Animal Profile

Rambo is at risk due to behavioral reasons. In his previous home Rambo has a multiple bite history with the resident dog. His previous owner describes him as social and affectionate. In his previous home Rambo bit the resident dog and then redirected onto the owner. His second bite, Rambo approached the resident dog and then bit them on the head and neck multiple times. During his previous stay Rambo was observed to be highly fearful. Noted to have a tense and trembling body, and would cower away from handlers. During his current stay in the care center, Rambo has been observed snap at handlers while in kennel. Medically Rambo is overweight but overall healthy.

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. Due to the detailed behavior issues, this animal is only available for foster/adoption through one of ACC's New Hope Partners. If you are interested in adopting or fostering, please fill out the pre-screener form. This animal is not directly available for adoption through ACC and is only available by completing the pre-screener form. Adoption inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Rambo is at risk due to behavioral reasons. In his previous home Rambo has a multiple bite history with the resident dog. His previous owner describes him as social and affectionate. In his previous home Rambo bit the resident dog and then redirected onto the owner. His second bite, Rambo approached the resident dog and then bit them on the head and neck multiple times. During his previous stay Rambo was observed to be highly fearful. Noted to have a tense and trembling body, and would cower away from handlers. During his current stay in the care center, Rambo has been observed snap at handlers while in kennel. Medically Rambo is overweight but overall healthy. His previous owner describes him as a social and affectionate dog. He has previously lived with dogs and cats. In home, Rambo did have multiple incidents of biting or attempting to bite other resident dogs. Due to the detailed behaviors we recommend an experienced, adult only, single pet home.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 91.8 lbs

10/1/2023

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 4 to 6 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Two dogs brought in by agency due to fighting with each other and biting owner. Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Tense body for exam Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? Yes Objective P = 120 R = WNL BCS 7/9 EENT: Swollen left ear base with erythema. Dried blood ventral to left ear, in left ear canal and on left pinna. No puncture wounds seen. Ear canals wnl AU. No nasal or ocular discharge noted. Oral Exam: Mild tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male intact MSI: Abrasions on plantar surfaces of hocks. Long nails. Multifocal alopecia with tan crusts. Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: WNL externally Assessment Overweight Pyoderma r/o allergies vs mites vs other Dermatitis left face r/o scratches from other dog. Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks Carprofen 50mg/ml 1.5 ml SQ Nexgard 60 to 120# 1 chew PO Convenia 80mg/ml 3.6 mls SQ Cleaned face and ears. SURGERY: Ok for neuter

10/10/2023

On 10/10/2023 at approximately 9:15 AM, Rambo was examined. The patient has appropriate mentation at this time (no neurological signs present) and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at MACC. Hx: on DOH for biting a person BAR H eent- no nasal and no ocular discharge hl- clear and eupneic msi- ambulatory x 4; bcs- 5/9 neuro- no apparent deficits A) no apparent neuropathy present P) consider removing from DOH observation

10/13/2023

Pre-Op Exam S: BAR, barking, jumping on kennel bars in kennel O: Visual Exam only due to behavior notes EEN- eyes clear, no nasal or ocular discharge H/L- Eupneic, no coughing/sneezing or audible congestion noted while cage side or in days since being at MACC MSK- Ambulatory x4, healthy hair coat Neuro- Mentally alert/appropriate A: Appears to be a good anesthetic candidate P: Neuter today RTO

10/13/2023

Surgery - Dog Neuter Was this dog a cryptorchid? No Pre scrotal Incision Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 0 PDS using two separate modified millers knots x2 Sub Q closure: 0 PDS two separate cruciate sutures Skin closure? 0 PDS intradermal Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 2172

10/13/2023

Canine neuter performed by Vet: 2172 Patient anesthesia form uploaded to Shelter Buddy in Vet Documents. pain managements: Rimadyl 50 mg/ml- 2.9 ml was given post-Op as a one time dose for pain management. RX'D- Rimadyl 100 mg Tablets- 1.5 tablet(s) PO SID X 2 days for pain management.

