Animal Profile

Walnut is at risk due to behavior concerns. Walnut was adopted and recently returned to the Care Center after having consistent behavior challenges in home. These challenges presented themselves as reactivity, touch sensitivity, and resource guarding. Walnut did bite their owner on two occasions resulting in broken skin. In the Care Centers, Walnut is a bit of aloof. He occasionally displays anxiety whining and is slightly frantic with his movement. Medically, Walnut is currently underweight 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 Walnut is at risk due to behavior concerns. Walnut was adopted and recently returned to the Care Center after having consistent behavior challenges in home. These challenges presented themselves as reactivity, touch sensitivity, and resource guarding. Walnut did bite their owner on two occasions resulting in broken skin. In the Care Centers, Walnut is a bit of aloof. He occasionally displays anxiety whining and is slightly frantic with his movement. Medically, Walnut is currently underweight but overall healthy. Walnut was initially brought in as a stray and, during his first stay, was fearful but social with staff. He was adopted but later returned due to bite incidents in the home, where he bit and held onto the owner's hand on both occasions. In training, Walnut was described as reactive, but no specific triggers were mentioned. Walnut will need to be placed in an adult-only home through a New Hope Partner that can manage his behavior using positive reinforcement techniques. What my friends at ACC say about me: My history is a mystery and my friends here do not know much about me yet! I would appreciate slow introductions to new people and places to help me feel safe. I would do best in a home without very tiny humans, although I could be open to older human children once I meet them. I will need daily physical activity to keep me healthy and happy!

My medical notes are...

Weight: 56 lbs

Medical Notes

9/30/2024

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3-5 years based on the condition of teeth and eyes Microchip noted on Intake? Negative History: Stray Subjective: BAR H pink 1 sec Observed Behavior - appears social but did not allow muzzling and restraint Evidence of Cruelty seen - No Evidence of Trauma seen – No Evidence of Neglect- No Objective P = 80hr (sedated) R = 25rr (sedated) BCS 4-5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: scant tartar and staining PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI with 2 down MSI: before sedation ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, soiled and matted hair coat CNS: before sedation mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment Matted and soiled haircoat Prognosis: Good Plan: Dog sedation: Using 0.8ml dexmedetomidine (500mcg/ml) and 0.8ml butorphanol (10mg/ml) IM Reversed with Antisedan-0.8 ml IM Intake procedures Medical grooming SURGERY: Okay for surgery

10/11/2024

SO: Housed in isolation QAR, comes when called to kennel door eent: eyes clear, mucoid nasal dc apparent h/l: eupneic, repeated coughing appreciated msi: ambulatory x4 neuro: mentation alert and appropriate A: CIRDC P: doxycycline 250mg PO SID x10d cerenia 30mg PO SID x4d

10/20/2024

Pet is BAR and eating. EEN: Intermittent hacking and mild yellow nasal discharge RESP: Eupneic A: CIRDC improving but not resolved P: extend doxycycline 4 more days Advise temporary spay neuter waiver

10/20/2024

[Spay/Neuter Waiver - Temporary] Your newly adopted pet has been diagnosed with (CIRDC ) and the staff veterinarians are issuing a TEMPORARY waiver from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY. Follow up care at your regular veterinarian is recommended to ensure continued treatment through to the resolution of the issue. At the time of a full recovery you may choose to have your veterinarian perform the spay/neuter surgery, or make provisions to return the pet to ACC for sterilization.

1/6/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3-6 years based on the condition of teeth and eyes Microchip noted on Intake? Positive History: Owner surrender; DOH-B case Subjective: BAR H pink 1 sec Observed Behavior - tense; not interested with treats; jumping on handler; panting; avoids leash Evidence of Cruelty seen - No Evidence of Trauma seen – No Evidence of Neglect- No Objective P = 80hr (sedated) R = 25rr (sedated) BCS 3/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: NSF PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI with 2 down MSI: before sedation ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat; underweight CNS: before sedation mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Assessment underweight Prognosis: Good Plan: Dog sedation: Using 0.9 ml dexmedetomidine (500mcg/ml) and 0.9 ml butorphanol (10mg/ml) IM Reversed with Antisedan- 0.9 ml IM behavior assessment Intake procedures DOH-B quarantine 3rd feedings for 4 weeks SURGERY: Okay for surgery

1/9/2025

Adding psychopharm to reduce in shelter arousal and anxiety concerns: -Trazodone 200mg PO q12h -Clonidine 0.6mg PO q12h

1/14/2025

On 1/14/2025 at approximately 10 am, I examined Walnut 211196. He has appropriate mentation at this time with no neurologic signs present, and has not exhibited any neurological signs while at ACC.

