Date of intake:: 12/20/2024

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

Previously lived with:: Adults, children ( 14 Year old)

Behavior toward strangers:: Unfamiliar Alert bark/hard bark/growl. playful , tolerant with strangers

Behavior toward children:: friendly/outgoing

Behavior toward dogs:: tolerant of unfamiliar dogs off leash. Is tolerant and playful with unfamiliar dogs on leash.

Behavior toward cats:: Unknown

Resource guarding:: Food is a valuable item, will have a tense body or hover over them.

Bite history:: No Known bite history.

Housetrained:: Partially

Energy level/descriptors:: Nugget is reported to have a high energy level.

Other Notes:: general anxiety. Barks a lot. Will have potty accidents a few times a week. Will react to large dogs, small dogs, strangers that approach the family/owner, and strangers that approach the home/property by hard barking/growling, alert barking. Will bark/growl when restrained and is fearful when startled. Isn't bothered when disturbed, paws are touched, or collar is grabbed. He loves bath time/water. Previous owner has never attempted to move him off of furniture. He has never been in a car before.

Date of assessment:: 12/23/2024

Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Moderate - Hard pulling Reactivity to humans: inconclusive - did not pass Reactivity to dogs: inconclusive - did not pass Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): greets with loose body, lingers for pets but becomes conflicted (wide eyes, stress pants while leaning in) Call over: approaches with heavy coaxing Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: pants, wide eyes, sits, leans in, lip licks Exuberant handling: pants, wide eyes, sits, leans in, lip licks Handling comments: Arousal Jog: follows, distracted Arousal comments: Knock: no response Knock Comments: Toy: tense, hovers Toy comments:

Summary:: Due to Nugget entering the facility as a stray, there is no prior dog-to-dog history recorded 01/31/25: When off leash at the Care Center Nugget is introduced to a greeter female dog. At the gate Nugget approaches with a neutral frame. Nugget scents the greeter female before marking. The greeter female offers play bows which Nugget reciprocates, mirroring her behavior. Both dogs chase one another along the gate a few times. Nugget begins drooling as he walks away displacement scenting. Due to operation limitations a face to face greet was not conducted.

Summary (2):: 2/20/25: Nugget is at the front of his kennel with a loose body and fast wagging tail when approached, is easily leashed with a slip lead and brought into the hallway where he is clipped to his harness, but quickly after begins to leash bite at the leash, jumping up briefly before being refocused with a toy towards the behavior office. Nugget in the office, is social with staff, leaning into petting from multiple staff members, chewing on toys whilst holding them and climbing into handlers laps for pets, maintain a loose body the whole time. Nugget when being reclipped back on his harness, begins to leash bite and has to be coaxed with high value treats to be distracted and walks back to kennel with no issue, and is coaxed to take off his leash from his harness. 02/19/25: Nugget is standing at the front of his kennel with a loose body and gently wagging tail as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Nugget allows the handler to attach a drag leash and moves around the room with a loose body, leaning into contact. He engages with interest in the various enrichment items and is returned to kennel without issue.