2/3/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 7 years Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned positive History: Owner surrender due to biting other dog in home. Subjective: QAR Observed Behavior - Whale eyed and trembling in cage. Tense body for exam. Is there evidence of Cruelty? No Is there evidence of Neglect? No Is there evidence of Trauma? No Objective P = 120 R = WNL BCS 8/9 EENT: Eyes clear, mild brown debris AU, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Not visible through muzzle PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NR, NMA. Increased upper airway noise. RE WNL. Lungs clear. ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male neutered. Green tattoo present. MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: WNL externally Assessment DOH-B Obese FAS Prognosis: Good Plan: Intake tasks Trazodone 100 mg 3 tablets po bid while in shelter SURGERY: Already neutered

2/12/2025

SO: Due for release from rabies observation BAR, comes to kennel door, jumping up and hard barking eent: eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate, no neurological deficits appreciated at this time A: no clinical signs of rabies appreciated P: Patient has appropriate mentation at this time (no neurologic signs present) and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at MACC.

2/22/2025

Rabies vaccine administered 1 mL SQ on RHL

4/16/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 7-9 years based on the condition of eyes Microchip noted on Intake? Positive History: Brought in by the police Subjective: BAR H pink 1 sec Observed Behavior - Hard barking; tense; whale-eyed Evidence of Cruelty seen - No Evidence of Trauma seen – No Evidence of Neglect- No Objective R = hard barking BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted H/L: eupneic U/G: MC MSI: healthy hair coat; overweight; amb x 4 CNS: before sedation mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment Apparently healthy overweight Prognosis: Good to fair Plan: Trazodone- already on appropriate intake procedures behavior assessment

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of Intake: 2/2/2025

Spay/Neuter Status: Neutered

Basic Information:: Rambo is a aprox. 7-year-old, medium, male, dog.

Previously lived with:: 4 adults, 2 children, 1 dog, 2 cats

How is this dog around strangers?: He alert barks, hard barks, and growls at strangers.

How is this dog around children?: He is friendly, outgoing, and playful around children. He has lived with two children, ages 12 and 3.

How is this dog around other dogs?: He is friendly, outgoing, and playful with familiar dogs. He alert barks, hard barks, growls, and lunges at unfamiliar dogs.

How is this dog around cats?: He has lived with two cats.

Resource guarding:: He values food, treats, and toys. There have been no attempts to touch or take these items.

Bite history:: Rambo has bitten other dogs and has been bitten by another dog.

Housetrained:: Partially

Energy level/descriptors:: High

Other Notes:: He uses the bathroom outside and on wee-wee pads inside. He has been reported to pull hard on leash, bark frequently, have general anxiety, be fearful of loud noises, have separation anxiety, and jump up and bite/chew the leash during walks. While on walks he reacts to strangers that approach, moving objects, other dogs, cats, and small animals. He reacts by growling/hard barking, lunging, and lip lifting/showing teeth. He barks/growls when held/restrained. He is not bothered when woken from sleep, when startled, when pushed off furniture, when his paws are touched, or when his collar is grabbed.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

For a New Family to Know: Rambo is a social and affectionate dog. He spends most of his time where people are. He loves water and let his pervious family bathe him. He pulls hard while on leash. He does not have a schedule for walk frequency, and would be walked for 10-20 minutes. He has never been crate trained. He does not enjoy getting in or being in the car. He knows, "sit", "stay", "paw", "bark", and "drop it". He knows how to open a cracked door. He loves to play, and is very smart. He will let his family know when he is thirsty or hungry. He loves bones, bacon, balls, ropes, squeaky toys, and stuffed animals. He eats Pedigree wet and dry food.

Date of intake:: 4/15/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: Yes

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, Limited history

Bite history:: First time at ACC - On September 30th, 2023 Rambo was brought to the shelter following a bite. The owner states that Rambo began fighting with the resident dog Cole. When the owner attempted to break up the fight Rambo redirected onto the handler and bit them on the right hand and thigh. After the bite incident the owner went to the hospital. Second time at ACC - On February 2nd, 2025 Cole was eating when Rambo approached him. Rambo began to growl and then began fighting with Cole. Rambo bit Cole on the head and neck multiple times. These bites did break skin and bleed. The owner took Cole to receive medical attention from the vet.

