Date of intake:: 10/26/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: Yes

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

Date of assessment:: 10/28/2025

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: None Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Aloof towards handler Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Fearful Call over: Approaches handler readily Sociability comments: Receptive to treats, became tense during collaring Soft handling: Fearful Exuberant handling: Fearful Comments: Tense body, began hard staring at the handler Arousal Jog comments: Follows handler readily, tense body Knock Knock comments: Approaches handler readily Toy Toy comments: No interest, No reaction

Summary:: 11/4/25: Chestnut greets another dog at the gate with a loose and wiggly body. Off leash, he greets the other dog then seeks handler attention.

Summary (6):: 11/13/25: Chestnut is at the front of his kennel with a soft body as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and brought out the room. On the street, Chestnut walks ahead with little tension on leash. When Chestnut sees a dog, he attempts to pull in their direction, but the handler calls Chestnut's name and pulls him away, redirecting him with ease. Chestnut also follows the "sit", "down", and "paw" commands given by the handler. He jumps on the handler multiple times with a soft body, in order to receive treats. The handler is able to clip their leash and return Chestnut to his kennel with ease.

Summary (7):: 11/6/25: Chestnut is sleeping in kennel, and as he wakes up, he stands at the front with a neutral body. The handler leashes him with ease and brings him out the room. When walking the perimeter of the yard, Chestnut walks ahead of the handler with no tension on leash. The handler brings him into a pen, where they are able to place Chestnut on a drag leash. Chestnut approaches the handler with a soft body and takes treats from them softly. He follows the "sit", "down", "stay", "heel" and "paw" commands given by the handler. Chestnut also allows gentle pets on his head and back from the handler. The handler is able to remove the drag and leash and place their own on Chestnut. The handler is able to return Chestnut to his kennel with ease. 11/4/25: Chestnut is reported to be soliciting contact from staff. 11/3/25: It was noted on the whiteboard that Chestnut knows 'sit', 'paw', and 'down'. 10/29/25:*LATE ENTRY* Chestnut was at front of kennel, barking, when two handlers approached. First handler attempted to leash a few times before getting the leash on Chestnut who kept dodging the leash. He was taken to the yard when he would sniff the ground, chase birds and accepted treats from handlers. He would sit when told to sit. Second handler opted to sit on the bench and Chestnut trotted over and leaned head onto handler's lap. Second handler went to pet his head and he began to growl. Second handler pulled hand away. He was taken for a walk and would seek treats. When returning from his walk, and placing in kennel, first handler attempted to give a light pet on head and Chestnut snapped towards handler's hand. No contact was made as handler pulled hand away. 10/29/25: A "No Petting" sign was placed for Chestnut after he growled from brief contact. 10/28/25: Chestnut is lying on his kuranda bed upon approach, as handler went to unlock the door he would sit up and is then easily leashed. He slowly walks out of the kennel and is taken for a street walk for his assessment. Throughout the walk he would remain aloof, as handler went to slowly pet him he would become tense and hard stare at the handler. Chestnut didn't react towards any stimuli passing by, afterwards he is returned to the office where he would remain aloof. He is then easily collared, after his assessment he is returned with no issue.

Date of intake:: 10/26/2025

Summary:: Stressed, allowed handling and contact

Date of initial:: 10/27/2025

Summary:: Low growling that escalated; panting; tense; not interested with treats

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Chestnut 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 additional to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.

IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: 10/27/25: During his medical exam it is reported that when the handler was touching and examining his abdomen, Chestnut would begin growling and would turn his head towards the handler.

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 we recommend a home with no children. 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: : Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Handling Sensitivity/ Fearful Defensive: Chestnut has been obsvered to become tense, growl, and hard stare at handlers when handled. It is important to move slowly with Chestnut, 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 Handling and Touch Sensitivity and Fearful and Defensive Aggression.