Date of intake:: 6/11/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 6/16/2026

Summary:: Bearstein has been observed to be highly fearful while in care. During intake, Bearstein was noted to be fearful and escalated to growling and snapping. When handlers approach, Bearstein will retreat to the back of the kennel and shy away from the handler. Due to the fearful behavior, Bearstein is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary:: Bearstein arrived at the care center as a stray, so his behavior with other dogs is unknown. 6/17/26: Bearstein greets a novel male dog on leash through a barrier. Bearstein is tucked tail, tense and walks up to the gate to greet the male dog. The male dog briefly sniffs Bearstein but is more focused on the staff members. Bearstein remains at the gate, wagging his tail slowly with his ears pinned back. The other male dog will stay away from the gate, and Bearstein will remain at the gate.

Summary (7):: 6/16/26: Bearstein is lying down in his kennel when the handler approaches; the handler briefly steps away and when they come back, Bear is standing at the front of his kennel with a neutral body. He is easily leashed and brought out the room. On the street, Bear walks with mild leash tension; he doesn't react to dogs. When seeing people, he slightly pulls towards them with a neutral body. As the handler calls Bear, he briefly looks back at them and then forward to continue the walk. The handler then brings Bear to the yard; they pet him once, and he immediately shakes it off. Then he allowed petting on his head and back. Upon entry, the handler clips their leash and returns Bearstein to his kennel with ease. 6/16/26: Bearstein is lying down at the back of his kennel. It is soiled and he is somewhat lethargic. Some treats are tossed and he does not eat one, until a treat is tossed right in front of his nose which he takes. The handler leaves and comes back and finds him standing at the front of his kennel. He is easily leashed and slowly walks out of his kennel to the yard. He relieves himself and walks around slowly with a neutral body. He allows leash clipping and returns to his kennel with ease. 6/12/26 (PM walks): Bearstein is lying down in his kennel as the handler approaches; thehandler tosses many treats into his kennel. Bearstein eats the one near him and then stands up to eat the treats closer to the front; as he does so, the handler slowly opens the kennel door and attempts to lasso Bearstein, but he shies away and goes to the back of his kennel. The handler then opens the door wider and reaches in to lasso Bearstein; even as the leash is secured, Bearstein doesn't stand up. The handler then gradually adds leash pressure ot bring Bearstein closer to the front; once he is at the front, Bearstein slowly stands up and exits the kennel. The handler brings Bearstein to the yard. There he relieves him and sniffs around. As the handler sits on the bench, Bearstein slowly climbs on it and looks around; he also sniffs the handler's face a couple of times. Upon entry, the handler clips their leash and brings Bearstein to his kennel, but he refuses to enter; the handler gently applies leash tension and he is able to climb inside, and the handler removes their leash.

Date of intake:: 6/11/2026

Summary:: Fearful, growling, and snapping

Date of initial:: 6/11/2026

Summary:: Allows placement of muzzle, but gives whale eye and begins growling with exam. Opted to sedate

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Bearstein 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 addition 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 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 challenges comments:: Fearful: Bearstein has been observed to be fearful while in care. Noted to retreat from handlers when they approach. During intake Bearstein was noted to growl and snap. 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. Bearstein 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 Decompression Period.