Animal Profile
Skittles
Hello, my name is Skittles. My animal id is #164300. I am a desexed male tan dog at the . The shelter thinks I am about 5 years 1 months 3 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a owner surrender on 2/24/2023, with the surrender reason stated as person circumstance- no time for animal.
Reserved
Someone has already placed a deposit on me. I'm no longer available.
Skittles is on emergency placement for behavior concerns. Skittles has been displaying high levels of stress and frustration while kennel, barking and biting at the kennel bars as well as cage fighting. Medically, Skittles has dermatitis and is overweight.
You may know me from such films as...
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 Skittles is on emergency placement for behavior concerns. Skittles has been displaying high levels of stress and frustration while kennel, barking and biting at the kennel bars as well as cage fighting. Medically, Skittles has dermatitis, CIRDC, and is overweight. Here's what my friends at ACC say: About me: Skittles arrived to MACC from a previous home. He is described as an anxious dog that can become playful once acclimated. It is reported that he may become reactive to people or other dogs on-leash. In the care center Skittles remains fearful, able to be leashed and walked when approached slowly but uncomfortable overall with handling and approach. Potential challenges: Future caretakers should be experienced managing anxiety, reactivity, and handling sensitivity. Skittles has become uncomfortable with grooming and select handling in the former home. He has been described as reactive on-leash and has previously bitten a person in this instance. Skittles has bitten another dog previously in an instance where an off-leash dog ran up to him. My ideal home is: An experienced home with no children or animals. Skittles should be placed under the guidance of an ACC rescue partner.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 49 lbs
2/25/2023
Trazodone 150 mg po bid indefinitely to reduce FAS.
2/27/2023
DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: Reported 5 years old; exam is consistent with this Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned POSITIVE History: Surrendered. Hx car accident 3 years ago and had surgery and a cast on his RHL. Clients didn't remember exactly what was broken. No other medical concerns. Bite history - bit a stranger on a walk in 2019. Subjective: Alert in kennel Observed Behavior - Tense, standing at the front of the kennel. We were able to leash him without incident, and due to the bite history and reported high FAS with strangers, we sedated him for the exam: Dexdomitor 0.5 mg/ml 0.6 ml IM + butorphanol 0.6 ml IM. Reversed after exam with 0.6 ml Antisedan IM. Evidence of Cruelty seen - None Evidence of Trauma seen - None Objective MMs pink and moist, BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Moderate tartar, esp on 108/208, stage 1/4 periodontal disease. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic, no coughing or sneezing ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated, soft, not distended U/G: Male neutered, green tattoo on ventral abd. MSI: Mild pyoderma on ventral abd, inguinal region and caudal thighs - generalized erythema and many epidermal collarettes, flaky and peeling skin around them. Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally Assessment: 1. Pyoderma R/O allergies vs. other 2. Slightly overweight Prognosis: Good Plan: 1. Recommend daily chlorhexidine wipes or mousse - it's unlikely that we'll be able to administer this in shelter so we will not treat for now. Monitor to see if it is resolving on its own or progressing. 2. Recommend daily tooth brushing 3. Recommend mild weight loss of approx 5 lbs 1088
3/1/2023
Hx: noted to be snorting on 2/28 whiteboard S: Sleeping in kennel then QAR in kennel when looked at through kennel door O: Mild serous nasal discharge. No coughing or sneezing. Eupneic. A: Mild CIRDC P: Monitor
3/2/2023
Hx: Diagnosed with mild CIRDC yesterday. No UTW sign on kennel SO: BAR, sitting up at back of kennel eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent eupneic, repeated coughing appreciated ambulatory x4 mentation alert and appropriate A: CIRDC P: monitor, recheck tomorrow
3/3/2023
Hx: Laying at back of kennel SO: BAR, not interested in coming forward eyes clear, no ocular or nasal dc apparent eupneic, no coughing or sneezing appreciated ambulatory x4 mentation alert and appropriate A: CIRDC-mild P: no signs appreciated today, but possible mild lethargy continue to monitor
3/5/2023
Hx: has had possible CIRDC like signs QAR H eent- no nasal or ocular discharge; no coughing or sneezing msi- amb x 4; overweight A) No CIRDC-like signs P) monitor
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow
Upon intake, Skittles had a tense, forward body and was pacing around the admissions office. He was uninterested in treats but did relax slightly when presented with a squeaky toy. He barked at me once when I entered the room and backed away when I tried to collar. I was able to have his owners scan for a mc but unable to collar. When being brought back to the kennel room, Skittles began to thrash, head whip, growl, yelp, and leash bite. He was able to be put into the kennel with the assistance of ACS.
