Animal Profile

Mudskipper is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Mudskipper arrived at the Care Center as a stray with no known history. Mudskipper was noted to be tolerant of staff and allow handling. Shortly after his arrival, Mudskipper has been showing concerning handling sensitivity and defensive behaviors that have made it difficult to handle him safely. When returning to kennel, Mudskipper was reported to thrash with escalating intensity, snapping at the leash, pushing off the wall in kennel room, and requiring the aid of a secondary handler. Mudskipper has at times been treat motivated, and limited sociability with staff. Medically, Mudskipper is noted have dental disease, otitis externa, and be overweight.

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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 Mudskipper is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Mudskipper arrived at the Care Center as a stray with no known history. Mudskipper was noted to be tolerant of staff and allow handling. Shortly after his arrival, Mudskipper has been showing concerning handling sensitivity and defensive behaviors that have made it difficult to handle him safely. When returning to kennel, Mudskipper was reported to thrash with escalating intensity, snapping at the leash, pushing off the wall in kennel room, and requiring the aid of a secondary handler. Mudskipper has at times been treat motivated, and limited sociability with staff. Medically, Mudskipper is noted have dental disease, otitis externa, and be overweight. Shortly after arriving at the care centers, Mudskipper has begun to display concerning levels of defensive aggression and refusal to re-enter kennel after walks. He was observed to thrash and snap at handlers when attempting to return him and belly band him to kennel. While in kennel Mudskipper has displayed socail behavior, seeking interaction with handlers with a soft body. 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.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 81 lbs

Medical Notes

11/25/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 5 to 8 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive History: Stray brought in by agency Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Leashed easily and walked quietly to exam room. Ate treats readily. Tense body for exam. Resists restraint and vocalizes for blood draw. 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, black debris AD with debris in fur at base of ear, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Moderate tartar on partial view of front teeth through muzzle PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, 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 Assessment Otitis externa AD Dental disease stage 1-2/4 on view of front teeth Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks Cleaned ear Simplera 1 tube AD SURGERY: ok for neuter

11/26/2025

K9 behavior notes: "thrashing, snapping and growling when attempting to return to kennel." Pet updated to TDO status. A: High FAS P: Rx: Trazodone 300mg PO BID indefinitely Rx: Clonidine 0.6mg PO BID indefinitely

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of intake:: 11/25/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray (No Known History)

Date of assessment:: 11/26/2025

Summary:: 11/26/25: Mudskipper has displayed concerning behaviors since arriving at the care centers. When attempting to return him to kennel an ACS reported he began to baulk and back away from kennel, thrashing on leash. When attempting to muscle him into kennel, Mudskipper snapped at the handler not making contact. He was removed from the room and a member of K9 behavior arrived to assist with belly banding Mudskipper, when they placed the belly band on him he began growling and lip curling before snapping at the handlers. When placed on a double leash he began thrashing intensely and vocalizing while biting at one of the leashes on him. Due to Mudskippers concerning levels of fearful defensive aggression, he is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 11/26/25: Mudskipper refuses to enter his kennel as a staff member is returning him. They run him in repeatedly but he refuses to enter. As they are instructed to muscle him into kennel, Mudskipper yelps and snaps at the leash. The handler takes the leash from the staff member and walks Mudskipper out the room. In the hallway, a second staff member places a sling under Mudskipper, but when the handler adds leash tension, Mudskipper growls and snaps at the leash. The handler calls for help and a second handler leashes Mudskipper. When walking him in the room, Mudskipper thrashes, pushing himself off the wall, and high pitch vocalizes, as well bite one of the leashes. Both handlers are able to return him to his kennel. They use a hook to remove their leashes. 11/25/25: While handler was engaging with a neighboring dog, Mudskipper is at the front of his kennel, soft body and soft wagging tail. He takes treats gently and will place his paw on the kennel bars while sitting at the front

Date of intake:: 11/25/2025

Summary:: tolerant of approach and touch, avoids leash, doesn't take treats, went into kennel slowly

Date of initial:: 11/25/2025

Summary:: Leashed easily, ate treats readilyTense body for exam. Resists restraint, vocalizes for blood draw

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Mudskipper 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)

Recommendations comments:: No Children: Due to Mudskippers fearfulness and potential for defensive aggression, we recommend a home with no children.

Potential challenges: : Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Handling & Touch Sensitivity: During his walk when attempting to belly band Mudskipper he begin growling and snapping at handlers. It is important to always go slow and give Mudskipper the option to walk away from any social interaction. Mudskipper should never be forced to approach anything that he is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Mudskipper’s choice to approach a new person or thing. Mudskipper may do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to his new surroundings. Please see handout on Handling and Touch Sensitivity. Fearful/Potential for Defensive Aggression: When returning Mudskipper it is reported he began thrashing intensely and growling/snapping at handlers. His signs of discomfort must be respected; Mudskipper should never be forced to interact, he should always be given the opportunity to walk away from situations or people he finds uncomfortable. We recommend a slow approach and we recommend ONLY force-free, reward-based training methods for Mudskipper. More aversive techniques are likely to increase fear, increase the risk of aggression, and decrease Mudskipper's quality of life. Please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression.