Animal Profile

Maximum is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Maximum arrived at the Care Center as an owner surrender due to housing concerns. Maximum's owner reported an incident where Maximum lunged and attempted to bite a neighbor that rapidly approached him and his owner. His owner was able to pull him back with leash pressure but the bite attempt left a scratch. Maximum has been noted to be fearful and anxious. During his medical exam he was noted to vocalize and unable to settle. Maximus has also been reported to baulk at times when entering unfamiliar rooms, and be startled by loud noises. Maximum's previous owner reports that he is social and affectionate with familiar people. At the Care Center, Maximum is aloof with staff. Medically, Maximum is noted to have been treated for a urinary tract infection, but is otherwise 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 Maximum is at risk due to behavioral concerns. Maximum arrived at the Care Center as an owner surrender due to housing concerns. Maximum's owner reported an incident where Maximum lunged and attempted to bite a neighbor that rapidly approached him and his owner. His owner was able to pull him back with leash pressure but the bite attempt left a scratch. Maximum has been noted to be fearful and anxious. During his medical exam he was noted to vocalize and unable to settle. Maximus has also been reported to baulk at times when entering unfamiliar rooms, and be startled by loud noises. Maximum's previous owner reports that he is social and affectionate with familiar people. At the Care Center, Maximum is aloof with staff. Medically, Maximum is noted to have been treated for a urinary tract infection, but is otherwise apparently healthy. Note from his previous family - Maximum is desccribed as social, affeciontate, quiet, and independent. He spends most time where people are and the living room. He allows his owner to bathe, brush, and trim nails. He will pull moderately on leash. Maximum was only crated one time for 24 hours as he was transported to the US. Maximum loves going for car rides and is used to a car seatbelt. He knows commands in spanish and english like No, Para, Sit, Vamos, Toma, Ven, Come, Here. Maximum loves balls and stuffed toys, specifically his Ikea Dog toy. He sleeps most of the time. After playing he will go to bed and is independent. Maximum loves chicken and will quickly become a friend for more.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 38 lbs

Medical Notes

11/30/2025

Staff note pet has hematuria while in lobby and owner notes this has occurred in the past due to a UTI. Referral records note pet was pre-medicated with Gabapentin & Trazodone for exam. Plan Gabapentin 300mg 1 capsule po tonight and tomorrow am Trazodone 100mg 1 tablet po tonight and tomorrow am

12/1/2025

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 5.5 yrs reported by owner consistent with exam, 5-7 yrs based on teeth Microchip noted on Intake? scan positive History: o/s Hematuria noted at surrender - new finding. O reports dog has a UTI a year ago and was treated okay. Vx hx - all done but due May 2025. Subjective: BARH. No c/s/v/d Observed Behavior - nervous, erratic - hyper at times and whining Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective T = 32 under sedation w dexdom P = wnl R = eup BCS = 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mild tartar and gingivitis, mod on premolars, mild- mod tooth wear PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: male intact, 2 sst, prescrotal area clear MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: peri-anal tissue moderately swollen, no masses or erythema, rectal - prostate unremarkable, formed feces Wood's Lamp Exam: Assessment: Mature adult MI SMB - Hematuria Prognosis: Good Plan: Dexdom/ Torb 0.4 cc each. Good sedation but not very deep. Routine intake tasks Urine Dipstick - Blood +++, SpGr > 1.050 Submitted CBC/ Chem/ T4/ UA (with culture if) to lab Continue gabapetin 100 mg 2 tabs (11 mg/kg) po BID while in shelter. Continue trazadone (6mg/kg) 100 mg 1 po BID while in shelter. SURGERY: Okay for surgery

12/1/2025

Abdominal radiographs 3 view: Moderate bladder - intestines and feces in colon obscuring some of the view but no sign of stones or significant crystals POCUS bladder - no hyperechoic densities (crystals) seen in bladder and trygone area

12/2/2025

CBC/CHEM/T4 Results: NSF Urinalysis (cycto) cocci present hematuria r/o UTI vs other Enrofloxacin- 136 mg sig: 1 tab po q 24 hrs x 10 d's The UTI appears more complicated at UTI's are rare in male dogs and he has had UTI before. pending urine C & S

12/5/2025

Reported by meds team being finnicky about taking medications, eats viennas and chicken well. A: Eating P: Continue to try high value options for meds

12/5/2025

Urine Culture Results: Status: FINAL Isolate 1: Staphylococcus pseudintermedius - >100,000 CFU per ml A: Susceptible to enrofloxacin P: CWCT

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 2. Blue

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Basic Information:: Max is an approx 5.5-year-old Bull Terrier who is being surrendered due to the owner's housing situation.

Previously lived with:: Adult

How is this dog around strangers?: Friendly, outgoing, and playful

How is this dog around children?: No experience

How is this dog around other dogs?: Friendly, outgoing, and playful with familiar dogs and unfamiliar dogs on leash. No experience with unfamiliar dogs off leash.

How is this dog around cats?: No experience

Resource guarding:: He will have a tense body when his food is touched but will not escalate.

Bite history:: 2 years ago, Max and his owner were coming back from a walk at their new building and they were in the elevator. A neighbor opened the door fast and walked in fast, reportedly too close and almost jumped over both the owner and Max, which startled Max causing him to have flat ears, whale eyes, and tucked tail and then he lunged and attempt to bite at the neighbor's thigh. The owner was able to pull him away and the bite left a scratch. This is the only bite incident.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Max is trained to use the wee-wee pads to urinate inside and will defecate outside on walks. Max is known to jump up often and pull hard on the leash. When he sees large dogs, cats, and small animals, Max will pull towards them. It is unclear how Max would react if he was closer to the stimuli as the owner would avoid getting close and would redirect Max's attention. Max is unbothered when he is held, pushed/pulled off furniture, and collar is grabbed. He can be fearful when disturbed while sleeping, startled, and when paws are touched.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: Last medical exam was May 2024 at BondVet.

For a New Family to Know: Max is desccribed as social, affeciontate, quiet, and independent. He spends most time where people are and the living room. He allows his owner to bathe, brush, and trim nails. He will pull moderately on leash. Max was walked 1-2 times a day for 15-30 minutes. Max was only crated one time for 24 hours as he was transported to the US. Max loves going for car rides and is used to a car seatbelt. He knows commands in spanish and english like No, Para, Sit, Vamos, Toma, Ven, Come, Here. Max loves balls and stuffed toys, specifically his Ikea Dog toy. He sleeps most of the time. After playing he will go to bed and is independent. Max loves chicken.

Date of intake:: 11/30/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Previously lived with:: Adult

Behavior toward strangers:: Max is friendly and outgoing

Behavior toward children:: No experience

Behavior toward dogs:: Max is friendly and outgoing with familiar and unfamiliar dogs

Behavior toward cats:: No experience

Resource guarding:: Max will have a tense body when his food is touched but will not escalate.

Bite history:: 2 years ago, Max and his owner were coming back from a walk at their new building and they were in the elevator. A neighbor opened the door fast and walked in fast, reportedly too close and almost jumped over both the owner and Max, which startled Max causing him to have flat ears, whale eyes, and tucked tail and then he lunged and attempt to bite at the neighbor's thigh. The owner was able to pull him away and the bite left a scratch. This is the only bite incident.

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Max is trained to use the wee-wee pads to urinate inside and will defecate outside on walks. Max is known to jump up often and pull hard on the leash. When he sees large dogs, cats, and small animals, Max will pull towards them. It is unclear how Max would react if he was closer to the stimuli as the owner would avoid getting close and would redirect Max's attention. Max is unbothered when he is held, pushed/pulled off furniture, and collar is grabbed. He can be fearful when disturbed while sleeping, startled, and when paws are touched. Max's previous owner describes him as a social and affectionate dog.

Date of assessment:: 12/9/2025

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Moderate - pulls towards places to sniff Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: Inconclusive Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Distracted Call over: Approaches handler readily Sociability comments: Neutral body, explores the room Soft handling: Accepts contact Exuberant handling: Accepts contact Comments: Neutral body Arousal Jog comments: Follows handler with coaxing Knock Knock comments: Approaches handler with coaxing Toy Toy comments: Grips firm, becomes tense and moves away with the toy

Summary (1):: Maximum knows commands in spanish and english like No, Para, Sit, Vamos, Toma, Ven, Come, Here. Maximum loves balls and stuffed toys, specifically his Ikea Dog toy. After playing he will go to bed and is independent. Maximum loves chicken and will quickly become a friend for more.

Summary (7):: 12/9/25: Maximum is lying down and then stands up with a soft body. He is easily leashed and brought out the room. On the street, Maximum walks ahead with mild pulling, only pulling hard when he wants to sniff certain spots. As construction occurs across the street, Maximum gets startled by a drill running, but continues to walk. He also allows pets from the handler and sniffs a staff member when entering the building. (See assessment notes). Afterwards, the handler clips their leash and returns Maximum to kennel with ease. 12/2/25: Maximum is at the front of his kennel with a neutral body as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and brought out the room. On the street, Maximum walks ahead with moderate pulling; he shows no interest in passersby and doesn't display dog reactivity. He is then brought in for his assessment (see assessment notes). After the assessments, the handler walks him back to the room, and as they attempt to return Maximum, he stops walking and baulks right outside the room. The handler steps outside and then walks back in the room with Maximum, and they slightly muscle him in as he enters on his own this time.

Date of initial:: 12/1/2025

Summary:: Nervous, erratic - hyper at times and whining

ENERGY LEVEL:: Max is described as medium energy. They will need daily mental and physical activity to keep them engaged and exercised. And we recommend using force-free, reward-based training techniques for them.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to fearful behavior and bite history we recommend an adult only home. 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: : Resource guarding,Basic manners/poor impulse control,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Strength/leash pulling,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Resource Guarding: Max's previous owner states that he will become tense when his food is touched. While in care Max has been observed to become tense with toys. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of Max's mouth, and any time something is removed they should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. Please see handout on Resource Guarding. Basic Manners: Max's previous owner states that he will jump up often. It is recommended that default behaviors such as "Sit" and "Off" are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach them to control their impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward-based training only is recommended. Please see handout on Basic Manners. Fearful Defensive: Max's previous owner states that he will become fearful when startled, disturbed while sleeping and when his paws are touched. During one instance while fearful Max escalated to lunging and attempted to bite the person. It is important to move slowly with Max, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow them to initiate interactions with new people. They should never be forced to greet or to interact if they are not comfortable and soliciting attention. Please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression. Bite History (Human): Please see bite history above for more details. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression. On Leash Reactivity: Max's previous owner states that he will pull hard towards dogs, cats, and small animals. This behavior is able to be redirected. Max will need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach them to look at you rather than dogs and other stimuli. We recommend a front clip harness to help manage this behavior. Please see handout on On Leash Reactivity and Barrier Frustration. Leash Pulling: Max's previous owner states that he will pull hard while on leash. It is recommended that they be walked on a front clip harness or head halter, which will help diminish their strength through leverage, and that they be trained using positive reinforcement, reward based training to not pull on leash. Please see handout on Leash Manners.