Date of Intake: 2/24/2023
Spay/Neuter Status: Unknown
Basic Information:: Skittles is an approximately 5 year old male medium mixed breed dog.
Previously lived with:: 2 adults
How is this dog around strangers?: Skittles is initially fearful and aggressive towards strangers. He is reported to growl and lunge at people passing by. When approached slowly and given time to warm up, Skittles can be friendly and outgoing towards strangers.
How is this dog around children?: Skittles has previously spent time with a child 1-2 years old and children 12-13 years old. Around them, he is respectful. He will play gently and exuberantly with older children, but won't play with younger kids.
How is this dog around other dogs?: Skittles is reported to be aggressive towards other dogs. He will jump, bark, and lunge at dogs passing by on the street. He will often avoid play with other dogs, but will occasionally play very rough with other dogs.
How is this dog around cats?: Skittles is very tolerant around cats.
Resource guarding:: No reported issues. Skittles is friendly and unbothered when someone touches his food/bowl while eating. He is friendly when someone takes a toy/other object away. He is unbothered when someone takes a bone/rawhide/treat away.
Bite history:: Skittles is reported to bark, growl, and lunge at strangers passing by. He bit a stranger on a walk in 2019. His owners said that Skittles ran up to the man and bit him on his hand. The bite broke skin but did not leave a deep puncture wound, and Skittles let go right away. He has no other reported bite incidents. Skittles is reported to jump, lunge, and bark at dogs passing by. His owners said that on a walk in 2019 a random dog ran up to Skittles and began biting him and Skittles began to bite the dog back. The dogs were able to be separated without further incident, and neither bite was very severe. He has no other reported bite incidents.
Housetrained:: Partially
Energy level/descriptors:: Very high
Other Notes:: Skittles will play exuberantly with adults. He has spent time with turtles and is respectful and nice around them. He is anxious when left alone and will often bark too much. During storms/fireworks, Skittles is not bothered. Skittles will sometimes growl when pushed/pulled off of furniture, and will walk away after being pushed/pulled off of the furniture. Skittles will bark and growl when held or restrained. He is friendly when disturbed while sleeping/resting. Skittles will growl, snap, and bite when someone gives him a bath. He is initially afraid when being brushed, but with time will calm down and allow himself to be brushed. Skittles is afraid when someone trims his nails or touches his feet. He will bark when an unfamiliar person approaches his house/yard, and he will bark/growl when an unfamiliar person approaches his owner or a family member.
Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: Yes
Medical Notes: Skittles was in a car accident about 3 years ago and had to have surgery on his RHL. His owners couldn't recall exactly what was wrong with his leg, but remember him having a cast. He has since fully recovered.
For a New Family to Know: Skittles is an initially anxious dog but with time will warm up to you and become affectionate, playful, and confident. He has a very high energy level. He loves to walk and play with you, and after a shower will roll around in his towel. Skittles likes to play with balls, stuffed toys, and squeaky toys. He likes to wrestle, play fetch, and tug. Skittles has been kept mostly indoors and will sleep on a dog bed. Skittles eats both wet and dry food. He seems to be house trained but will have accidents in the home a few times a week. Skittles usually goes potty on grass outdoors or on wee-wee/training pads. When left alone in the house, Skittles is well-behaved. Skittles has never been left alone in the yard. Skittles was crate trained but doesn't need it now. Skittles knows how to sit, come, stay, shake/give paw, and fist bump. He is used to brisk walks on leash for exercise. Skittles pulls very hard on the leash and when off leash is hard to catch.
Date of intake:: 2/24/2023
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner surrender
Previously lived with:: Adults
Behavior toward strangers:: Fearful, growls, lunges - opens up if approached slowly
Behavior toward children:: Respectful and playful
Behavior toward dogs:: Barks, lunges at dogs on the street
Resource guarding:: None reported
Bite history:: YES Skittles is reported to bark, growl, and lunge at strangers passing by. Skittles ran up to a man and bit him on his hand. The bite broke skin but did not leave a deep puncture wound, and Skittles let go right away. On a walk in 2019, a dog ran up to Skittles and began biting him. Skittles began to bite the dog back. The dogs were able to be separated without further incident, and neither bite was severe.
