Date of intake:: 7/27/2025

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

Date of assessment:: 7/28/2025

Summary:: Princess Pudge has been observed to be fearful during her stay in the care center. It is reported that while in the crate she would bare teeth, growl, and snap. When handlers approach Princess is observed to growl and muzzle punch the crate door. When a hook is used to guide the leash over her head Princess is observed to snap at the hook. Due to the high levels of fear, stress, and anxiety Princess is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 7/31/25: Princess Pudge is sitting at the front right corner of her kennel with a neutral body. She remains neutral throughout interaction and does not take treats through the kennel bars, handler tosses treats in kennel and she begins to consume them. 7/30/25: Princess Pudge is sitting at the front right corner of her kennel with a neutral body. She begins to low growl as handler bends down and extends hand. She ceases growling once eating the high value treats offered. Interaction is ended. 7/27/25- K9 behavior assisted with taking Princess Pudge in. When handlers approached the airline crate Princess was growling and muzzle punching the front door. Handlers gave some high value treats (ham and spray cheese) she ate it. One handler used a hook to put their leash on while the other handler distracted her. First attempt she snapped at the hook. After a couple of attempts first handler was able to get the leash on, when they used the hook to push the leash over one ear Princess snapped again at the hook. Leash was finally successful on and the door was opened. She slowly came out with a tense body. She slowly made her way further into the building and would stop at times to hard stare at handler. The other handler called to her and she would move forward. Again stopping to hard stare to the first handler. Handler didn't clip and she planted outside her kennel. Handler had to muscle her into the kennel. When using the hook to remove the leash, once handler tried to distract her. She would randomly snap at the hook. After a few attempts handlers were able to remove the leash.

Date of intake:: 7/27/2025

Summary:: Snapping at the hook, hard staring towards handlers

Date of initial:: 7/28/2025

Summary:: Growling and snapping at hook

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Princess Pudge 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 additional 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 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

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive: Princess has been observed to growl, muzzle punch the crate door, and snap at the hook when handlers attempt to leash her. While on leash Princess maintained a tense body and would hard stare towards the handler. It is important to move slowly with Princess, 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.