Summary (3):: 02/18/25: Nugget was taken to the live room to decompress and relax. He would seek attention and would lean into handlers for pets. He is easily distracted by sounds outside the room and it took a few minutes to fully get his attention, even with the use of treats. When fixated on sounds, he would pant and hypersalivate in that direction. When able to relax without distractions, he was able to engage with various enrichment items such as snuffle mats, and puzzle toys. 02/17/25 (PM): Nugget is sitting at the back of kennel with a neutral frame as handler approaches. He is easily leashed with a toy lure and carries his toy to the Canine Behavior Office. Nugget is clipped to a drag lead and free to explore the space. He readily engages with toys that are offered and will lay down in between handlers and chew on a soft toy for several minutes. Nugget will approach handlers and accept treats and petting with a loose frame. After his session, Nugget is leashed, offered a toy, and pulls hard back to kennel. He drops his toy in the hallway and once in kennel will bite the leash as handler slips it off of his head. He is easily redirected with a toy tossed into kennel. 02/17/25 (AM): Nugget will approach the front of his kennel with a neutral frame and wagging tail. Nugget is administered treats while he's in kennel, taking them gently. The handler will toss some treats to the ground before clipping his harness and proceeding outside for a walk. Nugget is tossed a toy in which he doesn't carry, ignoring it when tossed. When arriving outside, Nugget will display a neutral frame, slightly pulling on lead. He becomes looser over the course of the walk, jumping and spinning in the process. Nugget will ignore treats when tossed outside. Nugget and the handler cross the street to commence their walk and Nugget begins to bite on the double-leash connected to his harness. Nugget is quickly distracted with treats he doesn't engage in and returns to biting on the leash. The handler will treat scatter one more time before tossing a toy he didn't pay any mind to. At this point the handler must use their air-horn in order for him to release and pull his way back to the facility. Entering the building, his kennel isn't yet cleaned, so the handler brings him to the live room. Upon entering the live room, Nugget explores. Nugget will refuse any treats administered or on the ground of the live room. Nugget becomes anxious, pacing at this point. The handler will use spray cheese in order to try and distract him. Nugget will lick the spray cheese for a quick second then return to panting and pacing. When the handler coaxes Nugget with the spray cheese for him to lick it, he becomes stiff and huffs, pulling towards the door. The handler exits the room and returns Nugget back to kennel where he is placed back inside of his kennel with no issue.

Summary (4):: 02/15/25 (Trainer Note): Nugget is sitting at the front of the kennel as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. He allows the handler to attach a drag leash and explore the various enrichment items with a loose body. Nugget leans into contact and takes treats with a soft mouth. He is easily leashed and jumps up once, but is redirected with a treat. Nugget grabs the leash in his mouth as the handler returns him to kennel, but drops it almost immediately. He allows the handler to remove the leash and handler throws a treat scatter before walking away. (Staff Report): Staff reported that while preparing Nugget for his morning walk, he was given a toy to distract him from leash biting, but he was hesitant to leave the kennel. Once the toy was provided, Nugget tried to rush back into the kennel, and staff had to quickly close the door behind him to prevent him from re-entering. Once outside, Nugget bit the leash several times throughout the walk. Handlers tried to redirect him with various toys, but he quickly lost interest and dropped them. With each leash bite, Nugget grew more aroused, jumping higher and almost mouthing the first handler's hand. At one point during the walk, Nugget fixated on the second handler, displaying a stiff posture. His fixation was only broken by the sound of a squeaker toy. Nugget returned to his kennel.

Summary (5):: 02/14/25: It is reported that while getting Nugget out for his morning walk, he began leash biting and was redirected with a toy briefly. Once Nugget had the toy, he was resistant to exiting kennel. Handler was able to lure him forward and he exited the building. Once outside, Nugget began trying to leash bite, so handler tossed another toy to redirect. Again, Nugget pulled towards the building to go back inside and as the handler attempted to guide him onto a walk, he jumped up, mouthing their hand. Handler walked Nugget back into the building and he began leash biting when entering kennel. 02/13/25: Nugget is lying down in his kennel and will get up and walk to the front to greet the handler with a neutral frame. He is leashed with ease and escorted to the live room for enrichment. Once a drag leash is placed on him, Nugget is allowed to roam freely. He first engages with the snuffle mat, eagerly discovering all the hidden treats. He then moves on to the rubber Kong bone filled with bacon treats, successfully retrieving one before walking away. Nugget shows mild interest in a peanut butter snack box, giving it a few licks before losing interest. However, once the handler opens the box, he eagerly sticks his entire face inside, determined to get every last bit. Toward the end of the session, Nugget approaches the handler, leaning into their leg and sitting comfortably between them. Nugget is then escorted back to his kennel safely with no issues. 2/7/25: Nugget has been reported to leash bite on his walk several times, being refocused intermittently before leash biting again. 02/06/25 (Trainer Note): Nugget is standing at the front of the kennel panting mildly with dilated pupils as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Nugget allows the handler to attach a drag leash and engages readily with the various enrichment items. He orients towards the handler and breathes in between items. The handler introduces him to the 123 game and Nugget participates readily. He leans into offered contact and is returned to kennel without issue. - JM 01/31/25 (Trainer Note): Nugget is standing at the front of the kennel panting mildly as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. He allows the handler to attach a drag leash and engages readily with the enrichment. He orients towards the handler in between items. Nugget leans into contact and is returned to kennel without issue.

