Animal Profile

Handyman is at risk due to behavioral reasons. While in care, he has been observed to be highly kennel reactive. Noted to pull hard towards the other dogs in the kennel room while jumping up high towards the handler and their arm. During intake Handyman was friendly and social with handlers and was receptive to treats. Medically, Handyman has a fractured tooth.

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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 Handyman is at risk due to behavioral reasons. While in care, he has been observed to be highly kennel reactive. Noted to pull hard towards the other dogs in the kennel room while jumping up high towards the handler and their arm. During intake Handyman was friendly and social with handlers and was receptive to treats. Medically, Handyman has a fractured tooth. Handyman arrived at MACC as a stray with no known history. He has been observed to be highly kennel reactive while in care. Noted to pull hard towards the other dogs in the kennel room while jumping up high towards the handler and their arm when exiting the kennel room. Due to the detailed behavior we recommend an experienced adult only home.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 70 lbs

Medical Notes

7/21/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4 to 7 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Stray Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - Soft body for exam Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = 120 R = WNL BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild tartar. slab fracture of distal crown of upper right canine tooth with no pulp exposure. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male intact MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: WNL externally Wood's Lamp Exam: N/A Assessment: Fractured tooth without pulp exposure. Pet appears comfortable. Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks Monitor fractured tooth for swelling in future. SURGERY: Okay for surgery

7/22/2026

Made TDO due to incessantly jumping up on handlers P: Clonidine 0.6mg PO BID indefinitely Recheck in a few days to see if OK or if other meds indicated

7/24/2026

Heavy panting while cage side, kennel stress. TDO status P: Trazodone 225mg PO BID indefinitely

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 1. Green

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake Handyman was wonderful! Very polite, social, and friendly. He would approach softly for pets and kisses, and took treats gently. He laid on his back for belly rubs while waiting in the lobby and knows "sit". He jumped up for hugs when encouraged. He was easily leashed and allowed all handling.

Date of intake:: 7/20/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 7/23/2026

Summary:: Handyman has been observed to be highly kennel reactive while in care. Noted to jump up high towards the handler and their arm when exiting the kennel room. Due to the redirection risk, Handyman is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 7/27/26: (KSV) Handyman is at the back of the kennel sleeping soundly. Handler calls towards him and he remains sleeping in the kennel. Treats are tossed and he opens his eyes. Handyman remains lying down in kennel. A treat is tossed closer to him and he eats the treat. He stares at the handler with a neutral body. The interaction is then ended. 7/22/26: Staff reported the previous night, Handyman was observed to kennel fight and jump and turn towards staff upon exiting the kennel room. Handler approached the kennel. Handyman is standing at the front heavily panting and dilated eyes. His kennel has feces smeared around the floor. Handyman is jumping up and down pawing at the kennel bars. The leash is presented and Handyman briefly turns to the handlers hand with an open mouth. A treat lure is used to leash him. Handyman takes treats inconsistently, taking some but not others. Handler is unable to leash him with a treat lure and the leash is draped over his head. Handyman pulls hard out of the kennel. He then begins to jump up high towards the handler. Handler straight arms him forward, angling his head away. Handyman jumps high again towards the handler's arm. Handler straight arms again and Handyman is lead out of the kennel room. He pulls moderately out towards the street. He pulls across the street and relieves himself. He walks with the handler, walking ahead of them with a loose body, heavily panting and mild leash pulling. He relieves himself a few more times before he is walked back to the shelter. He is taken back inside and is returned to kennel without issue.

Date of intake:: 7/20/2026

Summary:: Friendly and social, receptive to treats

Date of initial:: 7/21/2026

Summary:: Soft body for exam

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Handyman 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:: New Hope Only

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Recommend no dog parks

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to the kennel reactivity and the potential for redirection we recommend an adult only home. No Dog Parks: Due to the kennel reactivity, we recommend no trips to the dog park. We recommend placement with a New Hope rescue partner who is able to provide an experienced, adult-only foster home. Force-free, reward based training and/or consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended.

Potential challenges: : On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration

Potential challenges comments:: On Leash Reactivity: Handyman has been observed to be highly kennel reactive while in care. Noted to pull hard towards the other dogs in the kennel room while jumping up towards handlers and towards their arms. Handyman will need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach them to look at you rather than other dogs. We recommend a front clip harness to help manage this behavior. Please see handout on On Leash Reactivity and Barrier Frustration.