Date of intake:: 1/27/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Previously lived with:: Adult and 3 kids (new born- 8 years old)

Behavior toward strangers:: Friendly in the home but will hard bark and growl at them on walks

Behavior toward children:: Friendly and outgoing

Behavior toward dogs:: Tolerant, playful

Behavior toward cats:: Tolerant, playful

Resource guarding:: None reported

Bite history:: None reported

Housetrained:: Yes

Energy level/descriptors:: Pongo is noted to have medium energy level

Other Notes:: Reported to hard bark/growl on walks when strangers approach family. Is not bothered by being held/restrained, woken up, startled, pushed/pulled off furniture, when paws are touched and when collar is grabbed.

Date of assessment:: 1/31/2025

Summary:: In the Care Centers, Pongo is highly fearful. He refuses to walk out the building, has low growls, and displays hard eyes and a tense posture. Due to these behaviors, Pongo will not receive a handling assessment.

Summary:: 2/4/25: Pongo greets another dog at the gate with a neutral body and low wagging tail.

Summary (6):: 2/4/25: Pongo is laying at the front of the kennel when handler approaches. Pongo begins growling and barking at the handler. Handler leashes Pongo easily and opens the door wide. Pongo stands at the front of the kennel growling loudly and barking at the handler. Handler waits 2-3 mins and Pongo does not stop growling and does not move to exit kennel. Pongo is not receptive to coaxing or squeakie sounds. Handler closes the door for a few seconds and then reopens it. Pongo leaves kennel with a tense body and tucked tail, he darts back and forth while on leash. When going to the yard Pongo scrambles away from the door to the yard. Handler stands with the door open coaxing Pongo out. Once Pongo exits and the door is closed Pongo stands at the door walking back and forth and pushing it with his nose. When the handler attempts to coax him up the stairs Pongo goes to the opposite stairs. In the yard Pongo pulls hard and relieves himself quickly. When returning to kennel Pongo scrambles forwards. A second handler is needed to distract Pongo so that the main handler can reclip their leash. Pongo would lower his body with tense posturing and show whale eye. Pongo is returned to kennel with no further issue.

Summary (7):: 2/2/25: Pongo is laying down towards the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He very briefly growls but ceases as the door is opened. He is leashed without growling, and without prompting he exits the kennel. He is walked outside for a street walk. He remains tense throughout walk with a tucked tail. He relives himself and continues looking around his surroundings, occasionally sniffling. Handler kneels down very slowly and Pongo immediately climbs into handlers lap. He uses his head to push handlers hands, soliciting pets. He has a rapid tail wag, soft eyes, and a softer body as handler gently and slowly pets his head and neck. He is returned to kennel without issue. 1/31/25: Pongo is laying in the center of his kennel. He growls at handler as they open the kennel door. When leash is presented he barks but remains in place. Handler is able to drape the loop over his head and secure the leash. The kennel is opened wide and he steps out of the kennel. Once in the hall, he plants and does not move forward towards the street. Handler attempts to direct him towards the yard but he refuses to move in that direction as well. A staff member quickly cleans his kennel and Pongo pulls back and goes in without issue. 1/28/25: Pongo is laying at the front of his kennel when handler approaches. He remains there as handler unlocks the door but begins to low growl. Handler is able to secure a leash and opens the door wide. He does not move and continues to growl and then periodically bark. Handler briefly places some pressure on the leash but he pulls back. Handler waits some more then places pressure again. This time he steps out of the kennel. He is tense bodied and looks back and growls at the second handler. He remains tense throughout and keeps his distance. HE goes back to kennel without issue and is at the back. 01/28/25: ACS report that when they go to leash Pongo he begins growling at them while moving away from the front of the kennel.

Date of intake:: 1/27/2025

Summary:: Tucked tail, hard stare, fearful

Date of initial:: 1/28/2025

Summary:: Terrified, low growl

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Pongo's behavior in the Care Centers, Pongo should got to a home with older children. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to all noted concerns displayed in the Care Centers environment, the behavior department recommends Pongo be placed with a New Hope placement partner who is able to provide an experienced adult-only foster home. A period of decompression is recommended to allow Pongo to acclimate comfortably to his new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing Pongo to new and unfamiliar situations.

Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Pongo was observed to growl, tense up, and hard stare when staff attempted to interact with him. He refuses to walks in the Care Centers Positive reinforcement should be used to teach Pongo to associate new people with things he likes, such as treats and toys. Please see the handout on Fearful/potential for defensive aggression. On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Pongo is noted to growl and hard bark at strangers. Positive reinforcment should be used to help manage this behavior. Please see the handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration.