Animal Profile

Goliath is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Goliath has been avoidant of leashing in the care center, displaying ducks, dodges, and giving warning signals such as baring teeth when handlers attempt to clip him. On intake, Goliath displayed a high level of defensive aggression, lunging at anyone that approached the finder when attempting to retrieve him. Although social at times, leaning in for contact and engaging in cues, he becomes stiff when physically redirected and remains sensitive to unfamiliar people and close handling. Medically, Goliath started treatment for likely CIRDC infection.

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 Goliath is on the at-risk list due to behavior concerns. Goliath has been avoidant of leashing in the care center, displaying ducks, dodges, and giving warning signals such as baring teeth when handlers attempt to clip him. On intake, Goliath displayed a high level of defensive aggression, lunging at anyone that approached the finder when attempting to retrieve him. Although social at times, leaning in for contact and engaging in cues, he becomes stiff when physically redirected and remains sensitive to unfamiliar people and close handling. Medically, Goliath started treatment for likely CIRDC infection. Goliath arrived at the care center as a stray. In the care center, Goliath has been intensely fearful and has escalated to growling and lunging on multiple occasions during handling. He becomes uncomfortable when people reach over him and should always be given the option to walk away from interactions he finds stressful. Only slow, calm approaches and force-free, reward-based handling are recommended to keep him comfortable and reduce the risk of escalation. As a result, we recommend Goliath is placed with one of our New Hope Partners.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 99 lbs

Medical Notes

11/14/2025

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~2yo based on condition and dentition Microchip noted on Intake? scan neg History: found stray Subjective: BAR pre sedation Observed Behavior - lunging and hard barking at kennel door. Sedation needed for examination - sedated with 0.7ml dex, 0.7ml torb, 0.7ml ket IM in kennel. Achieved moderate sedation but patient continued to growl throughout exam. Is there evidence of Cruelty? n Is there evidence of Neglect? n Is there evidence of Trauma? n Objective BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears mild brown waxy debris AU, no erythema, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Clean, white adult dentition throughout PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Soft and non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male intact, 2 testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, calluses at hocks bilaterally, healthy hair coat CNS: Pre-sedation- mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Ext normal Wood's Lamp Exam: NP Assessment Apparently healthy ~2yo MI Rottweiler High FAS and reactivity; aggressive displays in kennel Prognosis: Fair Plan: Sedated exam Routine intake procedures Trazodone 250mg PO BID indefinitely Reversed with equal vol antesedan in kennel SURGERY: Okay for surgery

11/19/2025

Progress exam: Coughing reported on rounds board Subjective: BAR, no S/V/D. Coughing/huffing present Objective: EYES: Clear LUNGS: Eupneic, no sign of respiratory distress NASAL CAVITY: no discharge present MUSCULOSKELETAL: Ambulatory x4, no lameness or lesions NEURO: Appropriate mentation ASSESSMENT: Presumed CIRDC PLAN: Per standing orders -Move to iso, ppe sign & monitor log placed on kennel -Start doxycycline 10mg/kg PO q24h x10days -CTM, recheck in 3 days

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of intake:: 11/14/2025

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, no prior history

Date of assessment:: 11/15/2025

Summary:: 11/15/25: Due to Goliath's behavior in the care center and fearfulness, a handling assessment will not be conducted.

Summary:: Due to entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded. 11/19/25 Due to being under the weather, Goliath cannot attend PG at this time. 11/17/25 Couldn't conduct due to being reluctance when being removed from kennel.

Summary (7):: 11/17(PG): Goliath is standing at the front of his kennel when handlers approach. One handler offers him jerky treats while the other attempts to leash him. Goliath didges quickly and huffs at the second handler while the first continues to offer him cheese and chicken jerky. On the second attempt, Goliath dodges faster and huffs louder. The handlers stop their attempts to reduce further stress. 11/17/25 Goliath is at the front of his kennel displaying a neutral body, looking at the handler. He is avoidant of the leash, displaying exaggerated ducks and dodges. He will allow for the handler to pet him and feel around to his collar and clip his collar. They proceed outside for a walk. Goliath maintains a moderate pace as he maintains a relaxed posture on their way to the live room. Goliath will pause and watch a dog leaving the building, remaining extremely still. Once they are out of his sight, he proceeds to sniff the floor in the center. As he arrives in the live room, he explores, sniffing and marking in different places. He will then hover by the door and the handler takes him outside through the C-stair case. They walk around the parking lot, allowing Goliath to sniff. He continues to explore. He doesn't take any treats when administered, gently pushing it away with his muzzle. Goliath is returned to the facility, entering the building as well as his kennel with no issue. 11/16/25: Goliath is at the front of his kennel with a neutral body when approached, and when the handler baby talks him he is at the front of his kennel. Goliath is fed high value treats and the handler begins to consent check him. Goliath inches closer and allows the handler throw some high value food on the floor and lasso him quickly, he will snap once at the rope but is immediately led out. Goliath is brought to the office space, where he explores his surroundings for a bit, and when coaxed to the handler sitting begins to lean his rear into petting, and groan as his back is stretched. A staff member walks in and he stiffens, but the handler throws high values for them to toss to him. The staff member will toss the food, and he will eat it, picking his head back up for more. Staff member will ask him for cues, which he engages and allows that staff to pet him along his rear. Goliath is returned to kennel with no issue.

Date of intake:: 11/14/2025

Summary:: lunging, hard barking

Date of initial:: 11/14/2025

Summary:: unging and hard barking at kennel door

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Goliath 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): Goliath is intensely fearful in the care center, we recommend he goes to an adult-only home. Place with a New Hope partner: Goliath is intensely fearful in the care center, we recommend he is placed with one of our New Hope Partners

Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Goliath has escalated to growling and lunging on multiple occasions both at intake and during his time in the care center. His signs of discomfort must be respected; Goliath should never be forced to interact, he should always be given the opportunity to walk away from situations or people he finds uncomfortable. We recommend a slow approach and we recommend ONLY force-free, reward-based training methods for Goliath. More aversive techniques are likely to increase fear, increase the risk of aggression, and decrease Goliath's quality of life.