Summary (6):: 01/25/25 (Trainer Note): Nugget is standing at the front of the kennel panting mildly as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Nugget allows the handler to attach a drag leash and he runs around the room, investigating and engaging with the enrichment. Nugget leans into contact with a loose body, moderate pant, and dilated pupils. He bites the leash as the handler releashes him but readily trades for treats. Nugget pulls moderately back to kennel. He grabs the leash in his mouth as the handler returns him to kennel, but he releases when the handler throws treats. 1/23/25: Nugget is reported to leash bite when he is being returned to kennel. 01/19/25: Nugget is standing at the front of kennel with a loose body as handler approaches. He is leashed with ease and walks on a loose leash to the Canine Behavior Office. Nugget is clipped to a drag lead and free to explore the space. He readily engages with a snuffle mat and licky mat for several minutes. Nugget grabs a soft squeaky toy and lays down behind handler, chewing on it with a relaxed frame. Nugget accepts petting with a loose body. After his session, he is leashed with ease and walks back to kennel safely. Once in kennel, he lightly bites on the lead as it is being removed but is easily redirected with tossed treats. 01/12/25: Nugget is at the back of his kennel with a neutral body, gets up and begins to walk towards the handler. Nugget is easily leashed, brought to the behavior office where a sudden noise scares him and he begins to thrash briefly. Nugget recovers fast, and finally walks into the behavior office where he is put on a drag leash and immediately goes to handlers, leaning into contact jumping onto there laps and exploring his surroundings. Nugget is able to take a toy from the handler, go to a spot and begin to lay down and chew on it for a majority of his time in the office. Nugget is easily leashed and brought back to kennel, where inside his kennel when his leash is being removed, begins to leash bite/tug on the leash. Nugget is refocused with a treat immediately, which stops him. 01/10/25 (Trainer Note): Nugget is laying down in kennel as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. Nugget engages with mild interest in the various enrichment items before approaching the handler to solicit contact. Handler sits on the couch and Nugget jumps up to climb into their lap, leaning into contact. He leans in further each time the handler pauses, eventually laying on the handler's lap and leaning his head against their chest. After a few minutes, Nugget is easily leashed and returned to kennel without issue.

Summary (7):: 01/07/25 (Trainer Note): Nugget is sitting with his back against the door of his kennel as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and pulls moderately to the canine training room. He allows the handler to attach a drag leash and independently explores the room and the various enrichment items, sniffing intently. Nugget then approaches the handler and solicits contact, leaning in briefly. Handler engages him with the enrichment and reinforces for orienting between items. Nugget engages readily for a few minutes. Handler then works with him on conditioning the "yes" verbal marker and reinforces for taking a deep breath. Nugget then allows the handler to replace the drag leash and return him to kennel without issue. 12/26/24: Nugget is standing at the front of his kennel with a neutral frame and allows leashing with ease. While being escorted to the playgroup, Nugget displays signs of fearfulness, including a tucked tail and pinned-back ears. Once in the yard, a drag leash is placed on Nugget, who immediately runs up to the greet gate with a loose and wiggly frame. He displays a play bow and excitedly runs back and forth along the fence line. When the gate is opened, Nugget meets his playmate, and the two engage in playful interactions, running circles around each other with loose, relaxed bodies. They occasionally pause to shake off before resuming their play. As Nugget’s playmate becomes tired, handlers separate the dogs, and Nugget is safely escorted back to his kennel without any issues. 12/23/24: Nugget is standing at the front of kennel with a neutral frame as handler approaches. He is leashed with ease and becomes loose and wiggly as he exits the kennel. Nugget walks on a loose leash to the Canine Behavior Office for assessment (see Behavior Assessment for further details). He is social with multiple handlers throughout his time in the room and readily leans in to accept petting along head, neck, and body. He is collared, clipped to a drag lead, and free to explore the space. After assessment, Nugget is returned to kennel safely. 12/21/24: Nugget is standing at the front of kennel as handler approaches. He is leashed with ease and pulls mildly to the Canine Behavior Room for assessment. Nugget is anxious throughout his time in the room and will pace back and forth, shaking off but did not settle. Nugget becomes tense as handlers attempt to collar him and will side eye handler. He is not distracted with toys or treats. Handlers decide not to complete an assessment due to his discomfort. Handler sits on the couch and Nugget will accept petting and butt scratches with a neutral frame. When handler stops petting, he will lean in to solicit contact again. After his session, he is returned to kennel safely.