Other Notes:: Third Stay- 04/15/25: Stray, Limited history Means of surrender (length of time in previous home): Stray, Limited history Previously lived with: 4 adults, 2 children, 1 dog, 2 cats Behavior toward strangers: Rambo will alert bark, hard bark, and growl Behavior toward children: Rambo is friendly and outgoing Behavior toward dogs: Rambo is friendly with familiar dogs. Will hard bark, growl, and lunge at unfamiliar dogs Behavior toward cats: Rambo has lived with two cats, no further details on his behavior with them Resource guarding: None reported Bite history: On September 30th, 2023 Rambo was brought to the shelter following a bite. The owner states that Rambo began fighting with the resident dog Cole. When the owner attempted to break up the fight Rambo redirected onto the handler and bit them on the right hand and thigh. After the bite incident the owner went to the hospital. On February 2nd, 2025 Cole was eating when Rambo approached him. Rambo began to growl and then began fighting with Cole. Rambo bit Cole on the head and neck multiple times. These bites did break skin and bleed. The owner took Cole to receive medical attention from the vet. Housetrained: Partially Energy level/descriptors: High Rambo's previous owner describes him as a social and affectionate dog that loves squeaky toys. Rambo may know the cues sit and stay. Second Stay at ACC - 02/02/25: Stray, Limited history First Stay at ACC - 09/30/23: Stray, Limited history *Previous assessments can be given upon request*

Date of assessment:: 4/20/2025

Summary:: **04/20/25** During intake Rambo was observed to be hard barking and growling while inside the airline crate. Once out of the crate Rambo remained tense, however he became anxious and began pacing while on leash. In kennel when a handler approaches to interact Rambo snaps at their hand. Due to the bite history and the behaviors observed in care Rambo is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time. **02/03/25** Rambo arrived at MACC following another bite to the resident dog. On September 30th, 2023 Rambo was brought to the shelter following a bite. The owner states that Rambo began fighting with the resident dog Cole. When the owner attempted to break up the fight Rambo redirected onto the handler and bit them on the right hand and thigh. After the bite incident the owner went to the hospital. On 2/2/25 Cole was eating when Rambo approached him. Rambo began to growl and then began fighting with Cole. Rambo bit Cole on the head and neck multiple times. These bites did break skin and bleed. The owner was able to break up the fight by splashing the dogs with water. Rambo’s owner will be seeking vet care for Cole. During intake Rambo was observed to have a tense body and low head. In the kennel Rambo is observed to be receptive to treats. Due to the multiple bite history and the severity of the bites, a handling assessment will not be conducted at this time.

Summary (6):: 4/16/25: Handler approaches kennel and extends their hand for Rambo to sniff. He snaps at the hand. Interaction is ceased. Previous stay at ACC: 2/11/25: Rambo is standing at the back of the kennel when handler approaches. He readily approaches the front of the kennel with a high fast wagging tail. Rambo then begins barking, growling and vocalizing at the handler and pawing at the kennel door. Handler offers a treat, Rambo is not receptive he continues to bark at the handler. After a few seconds Rambo stops barking and begins to engage with the treats. Handler ends interaction. 2/3/25: Rambo is sitting at the front of the kennel when handler approaches. Rambo remains neutral, when the handler begins speaking in a soft Rambo begins lip licking. Handler offers treats and Rambo is receptive. Handler ends interaction. 2/2/25- Rambo was at the back of the airline crate when handler approached. His head was low with a slight tense body and would side eye handler when they called to him. He would occasionally lip lick as handler spoke to him, they tossed in some treats but he showed no interest in them. Handler offered higher value treats but Rambo would just sniff. Handler slowly leashed Rambo with his back to them. He was easily leashed and when the door was fully open, Rambo slowly turned to face the door then planted. He still remained with a slightly tense body, handler applied pressure to the leash and Rambo slowly came out. Handler was able to clip and Rambo had a slight pull into the kennel room. He kept his body low, ears pinned when passing the other kennels. He went into his kennel without any issues.