Housetrained:: Partially
Energy level/descriptors:: VERY HIGH
Other Notes:: -Skittles is described as anxious when left alone and will often bark. -Skittles will sometimes growl when pushed/pulled off of furniture -Skittles will bark and growl when held or restrained. -Skittles will growl, snap, and bite when someone gives him a bath. -Skittles is afraid when someone trims his nails or touches his feet.
Date of assessment:: 2/25/2023
Summary:: In the care center, Skittles has been highly fearful - thrashing and yelping when handled on intake. Due to owner reports of reactivity, bite history, and observation in shelter, Skittles is not a candidate for a handling assessment.
Summary:: Skittles is reported to bark, growl, and lunge at other dogs on-leash, and has bitten a dog previously. 2/25/23, gate greeting: Skittles completely ignores the presence of the helper dog.
Summary (2):: 3/29/23: Skittles is at the front of the kennel panting and circling. He is leashed easily and pulls towards the other kennels coming out of the kennel room. Once out, he jumps up on the handlers with a loose body and sekks contact, allowing petting. He pulls moderately while being walked on the street and is not reactive to stimuli he passes by. Returning to the kennel, he lunges and growls towards the other kennels. 3/23/23 Skittles is reported to bite at the kennel bars while in kennel. 3/22/23: Skittles is at the front of the kennel with a neutral body, panting and pacing. He is leashed and removed from kennel where he cage fights with neighboring dogs, lunging, hard barking and growling. In the elevator, he sees a familiar handler and jumps on them socially, licking their hands. He is taken out for a street walk where he is aloof with handler and does not react to any stimuli. He is returned to kennel where he cage fights on the way back. 3/12/23: Skittles is at the front with a neutral body. He takes treats through the bars before being leashed and taken to the yard. In the yard, he explores his surroundings while heavy panting. He sits by handler and is aloof throughout interaction. He is returned to kennel without issue 3/5/23: Skittles is at the front of the kennel panting with a neutral body. He is easily leashed and taken out for a street walk. He is aloof with handler and does not react when handler speaks to them in a soft tone. He relieves himself and is returned to kennel without issue. 2/27/23: Skittles is at the front of the kennel when approached and is easily leashed and taken to the yard. In the yard, he is aloof with the handler and shows no interested when spoken to. He walks to the back of the yard and is then hesitant to walk towards the front of the yard again. Handler has to run with him a little to get him to move forward. Once he does, the leash is able to be clipped and he is able to be returned to the kennel without issue. 2/25/23: Skittles is standing in the middle of the kennel with a tense body. When the door is opened he steps away slightly. He snaps when the leash is presented and begins to vocalize. He then runs toward the kennel door and the leash is quickly able to be placed over his head as he steps out. He walks slowly and remains tense outdoors, marking his surroundings intermittently. No attempt is made to touch Skittles. He becomes slightly whale-eyed when he notices the handler reach to clip his leash. Handler is able to slowly do so when Skittles is not paying attention. He is walked inside easily. When replaced in kennel, he thrashes slightly once the door is closed, and begins to back away from the door and vocalize in a high-pitched tone.
Date of intake:: 2/24/2023
Summary:: Growling, thrashing
ENERGY LEVEL:: VERY HIGH Skittles will need daily mental and physical activity to stay engaged and exercised
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: Due to bite history and history of lunging, growling, and snapping, a home with only adults is required. Single-pet home Recommend no dog parks The behavior department recommends Skittles be placed with a New Hope placement 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: : House soiling,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Bite history (human),Bite history (dog)
Potential challenges comments:: House soiling: Skittles is reported to have accidents in the home. See handout on House Soiling. Handling/touch sensitivity: Skittles is reported to bark, growl, and snap when handled/restrained, pushed off of furniture, or given a bath. See handout on Handling Sensitivity. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Skittles is reported to bark, growl and snap at strangers and handlers on various occasions. Skittles has bitten previously. See handout on Fear and Defensive Aggression. Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression: Skittles has bitten both humans and another dog previously (see BITE HISTORY section). See handout on Bite History. Anxiety: Skittles is reported to become anxious when left alone and may also bark often. See handout on Generalized Anxiety. On-leash reactivity: Skittles is reported to lunge, growl, and snap toward people on leash and has bitten previously in this instance. See handout on On-leash Reactivity. We recommend basket muzzling Skittles for outside walks in instances where there may be high foot traffic.