Date of intake:: 12/20/2024

Summary:: tail tucked in. Nugget would sniff staff clothing and then he accepted pets from staff.

Date of initial:: 12/21/2024

Summary:: loose body, allows handling

ENERGY LEVEL:: His previous owners describe Nugget as a high-energy dog. In the care center, he has been active but anxious. He would benefit from guidance to learn how to appropriately channel that energy when he becomes overwhelmed. He will need daily mental and physical stimulation and exercise, and force-free, positive reinforcement-based training may help him to learn impulse control and to train desirable behaviors that can be rewarded.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to Nugget's resource guarding, potential for defensive escalations, handling/touch sensitivity, on-leash reactivity, and anxiety, we recommend that him to be placed in an adult-only home. Place with a New Hope partner- Nugget was brought to the care center after his owner moved out and left him with a family that couldn't care for him due to Nugget size and a baby on the way. In his previous home, Nugget loved playing with his tug-of-war and rubber toys. He is described as social, affectionate, vocal, and very playful. In the care center, he has not adjusted well and he began to show leash-biting behaviors. While he engages well with enrichment activities, solicits attention from handlers, he has also exhibited repeated instances of leash biting, particularly during transitions in and out of the kennel. Despite redirection efforts with toys and treats, Nugget has been resistant to walking at times and has escalated to mouthing handlers. Given his ongoing challenges with leash biting and handling, Nugget would benefit from placement with a rescue through one of our New Hope partners.

Potential challenges: : House soiling,Resource guarding,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Anxiety,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration,Leash-biting,Strength/leash pulling,Low threshold for arousal

Potential challenges comments:: House soiling: Nugget is reported to have accidents in the house, and will likely need guidance with house training. We recommend positive reinforcement, and reward-based training only. Please see the handout on House Soiling. Resource Guarding: Nugget is reported to become tense and hover over food. During his assessment, he became tense and hovered over a toy. For this reason, we advise against ever removing items from Nugget's possession without safely trading for an item of greater or equal value. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended to aid in safely managing/modifying this behavior in a new home environment. Please see handout on Resource Guarding. Handling/touch sensitivity: Nugget has shown discomfort with being leashed and fitted with a collar while in care. His previous owner stated that he would growl when held or restrained. It is important to always go slow and give him the option to walk away from any social interaction. Nugget should never be forced to approach anything that he is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Nugget’s choice to approach a new person or thing. He may do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to his new surroundings. Please see handout on Handling/Touch Sensitivity. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Nugget's previous owner reported that he will growl and hard bark at strangers. While in care, fearful behavior has been observed but he did not escalate to the warnings reported by the owner; but did become conflicted during interactions. Anxiety: Nugget's previous owner reported generalized anxiety in the home but did not elaborate on how it manifested. While in care and during his assessment, Nugget would pace and pant with difficulty settling. Please see handout on Generalized Anxiety. On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Nugget is reported react to large dogs, small dogs, strangers that approach the family/owner, and strangers that approach the home/property by hard barking/growling, alert barking. Please see handout on On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration. Leash-biting- Nugget is reported to leash bite when returning to kennel. Strength/Leash Pulling: Nugget is a very large, strong dog with the capability to pull over an average adopter. His adopter must be prepared and able to handle a dog of this size and strength. It is recommended that he be walked on a front clip harness or head halter, which help diminish his strength through leverage, and that he be trained using positive reinforcement, reward based training to not pull on leash. Low threshold for arousal- Nugget has begun to leash bite in and out of kennel and has now started to jump on staff when leash biting which they ended up mouthing the hand of a handler.