Date of intake:: 9/12/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 9/28/2025

Summary:: *9/28/25* When approached in kennel Toby is observed to be highly fearful. Noted to press his face on the floor of his kennel. When the handler attempts to leash him he escalates to growling and snapping at the leash. When the handler uses a hook to remove the leash Toby bites the book. Due to the high level of fear, stress, and anxiety Toby is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time. *9/15/25* Toby has been observed to be fearful and tense during his stay in the care center. Noted to retreat to the back of his kennel after exiting and begin trembling. When the handler uses a hook to remove the leash Toby quickly escalates to snapping and biting the hook. Due to the high levels of fear, stress, and anxiety displayed. Toby is not a candidate to receive a handling assessment at this time.

Summary:: 9/20/25: When off leash in the yard with other dogs, he is avoidant of them but will allow for them to sniff him before moving away.

Summary (6):: 9/28/25: Toby is laying down in his kennel as handler approaches. He continues to lay down as the handler unlocks the door and when attempting to leash him. He would back away from the leash with a tense body and begins growling. He then begins to snap at the leash while he is at the back of his kennel. Due to the leash dropping, the handler retrieves their leash with a hook and he begins to snap at the hook as the handler quickly retrieves their leash back before locking the door and ending the interaction.

Summary (7):: 09/28/25: Toby is at the back of his kennel laying down in his bed as handler approaches. He is leashed slowly and walks with handler out of the room to the hall and is slightly hesitant to enter the elevator but eventually follows handler inside. He approaches handler as they crouch down but neither Toby nor handler make attempts to further interact as handler did not want to invade Toby's space. He is walked out to the street, whereupon reaching the street he looks back a few times at people talking in the distance but is coaxed forward by handler. He walks with handler and passes people on the street without issue. Toby does not pull when walking and will stop at times to sniff and scent marks spots on the street. He walks for a while with handler until he is eventually brought back inside. Toby allows handler to clip his leash and is returned to kennel without issue. 9/20/25: When off leash in the yard with other dogs and handlers, Toby is tense bodied. He will move away from handlers who approach and the other dogs. When handlers kneel, he will move closer to them to sniff then remain in place. He eventually climbs on the bench and sits behind a handler. 9/18/25: Toby is at the front of his kennel with a neutral body, as handler opens attempts to open the kennel he would begin to flinch and run to the back of his kennel. Second handler would leash Toby's littermate and as Toby saw Tiny Bella he would approach the front of his kennel with ease and allows leashing. When they're both removed from the kennel, Toby would walk with the handler but would continue to look backwards for Tiny Bella. He would walk ahead of the handler at times with minimal pulling, as Toby would hear small sounds he would begin to pull slightly harder ahead of the handler but would walk back to continue walking with his littermate. They are taken to the play yard where Toby would remain aloof but at times he would begin to attempt to jump up on the handler. In the yard he would lay next to Tiny Bella and start to explore the play pen. He would quickly relieve himself as exiting the pen and is then returned to his kennel with no further issues. 9/15/25- Toby is at the middle of his kennel with a slight tense body, he retreats to the back of his kennel when handler goes to leash. They are able to lasso the leash onto him. They fully open the door but he stays at the back. Handler fully extends the leash and moves to the side. Toby slowly come to the front, when handler comes closer Toby retreats to the back while side eyeing handler. Handler tosses treats in but he shows no interest. Handler applies pressure and Toby hesitantly exits kennel. The try to walk forward but Toby baulks. He runs back into his kennel to the back shaking with a tense body. They go to get a hook to remove their leash but he starts snapping very hard at the hook. After a few attempts handler is finally able to remove their leash.

Date of intake:: 9/12/2025

Summary:: Hard barking, tense body, and snapping at the leash

Date of initial:: 9/13/2025

Summary:: Tense but allows all handling

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Toby 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.

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 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: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive: Toby has been observed to have a tense body and escalate to hard barking and snapping when handlers attempt to handle him. It is important to move slowly with Toby, 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.