Date of intake:: 5/29/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: Yes

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

Date of assessment:: 6/9/2025

Summary:: Casper arrived at MACC as an owner surrender. During his stay in the care center Casper has been observed to be fearful. During intake Casper was observed to lunge towards handlers while vocalizing and growling. While on leash he was also observed to headwhip and vocalize. While in kennel Casper is observed to growl towards handler and be reluctant to exit kennel. Due to the high levels of fear stress and anxiety observed Casper is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 6/9/25: Casper is at the front of the kennel engaging with a chew when the the handler approaches. Casper becomes tense when the handler speaks in a soft tones. The handler tosses a treat and he is receptive, eating the treat quickly. Handler tosses a few more treats and Casper continues to be receptive. Handler ends interaction. 6/9/25: ACS report that Casper is reluctant to move to have his kennel cleaned. 05/30/25: Casper is laying at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. Casper gives a low growl when handler approaches, handler sits a bit away from the kennel and waits for Casper to stop growling. He eventually stops but is observed to shake while laying down and whale eyes. He is offered chicken and continues to low growl, handler again waits for Casper to stop growling and continues offering. Eventually he accepts some chicken sprinkled on the floor of the kennel. He then accepts a piece of chicken from handlers hand. Afterwards he continues to growl when offered and does not accept more. Handler is able to leash Casper but he refuses to exit kennel. Handler tosses more chicken but is unsuccessful in coaxing Casper out of kennel. After a while handler removes Casper's leash and ends interaction. 05/29/25: K9 behavior was called to assist with a dog that was escalating outside during their intake. Three members of K9 behavior arrived, Casper was standing slightly in front of his owner with a tense posture. A staff member had already had a leash secured to Casper and the owner had a second leash attached to a his harness. When behavior approached Casper began lunging forward toward the staff member while vocalizing and growling. K9 behavior quickly requested the owner place another of their leashes around Casper while simultaneously requesting they remove the leash attached to his harness. Once leashes are secured and his harness leash removed handlers begin walking into the shelter with Casper who initially begins walking in but quickly head whips and begins vocalizing. Handlers continue walking forward with Casper who continues to fixate on the handler in the back. A third member of K9 behavior walks ahead making sure all the doors going toward Casper kennel are propped open. Casper continues to escalate and growls/vocalizes on leash. He ignores treats tossed and attempts to lunge at handlers but is kept a safe distance away. He is walked into the dog holding room and muscled quickly into kennel. A long hook is used to remove the leashes and once removed handlers end interaction.

Date of intake:: 5/29/2025

Summary:: Hard barking and lunging towards handlers

Date of initial:: 5/29/2025

Summary:: Hard barking at front of cage. Opted to sedate

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

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive/ On Leash Reactivity: During intake Casper was observed to growl and lunge towards handler. He has also observed to head whip and vocalize while on leash. It is important to move slowly with Casper, 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. Please see handout on On Leash Reactivity and Barrier Frustration.