Animal Profile

Big Paw Paw is at risk due to behavioral reasons. BPP has been observed to be highly dog reactive. Noted to screech, growl, hard bark, and pull towards other dogs while on leash. During one instance when he was being returned to kennel, Big Paw Paw turned towards the handler and lunged at them after reacting to a dog. He is also reported to have a low threshold for arousal. During his assessment he began to jump up towards the leash and jump at the handler. When in a calm environment, BPP allowed collaring and was receptive to treats. Medically, Big Paw Paw has CIRDC.

Let's get to know each other a bit more...

This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Big Paw Paw is at risk due to behavioral reasons. BPP has been observed to be highly dog reactive. Noted to screech, growl, hard bark, and pull towards other dogs while on leash. During one instance when he was being returned to kennel, Big Paw Paw turned towards the handler and lunged at them after reacting to a dog. He is also reported to have a low threshold for arousal. During his assessment he began to jump up towards the leash and jump at the handler. When in a calm environment, BPP allowed collaring and was receptive to treats. Medically, Big Paw Paw has CIRDC. Big Paw Paw arrived at MACC as a stray with no known history. While in care, BPP has been observed to be highly dog reactive. Noted to screech, growl, hard bark, and pull towards other dogs while on leash. During one instance when he was being returned to kennel, Big Paw Paw turned towards the handler and lunged at them after reacting to a dog. He is also reported to have a low threshold for arousal. Due to the detailed behavior, we recommend an experienced adult-only home.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 71 lbs

Medical Notes

6/17/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3-5 years based on the condition of teeth and eyes Microchip noted on Intake? Negative History: Brought in by police Subjective: BAR H pink 1 sec Observed Behavior - Frozen, tense, stiff, allowed muzzle, seemed to be holding himself back as if he could escalate if he was pushed. Evidence of Cruelty seen - No Objective P = 80hr R = 40rr BCS 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Nope, not done. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI testes x2 MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment Apparently healthy Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake procedures Rx Trazadone 200 mg PO BID indef SURGERY: Okay for surgery, HWT at time of Sx

6/21/2026

Staff note pet is lunging at other dogs in shelter A: Increased arousal and stress in shelter Plan Clonidine 0.3 mg 1 tablet po bid while in shelter Gabapentin 300mg 3 tablets po bid while in shelter

6/25/2026

Noted while cage side to have grey nasal discharge S: QAR and eats treats offered O: EENT: Eyes clear, grey nasal discharge noted H/L: Eupneic, but sniffling/sneezing while cage side MSI: Ambulatory x 4, healthy hair coat. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities A: CIRDC P: Rx: Doxycycline 325mg PO SID x10d Recheck at end of course

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of intake:: 6/17/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 6/21/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Did not conduct Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: Extreme Leash walking comments: Screeching, growling, hard barking, and pulling hard towards other kennels and crates, unable to make it to the street due to dog reactivity Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Distracted Call over: Approaches handler readily Sociability comments: Allowed collaring, jumping up on handler, receptive to treats Handling Soft handling: Tolerates contact Exuberant handling: Tolerates contact Handling comments: Wide eyes Arousal Jog: Over aroused Arousal comments: Jumping up towards the leash and jumping towards the handler, has to be straight armed away from the handler Knock: Knock Comments: Did not conduct Toy: Toy comments: Did not conduct

Summary (7):: 6/28/26: Big Paw Paw is lying at the back of the kennel when the handler approaches. The handler speaks in a soft tone and BPP lip licks but remains where he is lying. The handler tosses treats and he is unreceptive. The handler ends the interaction. 6/21/26 (Assessment): Big Paw Paw is at front of kennel with a neutral body as handler approached. He was easily leashed and pulled from kennel. Coming out of kennel Big Paw Paw pulled toward the other kennels hard barking and growling, just before the handler got him out of room Big Paw Paw made a lunge at the dog in the kennel by the door. going thru the hallway Big Paw Paw also pulled hard toward the dogs in crates while growling and hard barking. Handler decided to abandon walk and bring to behavior room for assessment (Please see assessment notes for details). Big Paw Paw did allow handling. On return to kennel second handler put a treat trail down, which worked for a little while but Big Paw Paw started growling and barking at the dogs again and made a lunge toward handler. Handler strong arm dog into kennel. 6/21/26: It is reported that Big Paw Paw is kennel and pop-up reactive.

Date of intake:: 6/17/2026

Summary:: Allowed all handling and was leashed without issue. Did not take treats

Date of initial:: 6/17/2026

Summary:: Frozen, tense, stiff, allowed muzzle

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Big Paw Paw 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),Single-pet home,Recommend no dog parks,Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Do to the potential for redirection, we recommend an adult only home. Single Pet Home/ No Dog Parks: Due to the high level of reactivity and the potential for redirection, we recommend a single pet home with no trips to the dog park. 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: : On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Low threshold for arousal

Potential challenges comments:: On Leash Reactivity: Big Paw Paw has been observed to screech, growl, hard bark, and pull towards other dogs while on leash. During one instance when he was being returned to kennel, Big Paw Paw turned towards the handler and lunged at them after reacting to a dog. BPP will need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach them to look at you rather than other dogs. We recommend a front clip harness to help manage this behavior. Please see handout on On Leash Reactivity and Barrier Frustration. Arousal: During his assessment, BPP quickly became aroused and began jumping up towards the leash and at the handler. Positive reinforcement training should be used to teach BPP to remain calm during arousing situations. If they begin to escalate, people should pause the interaction, and create distance from the trigger. Pattern games such as 1-2-3 treat and the cue “mat” can be used to reinforce calm behaviors. Please see handout on Arousal.