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 3. Yellow

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of intake:: 1/5/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender-Limited information

Previously lived with:: Adult

Bite history:: Yes, Walnut bit and held onto his owner's hand when she touched his harness while he was peeing. She had to get stitches. The second bite happened when he was guarding a toy. The owner attempted to remove the toy from under the couch with her cane, when he growled at her. After freeing it and letting him play with it, they toy got stuck again and when she grabbed her cane, Walnut lunged and bit both her hands. He held onto her left hand.

Other Notes:: Walnut worked with a trainer who described him as reactive, though the specific triggers were not identified. He responded well to training, was easily redirected, and was receiving cooperative care training to become more comfortable with having his harness put on and removed. The trainer did mention that his reactivity has increased over time. 9/30/24: Stray, First stay Walnut was fearful during his first stay

Date of assessment:: 10/1/2024

Summary:: Due to Walnut's bite history, Walnut will not receive an updated handling assessment. 10/01/24 Handling assessment conducted: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Mild Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Moderately social Call over: Approaches readily Sociability comments: Treat motivated Soft handling: Accepts contact Exuberant handling: Accepts contact Comments: Arousal Jog comments: Follows handler readily Knock Knock comments: Approaches handler readily Toy Toy comments: No interest

Summary:: 10/17/24: Walnut greets another dog at the gate with soft body. She disengages and seeks exit.

Summary (7):: 1/8/25: Walter is observed to be standing at the front of his kennel whining and pawing at the kennel door. 1/7/25: Walnut is standing at the front of his kennel with a soft body. He is not interested in treats but allows for leashing. Once the leash is secured, Walnut shakes his head back and forth once then steps out of the kennel and walks to the yard. He is aloof in the yard, exploring and relieving himself. He is slightly frantic, avoiding handler and looking at handler when they attempt to clip his leash. He goes into the kennel without issue but whines and paces back and forth at the front as handler removes the leash with the hook. Previous stay at ACC: 10/19/24: Walnut is standing in the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He is offered a treat which he accepts lightly from hand and is leashed without issue. Walnut is brought out to the street for his walk, he pulls moderately during his walk and uses the bathroom once outside. Walnuts pulling halts after he's finished using the bathroom and he walks slightly in front of handler matching their pace. Walnut walks past people on the street without issue and will face handler when called and continues accepting treats on the street, Walnut is highly treat motivated and will sit in place for a long period of time as long as treats are offered. Walnut is brought back to the building and allows clipping. He is returned to kennel without issue. 10/1/24: Walnut is laying in the kennel when the handler approaches. He stands and comes forwards with a neutral body, taking high value treats gently. He dodges the leash a few times but is eventually leashed as he puts his head against the lower portion of the gap in the door. He is taken for a street walk where he does not pull, does not react to dogs or people, and occasionally pulls back and scrambles around against the leash before continuing to walk as normal. On the way inside he pancakes, pulls back against the leash, and begins to whine. A secondary handler goes to belly band him and he begins walking normally again. He is taken for his assessment where he is aloof, takes certain treats, and allows all handling. His skin twitches and his ears go back when touched. He is brought back towards his kennel and outside of the kennel room he pancakes and scrambles away from the handler to the end of the leash. Another handler approaches and belly bands him and he resists as they bring him to the kennel, whining, vocalizing, and splaying his feet out against the ground. Once he is hoisted into the kennel he is unleashed without issue and pants heavily with a strained expression.

Date of intake:: 9/30/2024

Summary:: Pancing, panting, and whining with tucked tail and flatten ears

Date of initial:: 9/30/2024

Summary:: Appears social but did not allow muzzling and restraint

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Walnut 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 and anxious behaviors as well as his bite history we recommend a home with no children. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to all noted concerns displayed in a home environment, the behavior department recommends Walnut be placed with a New Hope placement partner who is able to provide an experienced adult-only foster home. A period of decompression is recommended to allow Walnut to acclimate comfortably to his new environment; force-free, reward based training only is advised when introducing Walnut to new and unfamiliar situations.

Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Resource guarding: Walnut began to growl when his tennis ball was approached but it is unsure if he was guarding or growling at the cane. Out of precaution, nothing should be removed from his mouth. Positive reinforcement should be utilized to teach him the trade game. Please see the handout on Resource Guarding. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Walnut has escalated to biting and it is unsure if this was due to being fearful or guarding. Out of precaution. Positive reinforcement should be used to help Walnut associate new things and people with things he likes such as treats and toys. Please see the handout on Fearful/potential for defensive aggression. Handling/touch sensitivity: Walnut bit his owner when she grabbed his harness. Positive reinforcement should be used to help Walnut feel comfortable with handling and putting on walking equipment. Please see the handout on Handling/touch sensitivity. Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression/Bite history (human): Walnut bit his owner multiple times. Please see the handout on Bite History. On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Walnut was reported to be reactive on leash but there were no details given on what his trigger were. Positive reinforcement should be used to teach Walnut to check in with his adopter when he is about to react. Please see the handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration. Anxiety: In the Care Centers, Walnut is anxious. He will need daily enrichment. Please see the handout on General Anxiety.