Animal Profile

Sparky is at risk due to behavioral reasons. In his previous home, Sparky had multiple bite incidents pertaining to the resident children tugging on Sparky's tail. The bites were bite and release that broke skin. While in care, Sparky has been observed to be fearful. Noted to escalate to barking, baring teeth, and attempting to bite when handlers attempt to handle him. During one instance when a handler returned Sparky to his kennel, he began to bite the kennel bars near the lock. His previous owner describes him as an affectionate dog that prefers contact on his terms. Medically, Sparky is apparently 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. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Sparky is at risk due to behavioral reasons. In his previous home, Sparky had multiple bite incidents pertaining to the resident children tugging on Sparky's tail. The bites were bite and release that broke skin. While in care, Sparky has been observed to be fearful. Noted to escalate to barking, baring teeth, and attempting to bite when handlers attempt to handle him. During one instance when a handler returned Sparky to his kennel, he began to bite the kennel bars near the lock. His previous owner describes him as an affectionate dog that prefers contact on his terms. Medically, Sparky is apparently healthy. Sparky arrived at MACC as an owner surrender. His previous owner describes him as an affectionate dog that prefers contact on his terms. In his previous home, Sparky had multiple bite incidents. Pertaining to the resident children tugging on Sparky's tail. The bites were bite and release that broke skin. While in care, Sparky has been observed to be fearful. Noted to escalate to barking, baring teeth, and attempting to bite when handlers attempt to handle him. Due to the detailed behavior, we recommend an experienced adult only home.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 16.4 lbs

Medical Notes

8/19/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~2-4 years based on dentition / condition, consistent with previous O suggested age Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History: Owner surrender Subjective: Prior to sedation - BAR, pink moist mm, CRT <2s Observed Behavior - Baring teeth, biting at fake hand, needed to be double leashed to bring to intake room, unable to get muzzle on safely; sedation elected - 0.3ml (0.5mg/ml) Dexdorm and 0.2ml (10mg/ml) torb Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = 36 (sedated) R = 16 (sedated) BCS 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild staining of dentition; malocclusion class 3 PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2s, Lungs clear, eupneic, negative ITC ABD: Soft, nonpainful, no masses palpated U/G: Male - intact, two symmetrical scrotal testicles MSI: Prior to sedation - Ambulatory x 4, full orthopedic exam not performed INT: Healthy hair coat, no masses noted, no ectoparasites seen CNS: Prior to sedation - Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally Wood's Lamp Exam: Not performed Assessment: High FAS Apparently healthy MI Malocclusion class 3 (underbite) Prognosis: Good Plan: Antisedan OK for appropriate intake tasks ADD Trazodone 50mg PO BID - indefinitely SURGERY: Okay for surgery

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 5. Red

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Spay/Neuter Status: Not Applicable

Basic Information:: Sparky is a 5 y/o, unaltered male small dog. A friend gave Sparky to the owner, who has had him for 3 years. The owner is surrendering due to behavior concerns.

Previously lived with:: Adults

How is this dog around strangers?: Sparky will actively avoid strangers, bark, growl, and attempt to bite.

How is this dog around children?: Sparky is tolerant of children.

How is this dog around other dogs?: Sparky is tolerant of familiar dogs on or off leash. Sparky will bark and growl at unfamiliar dogs on or off leash.

How is this dog around cats?: No experience

Resource guarding:: Unknown, the owner never touched items in the dog's possession.

Bite history:: Yes

Housetrained:: No

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Sparky has general anxiety, pulls hard on the leash, and is anxious when left home alone. Sparky will growl/bark at strangers when they approach the family/owner. Sparky isn't bothered when held/restained, pushed/pull of furniture, feet/paws touched, or when their collar is grabbed. Sparky is fearful when disturbed while sleeping and when startled.

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: N/A

For a New Family to Know: Sparky is an affectionate dog that prefers contact on his terms. Sparky would spend most of his time in the bedroom or living room. Sparky loves bath time and allows the owner/family to bathe him. Sparky will hard pull while on leash. Sparky is used to 1-2 walks a day.

Date of intake:: 8/18/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender (3 years)

Previously lived with:: Adults

Behavior toward strangers:: Sparky will bark, growl, and attempt to bite

Behavior toward children:: Sparky is tolerant

Behavior toward dogs:: Sparky is tolerant of familiar dogs, will hard bark and growl at unfamiliar dogs

Behavior toward cats:: No experience

Resource guarding:: None reported

Bite history:: Yes Bite and release incidents in the past involving children in the home who were tugging and pulling on Sparky.

Housetrained:: No

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Sparky has general anxiety, pulls hard on the leash, and is anxious when left home alone. Sparky will growl/bark at strangers when they approach the family/owner. Sparky isn't bothered when held/restrained, pushed/pull of furniture, feet/paws touched, or when their collar is grabbed. Sparky is fearful when disturbed while sleeping and when startled. Sparky's previous owner describes him as an affectionate dog that prefers contact on his terms.

Date of assessment:: 8/24/2026

Summary:: Sparky has been observed to be fearful while in care. Noted to allow limited handling and will bite the kennel bars after being returned. He is also reported to escalate to baring teeth when handlers approach to leash him. Due to the high levels of fear, stress, and anxiety along with the reported bite history, Sparky is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 8/25/26: Sparky is at the front of his kennel with a loose body, jumping on the kennel bars; he dodges the leash, but allows it and exits the kennel. On the street, Sparky walks with mild leash tension; he doesn't react to people. Sparky frequently relieves himself in different areas. Upon entry, the handler clips their leash and returns Sparky to his kennel. As the handler removes their leash and closes the kennel door, Sparky immediately hard barks and jumps up to bite the kennel bars and lock; the handler is bale to place the lock back on his kennel. 8/24/26: Sparky is lying down at the back of his kennel on his bed. When handler opens door he comes forward where he is easily leashed and pulled from kennel. While on his walk Sparky maintains a neutral body while walking ahead of the handler while pulling moderately. He stops to sniff and investigate several times otherwise he remains aloof. He is returned to kennel with no issue. As handler was locking his kennel door Sparky started to jump up and bite at the kennel bars in the direction of the lock. 8/23/26: Sparky is lying down on his bed at back of kennel as handler approached. When kennel door was opened he came forward where he was easily leashed and taken for a street walk. While walking he maintained a neutral body and walked next to handler with a slack leash. He moved away when handler attempted to pet him on his back. He was returned to kennel with no issue. 8/22/26 (PM): Sparky is lying on his bed; once he's leashed, he climbs out the kennel and walks with the handler. Sparky walks with little to no lesah tension; he doesn't react to people. Sparky mostly sniffs around, relieving himself a couple of times; he gets startled when an object moves due to the wind. Upon entry, the handler clips their leash; he baulks when he's in front of his kennel, so the handler applies leash pressure to get him to his kennel, and he slowly climbs in.

Date of intake:: 8/19/2026

Summary:: Barking and retreating from handlers

Date of initial:: 8/19/2026

Summary:: Baring teeth, biting at fake hand, unable to muzzle. Opted to sedate

ENERGY LEVEL:: Sparky is described as medium energy. They will need daily mental and physical activity to keep them engaged and exercised. And we recommend using force-free, reward-based training techniques for them.

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 and multiple bite history, 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: : Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Handling Touch Sensitivity/Multiple Bite History/ Bite History (Human): Please see bite history above for more details. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression. Fearful Defensive: Sparky has been observed to be highly fearful. Noted to escalate to barking, baring teeth, andf attempting to bite when handlers attempt to leash him. It is important to move slowly with Sparky, 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.