Animal Profile
Elk
Hello, my name is Elk. My animal id is #224093. I am a desexed male tan dog at the Staten Island Animal Care Center. The shelter thinks I am about 2 years 1 weeks old.
I came into the shelter as a stray on 4/7/2025.
Reserved
Someone has already placed a deposit on me. I'm no longer available.
Elk is at risk for behavior reasons. Elk has been highly fearful in care. He is difficult to remove from kennel, hard barking and flashing his teeth. While out of kennel, he is hypervigilant but tolerates handling. He gives clear warnings when uncomfortable, requiring a slow approach. Medically, he is being treated for an ear infection. He is otherwise apparently healthy. Elk has a $500 stipend to be paid out to a New Hope Partner if pulled.
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This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. Elk is at risk for behavior reasons. Elk has been highly fearful in care. He is difficult to remove from kennel, hard barking and flashing his teeth. While out of kennel, he is hypervigilant but tolerates handling. He gives clear warnings when uncomfortable, requiring a slow approach. Medically, he is being treated for an ear infection. He is otherwise apparently healthy. Elk is a 2-year-old dog who came to us as a stray. He's been shy and fearful in the shelter and takes time to feel comfortable around new people. Once he starts to trust, he allows some handling and clearly communicates when he's feeling unsure. Elk will need a patient, experienced adopter who can go at his pace and help him build confidence over time. Because of his sensitivity, he's looking for an adult-only home where he can feel safe and secure. With a slow, thoughtful approach and lots of understanding, Elk has the potential to become a devoted companion.
My medical notes are...
Weight: 83 lbs
4/8/2025
Cage exam: S: BARH O: BCS 5/9 EENT: eyes/ears appear clear, no ocular/nasal D/C MSI: Ambulatory x4, healthy hair coat UG: M/I Neuro: Normal mentation, no neurological deficits noted A: Appears healthy P: -Trazodone 200mg BID for FAS -Full DVM and intake tasks tomorrow when full staff in
4/9/2025
[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: Adult Microchip noted on Intake? scan negative History: stray Subjective: Observed Behavior - tense but allowed handling Is there evidence of Cruelty? no Is there evidence of Neglect? no Is there evidence of Trauma? no Objective BCS 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, AU- erythema and debris, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: muzzled, no oral exam PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI, 2 descended testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment otitis externa Prognosis: good Plan: cleaned ears and applied claro AU SURGERY: Okay for surgery
4/18/2025
[Surgery Template - Dog Neuter] Was this dog a cryptorchid? no If so describe - Pre scrotal Incision Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 2-0 monocryl Sub Q closure: 2-0 monocryl Skin closure? 2-0 monocryl intradermal Green Linear Tattoo Placed near Midline Surgeon: 1385
Details on my behavior are...
Behavior Condition: 2. Blue
Upon intake Elk was brought in a large carrier. He was reactive and barked at staff when approached. He had a tense body when staff attempted to leash him, but once leashed was easily walked into the kennel.
Date of intake:: 4/7/2025
Spay/Neuter status:: No
Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray (no known history)
Date of assessment:: 4/10/2025
Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Moderate – dog pulls on and off; to get to scent; out the building etc Reactivity to humans: None – ignores Reactivity to dogs: Inconclusive – did not pass people on walk Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Distracted, does not approach – active, exploring environment, not fearful Call over: Approaches with coaxing Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: Accepts contact – neutral body Exuberant handling: Accepts contact – neutral body Comments: Arousal Jog: Engages in play with handler (rough) Arousal comments: Stares at handler after jog Knock: Tense Knock Comments: Toy: No response Toy comments:
Summary:: 4.10 Elk met an altered female large breed through the gate. Elk approached with a neutral body and wagging tail. Elk let out some frustration vocalization, and softened as he continued to greet the other dog.
Summary (7):: 4/15: Elk is hard barking on approach. When the handler attempts to leash him, he barks at his hand, then tolerates being leashed. While on the walk, he is hypervigilant and pulls moderately. As a truck passes, he turns his head and barks; he recovers, and they return to the building. 4/14: Elk is barking and flashing his teeth as the handler's leash enters the kennel. He repeats this behavior with several attempts. Vienna sausages are offered, but he does not accept from the second staff member. The staff and original handler switch, and he takes the sausages offered from her hands and is lured through the leash. He pulls moderately on the leash, checking in with both staff members frequently. He allows it to be clipped. When returning to the kennel, he pulls towards a dog with no blocker. He is moved along, avoids going into his kennel, then enters on his own. 4.9.25 Elk was at the front of the kennel and reacted when staff approached, alert barking. He stopped when the door was opened, and was easily leashed. Elk was taken to the yard and was tolerant, allowing staff to collar him and adjust the collar. Elk accepted pets and began to run and chase thrown tennis balls. Elk was easily roped and returned to his kennel PM: When the handler attempted to remove the drag leash, Elk lowered his head with whale eyes. He gives a clear warning vocalization of a huff/bark. The handler walks him about the yard to reset him. The drag leash is picked up off the ground and brought behind his head to be removed. He is returned without further issue.
Date of intake:: 4/7/2025
Summary:: tense and barking at staff, allowed handlig
Date of initial:: 4/9/2025
Summary:: tense but allowed handling
ENERGY LEVEL:: In the shelter Elk has been observed to have a medium energy level.
BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 4
Recommendations:: No children (under 13)
Recommendations comments:: NO CHILDREN (UNDER 13) Due to the potential for reactivity and defensive aggression we recommend an adult only home at this time.
Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration
Potential challenges comments:: FEARFUL/POTENTIAL FOR DEFENSIVE AGGRESSION Elk gives clear warnings when he is uncomfortable and does seem to choose to avoid or retreat when given the opportunity, but if prevented from moving away there is a potential to escalate to higher-level warning behaviors and possible fear-based aggression. It is important to move slowly with Elk, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow Elk to initiate interactions with new people. He should never be forced to greet or to interact if he is not comfortable and soliciting attention. Please see handout on Fearful/potential for defensive aggression. ANXIETY Elk appears anxious at the care center, panting and drooling during his assessment. We have no history on his behavior in a home environment, so we do not know if this will occur outside of the care center. If it does appear in a future home, we recommend puzzle toys, long walks, and giving her other things to focus on to alleviate his anxiety. Positive reinforcement, force-free training only should be used. Please see handout on anxiety. OLR/BARRIER FRUSTRATION At the care center Elk has been observed to react to people though barriers. Elk may need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach him to look at you rather than other people. We recommend a front clip harness or head halter to help manage this behavior. Please see handout on, On leash reactivity and barrier frustration.