Date of intake:: 12/20/2024

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 12/22/2024

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Hard Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Vocalizes towards other dogs in the kennel room Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Highly social Call over: Approaches readily Sociability comments: Stays near handler seeking treats Handling Soft handling: Accepts contact Exuberant handling: Accepts contact Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Follows handler readily Arousal comments: Neutral body Knock Knock Comments: Approaches handler readily Toy Toy comments: No interest, No reaction

Summary:: 1/8/25: Polo Polo greeted another dog at the gate with a loose and wiggly body.

Summary (2):: 4/1/25 (Trainer Note): Polo Polo is at the front of kennel with a loose and wiggly body as handler approaches. He is easily leashed and removed from kennel. He leaps out of kennel and pulls very hard on his hind legs towards the yard. Handler has to use muscle to keep him away from people in the hallway as he heavily pulls towards them. In the yard he is kept on leash as he is more exuberant than usual. Handler attempts to play 'Super Bowl' pattern game and Polo Polo is receptive, but only briefly. He quickly loses interest and begins to zoom around the pen, pulling the handler in all directions. Handler uses leash pressure to hold him back and cues a 'sit', he is receptive and is rewarded. He begins to briefly leash bite for a moment but a verbal correction is used and is effective. He is returned to kennel without issue. 3/31/25- ACS reported when in the first pen in the play yard Polo polo started to bite at the leash then started to jump up at handler with an open mouth. They straight armed him as he kept trying to jump at them, they grabbed a blow horn and used it but Polo kept jumping towards them. They waved to get someone's attention from inside. A VS alerted another ACS and they came out to assist the first ACS. Polo stopped momentarily but then again started to jump at first handler. Other handler entered the pen and Polo was jumping towards them, they took the leash and Polo settled. VS alerted K9 behavior after the other ACS went outside. K9 behavior went to the play yard and came to Polo sitting with the second handler. One behavior handler put a second leash on Polo and brought him in. While walking back to his kennel he thrashed a little then would some more then thrashed again. Handlers went into K9 behavior office to wait while kennel was being finished. Polo was soft bodied and took treats from one handler. His kennel was ready and he thrashed for a moment and he went into kennel without issue. 3/29/25: As the handler approached the kennel, Polo Polo is standing at the front of the kennel with a loose, wiggly body. As the handler is unlocking the kennel, Polo Polo is jumped up on the door and jumped down as the handler opened the kennel door. Polo Polo is leashed and immediately pulls on the leash when leaving the room and into the yard. While the pen, the handler kept their leash on Polo Polo as he sniffed around relieved himself. The handler gave him treats, in which he received. Polo Polo placed himself in a sit position, and the handler gave him a pet across his head, in which he proceeded to jump on the handler. The handler pulled away and brought him out the pen. When returning to the building and kennel, Polo Polo continued to pull intensely. He was brought to the kennel with ease.

Summary (3):: 3/24/25 (Trainer Note): Polo Polo is standing at the front of his kennel with a loose and wiggly body as handler approaches. He is easily leashed and removed from kennel. He pulls hard as he is taken to the PAC interaction room for a training session. He sniffs around the room and engages with the LATTE items laid out. Handler continues recall training, with a sit on approach (incorporating 'Engage, Disengage'). Handler tosses treats away, onto a snuffle mat, Polo Polo chases after them and consumes them, handler uses clicker to get Polo's attention, and a reward marker 'Yes' as he disengages from the snuffle mat. As he approaches handler waits before using a verbal cue, giving Polo Polo the opportunity to 'sit' on his own. After a couple of seconds, Polo Polo sat without a verbal cue or hand signal. This was repeated 5 more times, Polo Polo successfully completing each trial. Handler sits on the bench and Polo Polo heavily leans into legs/shins, soliciting pets. He is leashed and returned to kennel without issue. He is given an stuffed enrichment toy in kennel to end the training session. 3/21/25: Polo Polo is standing at the front of his kennel loose and wiggly when handler approaches. He jumps up and down on the kennel door as handler unlocks it. He is leashed using a treat as a lure. Once out of the kennel and in the hall, he turns to handler and jumps up towards them. Treats are tossed on the ground. He goes for the treats then attempts to jump onto handler again. This is repeated multiple times throughout the walk. He will sit when asked and takes treats. He goes into kennel without issue.

