to the office. In the office, Oreo Cheesecake explores, but gets tense whenever someone looks at him for too long. When returning him to kennel, the handler uses the hook to remove the leash. The hook being in the kennel prompts Oreo Cheesecake to growl, spin, and bite his tail again. He does this three times before the leash can be removed.

Date of intake:: 7/3/2026

Summary:: barked at staff, chased tail, did take treats, started spinning, growling, and chasing tail.

Date of initial:: 7/7/2026

Summary:: intially calm and took treats, spontaneously would start to growl and bite at his hind end while spi

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Oreo Cheesecake's multiple bite history, handling/touch sensitivity, and potential for defensive behaviors, we recommend for him to be placed in an adult only home. No cats: Oreo Cheesecake is reported to growl and hard bark at cats and small animals on walks. We recommend a hone without cats or other small animals at a precaution at this time. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to all noted concerns displayed in a home environment, the behavior department recommends Oreo Cheesecake be placed with a New Hope placement partner who is able to provide an experienced adult-only foster home. A period of decompression is recommended to allow Oreo C. to acclimate comfortably to his new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing him to new and unfamiliar situations. Consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended for guidance to safely manage/modify any behavior Oreo C. presents with outside of the care centers.

Potential challenges: : Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Other

Potential challenges comments:: Handling/touch sensitivity | Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression: Oreo Cheesecake is reported to bark or growl when restrained and may escalate to snapping when his paws are touched. He is reported to have bitten when being dried after a bath, attempted to give him a bath, and does not allow the groomer to groom him - he barks, growls, and snap. Please see handout on Handling/touch sensitivity and Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression : Oreo Cheesecake is reported to need time to warm up to new people. He has escalated to barking and growling if a stranger does not go slow with him. He is also noted to be fearful of loud noises. Please see handout on Fearful/potential for defensive aggression. Other: Oreo Cheesecake is noted to growl and hard bark at small animals and cats on walks. It is important to stay vigilant during walks.