Date of intake:: 6/29/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 7/1/2025

Summary:: Pythagoras has been observed to be fearful during his stay in the care center. Noted to baulk and thrash on leash with a low tense body. Due to the high levels of fear, stress, and anxiety Pythagoras is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 7/1/25: Pyth is standing at the front of the kennel when the handler approaches. He is receptive to treats through the kennel door. When the handler opens the kennel door and attempts to leash Pyth he becomes tense and retreats to the back of the kennel. The handler attempts again with the same result. Vienna’s are offered and Pyth is receptive. When the handler goes to leash him again Pyth retreats to the back of the kennel with a tense body and high flagging tail. Pyth then snaps at the leash and begins to growl. Handler ends the interaction to lower FAS. 6/30/25: Pythagoras is laying in the middle of the kennel when then handlers approach. The handler tosses a few treats until Pyth approaches the front of the kennel. The handler uses a combo of treats and squeakie sounds to lasso Pyth. The first few attempts at leashing Pyth dodges the leash and retreats to then back of the kennel. He would reapproach the front for treats. Once the leash is on, the handler opens to door wide and attempts to coax him out of kennel. The second handler tosses treats, however Pyth is not receptive. The primary handler uses leash pressure to guide him out of kennel. When exiting kennel Pyth walks with a tense low body before he freezes half way through the kennel room. Pyth begins to growl loudly towards the other dogs. The handler is unable to coax his forward so they muscle him out of kennel room. Once out of kennel Pyth is taken to the yard where he has a tense body and walks on a loose leash. He does not relieve himself, but does sniff around and is receptive to treats. When returning to kennel the secondary attempts to place a second leash on him. Pyth backs away quickly, even when a treat is used to guide his head through the leash. When the secondary handler attempts to lasso him, Pyth backs away, bares teeth, and vocalizes. Pyth is returned to kennel on a single leash. When they reach the kennel room Pyth baulks and begins to pull away from kennel. The handler has to jog him back into kennel. 6/29/25: (Intake Note) The behavior team was called to assist. Pythagoras had a tense body when he entered the hallway. He would often resistant against any pressure of the leash and would begin to thrash. Handlers coaxed and tossed treats, Pythagoras would follow slowly with a low tense body. However intermittently he would retreat quickly and thrash on leash again. The handler in the front has to apply and release the pressure on the leash to keep him moving forward. Pythagoras continues to thrash intermittently. Once in the kennel room Pythagoras walked with a low body creeping forward until a dog in a kennel began to bark loudly at him. Pythagoras began to thrashintenly and the handlers had to muscle him into kennel.

Date of intake:: 6/29/2025

Summary:: Thrashing and baulking on leash

Date of initial:: 6/30/2025

Summary:: Tense body for exam. Growled for blood draw

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Pythagoras 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,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Leash-biting

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive: Pythagoras has been noted to thrash, snap at leash, and baulk while on leash and a tense low body. They should never be forced to approach anything that they are uncomfortable with or submit to petting or handling. It should always be their choice to approach a new person or thing. Pythagoras would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Please see handout on Fearful Defensive Aggression. On Leash Reactivity: At the care center, Pythagorous has been observed to react to other dogs on-leash growling with low tense body. Pythagorus may need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach him to look at you rather than other dogs. We recommend a front clip harness or head halter to help manage this behavior. Please see hand out for On Leash Reactivity and Barrier Frustration Leash biting: Pythagoras is observed to snap at leash while in kennel and out of kennel. We recommend walking him with a toy to dissuade him from grabbing the leash. Positive reinforcement, force-free training is advised to teach him to focus on you rather than grabbing the leash. Please see hand-out on Leash Manners