Summary (4):: 3/17/25 (Trainer Note): Polo Polo is given an enrichment toy prior to removing him from kennel. After 15 -20 min he was easily leashed and brought to the street for a training session. Handler had the intention of working on his pulling, but Polo Polo quickly escalated to leash biting once the street was crossed. Handler attempted to get his attention back, but he was solely focused on leash biting. Handler decided to bring him to the PAC interaction room for an indoor training session, targeting his arousal. He was loose and wiggly throughout interaction, and would escalate to mouthing when over arousal threshold, leaving small - medium welts. This only occurred twice, both towards the beginning of session. He engages with the enrichment items laid out, and is also easily recalled with the verbal cue "Come." Handler continues reinforcing good recall behavior. The enrichment items are removed from the room and Polo Polo is now completely engaged with handler. Recall training is continued for 5 trials, Polo Polo being successful each time. Towards the end of the session, Polo Polo is heavily panting, and lays down on the floor in a 'sploot' position and rolls onto his back. He allows petting all along his belly, torso, and head. He continues soliciting pets by leaning into handler. He is easily leashed and returned to kennel and given a puzzle feeder, which he immediately engages with. 3/5/25 (Trainer Note): Polo Polo is given a licki matt 15 minutes prior to being taken out for his AM walk. He is standing at the front with a very loose and wiggly body, jumping up on the kennel bars, and is barking with 'clown face' as handler approaches. He is leashed using a treat as a lure and removed from kennel. He leaps out and pulls very hard towards the yard. Polo Polo is put on a drag leash in the yard and he runs around, relieving himself multiple times. He maintains a loose and wiggly body throughout interaction. Handler continues training: Recall ('Come') and 'Sitting on Approach', Polo Polo is highly engaged and receptive, completing each trial successfully. He is leashed and returned to kennel without issue. He is given enrichment as handler departs. 2/28/25: Polo Polo is at the front of his kennel as handler approaches, he barks and jumps at the kennel door as handler begins unlocking it. Upon exiting kennel he attempts to jump towards the leash with an open mouth but handler moves the leash away. This process is repeated a few more times until reaching the driveway with Polo, where he is tossed treats forward as a distraction. He walks with handler outside and pulls moderately during his walk. Polo does not react to people or dogs seen from afar on the street. He rarely stops to sniff and eventually is brought back to the building. He allows his leash to be clipped before being brought back to kennel and returned without issue. 2/27/25 (Trainer Note): Polo Polo is given a treat roll in his kennel prior to his walk. He immediately

Summary (5):: 2/24/25 (Trainer Note): Polo Polo is standing at the front of kennel with a loose body, is barking, and jumping on the kennel bars as handler approaches. He attempts to push past kennel door as handler braces it with their knee. Handler tosses treats towards the back of kennel, Polo Polo follows, and handler has the kennel rope at the ready with a treat to leash him. He is removed from kennel and taken to the yard. He pulls very hard and begins to intensely leash bite once in the pen. Handler has to toss treats onto his face for him to stop. Handler continues impulse control training and introduces the "Down" cue. No verbal cue is used yet, as handler holds treats in their fist, holds it up to Polo Polo, and slowly brings down their hand as if was a magnet with Polo's nose. Out of the 5 attempts, Polo Polo successfully completed one "Down", but would get very close on other attempts. His hind end would pop right back up right before hitting the floor. Based on the push, drop stick method, handler will drop the difficulty of training for next session. However, with impulse control training, the duration continues to be increased between rewards. Polo Polo is engaged with training and handler, but is more exuberant than usual. He leash bites intensely a couple more times in the pen, each time being able to be redirected with a treat toss. Handler plays popcorn pattern game with Polo Polo before returning him to kennel without issue. 2/23/25 (Trainer Note): Polo Polo is standing at the front of kennel with a loose and wiggly body, jumping up and down on the kennel bars whilst barking, and he has 'clown face' as handler approaches. A treat is used as a lure to leash. He is removed and taken to the yard for a training session. He is very exuberant in the pen, jumping up very high, occasionally leash biting intensely. He was re-directable with treats. Handler continues impulse control training, rewarding any time Polo Polo approaches and remains with 4 paws on the floor. Handler increases duration in between trial, and Polo Polo is both engaged and receptive. Handler moves on to a pattern game, similar to the "Popcorn" game but instead of tossing the treat from the left to right, handler has Polo Polo chase a treat behind them, and then must do a polite sit upon approach and returning to handler. He is leashed using a treat as a lure and returned to kennel without issue.