Summary (7):: Previous stay at ACC: 10/8/23: Rambo is sitting in the middle of his kennel. He is tense, body low, tail tucked. He is able to be coaxed and lead out on the double lead with the assistance of treats. Rambo scurries out of the room with a low body, then begins to panic, thrash, and flail. Handlers coax Rambo in an attempt to distract him as he continues to flail. Kennel staff quickly change Rambo's bedding so he can be brought back to the kennel immediately. 10/5/23:Rambo is at the back of the kennel trembling. He is able to be verbally coaxed to the front. He cowers away as the leash is placed, however allows it. He accepts treats, then cowers away when at the edge of the kennel. He is able to eventually be walked out. He walks with a low body and flails toward the wall. Out in the hall he begins to whine, flail, and thrash. A second leash is placed to keep him secure and from slipping out. He drops to the ground while tense. He is coaxed into a quiet office where he remains tense and is held in there until kennel is clean. He flails and thrashes on the leash as he is walked back. He is quickly placed into the kennel and the door is closed quickly. Hooks are used to remove his leashes. 10/4/23: Rambo is laying at the front of the kennel. When handler approaches, he remains but ears are back and he is trembling slightly. Handler kneels down and tosses in treats which he eats. Handler then offers treats through the bars, which he takes. However, when handler opens the kennel door, he becomes more tense and trembly. He pushes himself back but remains laying down. The leash is placed on him but he has no interest in coming out of kennel. It is easily removed using a hook. 10/3/23: Rambo would not move over to an adjoining kennel so that his kennel can be cleaned. However, he did allow staff to slowly remove dirty items from his kennel, including the kuranda bed and place a blanket in. Handlers approached him later in the day, and he was still at the back trembling. He allows handler to reach in a leash him but he remains in the back trembling. Handler tries to coax him but he is not interested. The leash is removed using a hook. 10/2/23: Rambo is at the front laying down when approached. He has a trembling body and is not interested in treats tossed into kennel. Handler is able to get a leash over him and he moves his head away. He does not stand up and hard stares at handler, lip licking. A hook is used to remove the leash and interaction is ended.

Date of intake:: 4/15/2025

Summary:: Hard barking, growling, turning head away from leash

Date of initial:: 4/16/2025

Summary:: Hard barking; tense; whale-eyed

ENERGY LEVEL:: Rambo is described as active and enthusiastic. They will need daily mental and physical activity to keep them 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. We recommend feeding with puzzle feeders and food-dispensing toys. And we recommend using force-free, reward-based training techniques for Rambo.

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): Due to the potential for redirection and on leash reactivity we recommend an adult only home. Single Pet Home: Due to the multiple bite history to the resident dog we recommend a single pet home. No Dog Parks: Due to hard barking, growling and lunging towards unfamiliar dogs we recommend 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: : Resource guarding,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Leash-biting,Strength/leash pulling,Bite history (human),Bite history (dog)

Potential challenges comments:: Resource Guarding: In his previous home Rambo approached the resident dog while they eating. Rambo began to growl then instigated a fight. We recommend that Rambo be left alone while eating. Please see handout on Resource Guarding. Multiple Bite History/ Bite History (Human)/ Bite History (Dog): Escalating to biting is a behavior that Rambo has rehearsed repeatedly over their life. This behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Rambo's repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Rambo and reducing the resulting bites. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression. Fearful Defensive: During his current stay in the care center Rambo has been observed to snap towards handlers while in kennel. Rambo has been observed to be fearful during his stay in the care center, noted to have a tense trembling body, tucked tail, and hard barking towards handlers. It is important to move slowly with Rambo, 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. Anxiety: Rambo's previous owner states that he has general anxiety and barks frequently. If Rambo displays anxious behavior in their future home, we recommend puzzle toys, long walks, and giving them other things to focus on to alleviate their anxiety. Positive reinforcement, force-free training should be used. Please see handout on Generalized Anxiety. On Leash Reactivity: Rambo's previous owner states that he will hard bark, growl, bare teeth, and lunge towards moving objects, dogs, cats, and small animals. Rambo will need reward based training to teach them to look at you rather than dogs and other stimuli. Please see handout on On Leash Reactivity and Barrier Frustration. Leash Biting: Rambo's previous owner states that he will jump up and bite the leash during walks. We recommend walking them with a toy to dissuade them from grabbing the leash. Positive reinforcement, force-free training is advised to teach them to focus on you rather than grabbing the leash. Please see handout on Leash Manners. Leash Pulling: Rambo's previous owner states that he pulls hard on leash while on walks. It is recommended that they be walked on a front clip harness or head halter, which will help diminish their strength through leverage, and that they be trained using positive reinforcement, reward based training to not pull on leash. Please see handout on Leash Manners.