Date of intake:: 1/12/2026

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

Other Notes:: **Previous assessments can be given upon request**

Date of assessment:: 1/21/2026

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Hard Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: Mild Leash walking comments: Becomes tense and fixated on other dog Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Highly social Call over: Approaches handler readily Sociability comments: Begins head whipping with an open mouth when the handler grabs his collar to place a dragline on him, he then jumps up high at the handler at head height Soft handling: Over aroused Exuberant handling: Did not conduct Comments: Jumping up on handler persistently, when the handler picks up the drag leash Paladin begins jumping up, biting and tugging on the leash, this behavior was not easily redirectable. Head whipping with open mouth back and forth when handler initiates contact. When handler drops the dragline Paladin continues running around the room biting the leash and jumping up high on the handler Arousal Jog comments: Did not conduct Knock Knock comments: Did not conduct Toy Toy comments: Did not conduct

Summary:: 1/21/26: Paladin greets another dog at the gate with a soft body high wagging tail. Off leash, he persistently sniffs the other dog.

Summary (6):: 01/31/26: Paladin is at the front of the kennel with a soft body and wagging tail. He is easily leashed and pulls hard out of the kennel. Paladin is brought downstairs towards the street where he continues to pull hard to the point he is gagging and coughing. Handler scatters treats and Paladin goes to eat them. Handler puts Paladin in a leash harness without issue. He is taken further on the street where he pulls mildly and relieves himself a few times. He passes by people with no issue. Paladin is walked back to the shelter and he returns to kennel without issue. 1/28/26- Paladin is laying down with a soft body, he comes to the front as handler unlocks his door and he is easily leashed. He is taken for a street walk. He walks with a moderate pull and pulls hard ahead at times. Paladin is social with handler and gently takes treats. He tries to chase some pigeons that land near him. He has no reaction to any stimuli. He jumped on the handler socially with a soft body and is bouncy walking around of handler. He follows the command to sit and is rewarded. He is easily clipped and returned to his kennel without issue.

Summary (7):: 1/24/26: Paladin is laying down in front of his kennel. He gets up and approaches the front with soft body when handler attempts to open the kennel. He is easily leashed and exits the room without pulling or reacting to other dogs. Paladin pulls on the way to the street and, as soon as he gets outside, he immediately relieves himself. Paladin walks with mild pulling. He gently takes treats and allows petting. Paladin sees another dog and stops, starring at them with a tense body. Handler able to redirect him with a squeaker toy and, after getting a treat as a reward, Paladin follows handler. On the way back Paladin is clipped and returned to the kennel without any issues. 1/21/26: Reported on behavior board to potentially be housetrained. 1/21/26: Paladin is curled up at the back of the kennel. He approaches the front with a soft body and wagging tail. Paladin is easily leashed and pulls hard out of the kennel. The pulling continues on the street. He sees a dog ahead of him and stares at them with a tense body. Handler calls him away and he follows. Paladin frequently pulls hard to where he is gasping. Handler attempts to put him in a leash harness and he head whips. Handler scatters treats and as he is put in a harness he lies down. Handler is able to successfully harness him with the leash. Paladin will turn his head towards the leash with an open mouth when he pulls forward quickly and there is tension. On the leash harness, he pulls mildly on the walk. He relieves himself and is returned to his kennel without issue. 1/13/26 (Assessment Walks): Paladin is at the front of his kennel with a soft body as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and brought out the room. On the street, Paladin walks mild to no pulling. He stops to relieve himself and sniff around. Paladin also doesn't display interest in dogs or people. The handler brings him inside for his assessment (see notes), and, afterwards, returns him to the room. Paladin doesn't enter his kennel on his own. The handler attempts to muscle him in, as well as toss treats, but Paladin doesn't enter. The handler then walks him out and runs him into the room, and with a little muscling, Paladin enters his kennel.

Date of intake:: 1/12/2026

Summary:: Allowed handling, obsvered to be anxious

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Paladin 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 behavior and handling sensitivity 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,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Leash-biting,Low threshold for arousal

Potential challenges comments:: Handling Sensitivity/ Fearful Defensive: Paladin was obsvered to retreat quickly from handlers when they attempted to place a collar on and when they attempted to pet him. During handling Paladin quickly escalated to spinning and head whipping towards the handlers hand with an open mouth. It is important to move slowly with Paladin, 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 and Handling Sensitivity. On Leash Reactivity: Paladin has been obsvered to become tense and fixate on other dogs while on leash. Paladin 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/ Arousal: Paladin was obsvered to have a low threshold for arousal and quickly escalated to jumping up, biting and tugging on the leash. He was also obsvered to jump up high onto handlers frequently. Positive reinforcement training should be used to teach Paladin to remain calm during arousing situations. If they begin to escalate, people should pause the interaction, and create distance from the trigger. Pattern games such as 1-2-3 treat and the cue “mat” can be used to reinforce calm behaviors. Please see handout on Arousal.