Summary (6):: 2/22/25: Polo Polo was at the front of the kennel jumping up and down. A treat lure was used to leash him and he pulled very hard out of the room. Another dog was about the pass in the hallway and handler paused, Polo Polo then began to cage fight with a dog in the front pen and he was quickly pulled out and brought into the behavior office briefly. He began jumping on staff exuberantly and treats were scattered on the ground. A leash harness was placed on him. He is taken to the street and walked alongside the handler. He would jump on the handler exuberantly and treats were tossed. Polo relieved himself and as handler was cleaning up he began to jump up on the handler. He was directed down with treats. Handler returned to cleaning up and Polo began biting the leash. Handler briefly struggled and tried to straight arm Polo. He continued to bite the leash and handler felt him biting along their wrist. They tossed treats and it successfully redirected Polo. Polo was then walked back to the shelter occasionally tossing treats and he was returned to kennel without issue. 2/20/25 (Trainer Note): Polo Polo is loose and wiggly in kennel as handler approaches. He is easily leashed using a treat as a lure and removed from kennel. He moderately pulls to the yard and is put on a drag leash. Handler continues impulse control training, rewarding Polo Polo for having 4 paws on the floor or was seated. The duration was increased after every trial. He attempted to jump up on handler only a handful of times, and was very easily redirectable back to the ground. Handler remained calm in the pen while Polo Polo sniffed his surroundings and continued to approach handler in a social manner. Handler would cue a sit on approach and Polo Polo was successful for the majority of the trials. He leaned in for pets and was very receptive and engaged with training. Handler re-leashed him using a treat as a lure. He is returned to kennel without issue.

Summary (7):: 2/17/2025 (Trainer Note):Polo Polo is given a licki matt 15 minutes prior to walk, which he readily engages with. Polo Polo is standing at the front of kennel with a loose body as handler approaches. He is easily leashed and brought out to the yard for a walk. He pulls hard as he is taken outside and is put on a drag leash. He remains loose and wiggly with handler, regularly jumping up in a social manner. He was easily redirected to the floor and would be rewarded for '4 paws on the floor.' He was very engaged and receptive during the training session, he is also highly food motivated, taking treats gently. He followed handler around the pen and engaged in a couple pattern games. Handler continued "Take A Breath' training. Polo Polo successfully completed 6/10 attempts. Handler would hold out closed fist, wait for Polo Polo to sniff ("take a breath"), and use both a reward and a reward marker when he inhaled/exhaled without pawing at handlers hand. When handler attempted to leash, Polo Polo jumped up to leash bite, but was receptive to a verbal correction, was cued into a sit, and handler attempted "Take A Breath" using the hand signal. Polo Polo successfully completed the cue and continued his walk without leash biting attempts. He regularly looked back at handler as he was returned to kennel. He is secured in kennel and given an enrichment toy which he immediately engaged with. 2/14/25: Polo Polo is standing at the front of his kennel loose and wiggly when handler approaches. He jumps up and down as the kennel door is unlocked. He is leashed using a treat as a lure. Once out of the kennel and in the hall, he turns to handler and jumps up towards them. Treats are tossed on the ground. He goes for the treats then attempts to jump onto handler again. This is repeated multiple times throughout the walk. He will sit when asked and takes treats. When returning to shelter, he jumps up high grabbing the leash and tugging it. Treats are tossed and he will relinquish the leash for treats but them resume leash biting. He goes into kennel after treats are tossed in. *Due to space limitations, additional enrichment notes are available upon request*

Date of intake:: 12/20/2024

Summary:: Allowed handling

Date of initial:: 12/20/2024

Summary:: Social, allows handling

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Polo Polo 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 young children (under 13): Due to on leash reactivity we recommend a home with no children. 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: : Basic manners/poor impulse control,Mouthiness/poor bite inhibition,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Leash-biting,Strength/leash pulling,Low threshold for arousal

Potential challenges comments:: Basic Manners: Polo has been observed to jump up high onto handlers. It is recommended that default behaviors such as "Sit" and "Off" are reinforced to substitute any frustration and teach them to control their impulses instead of simply reacting; proper management is also advised. Force-free, reward-based training only is recommended. Please see handout on Basic Manners. Mouthiness: Polo Polo has been observed to jump up and mouth handlers with hard pressure. This behavior is not easily redirectable using treats. We recommend never playing with bare hands, always with a toy, and ending play or attention whenever Polo Polo puts teeth on skin. They should be rewarded with attention and treats when they stop and/or when they are seeking attention in alternate ways. Please see handout on Mouthiness. On Leash Reactivity: Polo Polo has been observed to vocalize towards the other dogs in the kennel room. Polo Polo 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. Leash Biting: Polo Polo has been observed to jump up and bite the leash. This behavior is not able to be redirected easily. 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: Polo Polo has been observed to pull hard while on leash. Their adopter must be prepared and able to handle a dog of this strength. 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. Low Threshold Arousal: Polo has been observed to quickly become over aroused, noted to jump up handlers, mouthing them, and/or biting the leash. Polo should be rewarded with treats when calm. If they escalate to jumping or mouthing, people should immediately walk away from and separate themselves from Polo. Please see handout on Arousal.