Animal Profile

Ethan is at risk due to behavioral concerns in his previous home. Ethan has a multiple-bite history that has broken skin and drawn blood, and were typically bites and releases. During his stay in care, Ethan has been fearful and mostly avoidant of interaction. He is slowly allowing for select handlers to remove him from the kennel and lean into some contact in calmer/quieter settings. Medically, Ethan 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 Ethan is at risk due to behavioral concerns in his previous home. Ethan has a multiple-bite history that has broken skin and drawn blood, and were typically bites and releases. During his stay in care, Ethan has been fearful and mostly avoidant of interaction. He is slowly allowing for select handlers to remove him from the kennel and lean into some contact in calmer/quieter settings. Medically, Ethan is apparently healthy. Ethan was surrendered by his previous owner due to behavior concerns in the previous home. Ethan is reported to have a variety of behavior concerns, including a multiple-bite history, resource guarding of food and toys, and handling/touch sensitivity. His family described him as a social, affectionate, and very active dog who prefers to spend most of his time around people, becomes nervous when getting into or riding in the car, but travels comfortably when sitting on a person's lap or in a carrier. Ethan seemingly has a soft spot for "lambie" plush squeaky toys. During his stay in care, Ethan has been highly fearful and mostly avoidant of interaction. Due to the concerns reported in the previous home, we recommend that he be placed in an adult-only home through a New Hope rescue partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 11.6 lbs

Medical Notes

7/21/2026

[DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: ~1yo Microchip noted on Intake? scan positive History: OS Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - orange. thrashing when trying to put slip leash over neck. tried to bite. opted for sedated exam Is there evidence of suspected cruelty? No Objective: P = 50 HR due to sedation R = WNL BCS: 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: scant dental tartar on upper canines and upper premolars. rest of dentition clean PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupneic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: MI, 2 descended testicles MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal externally Assessment: apparently healthy MI juvenile adult Prognosis: Good Plan: Sedated for exam and intake tasks Good level of sedation achieved with Dexdomitor 0.1ml, Butorphanol 0.1ml. Reversed with Antisedan 0.1ml, recovery uneventful Trazodone 7mg/kg (37.5 mg) PO BID indefinitely SURGERY: Okay for surgery

7/28/2026

Pre-Op Exam S/O: BAR, no c/s/v/d noted EENT: No ocular or nasal discharge noted Lungs: Eupneic, normal respiratory rate/effort CNS: Mentation appropriate A: Apparently healthy P: Neuter SURGERY: Okay for surgery

7/28/2026

Routine Canine Neuter Scrotal Incision, sharp dissection to exteriorize each testicle Spermatic Cord Ligation with: 2-0 PDS miller's knots Sub Q closure: 2-0 PDS single simple interrupted knot Green linear tattoo placed Surgeon: 1438 Additional notes: Cold compress applied post op, smooth recovery

7/29/2026

Attitude/demeanor: QAR Appetite: eating well C/S/V/D: none Incision site: no swelling, bruising, or bleeding; sutures appear intact Pain level: appears comfortable Licking, chewing, or biting surgical site noted: no

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 5. Red

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Upon intake, Ethan was easily leashed and walked but when staff attempted to scan, he low growled and side eyed which prompted the decision to not collar. When staff attempted to pick Ethan up using a linen, he growled, thrashed, and attempted to bite through the linen while also yelping.

Date of Intake: 7/21/2026

Basic Information:: SMB male dog who was surrendered to ACC by his family of 5 months

Previously lived with:: adults, one 5 year old, 2 cats, and 1 dog

How is this dog around strangers?: Friendly & Outgoing

How is this dog around children?: Snaps or bites

How is this dog around other dogs?: Familiar dogs: Friendly & Outgoing Unfamiliar dogs - on leash: Friendly & Outgoing Unfamiliar dogs - off leash: Shy/Contact on their terms

How is this dog around cats?: Cats: Friendly & Outgoing

Resource guarding:: Valuable items: Toys, Food Reaction: Has a tense body or hovers over them

Bite history:: Previous bite to a person: Yes Did the bite break skin: Yes Date of last bite: 6/19/2026 Previous bite to another animal: No Did the other animal need vet care: Not reported Date of last bite to an animal: N/A Bitten by another animal: No Did this dog need vet care: Not reported Date of last bite by another animal: N/A Additional info: The owner is unsure of the trigger but believes the dog may be protective of another dog. Bite History Survey Answers: Victim: Owner, familiar visitor/child, resident child or teenager Additional info: Incidents involved the owner while attempting to put on a leash, the owner's brother during a leash attempt, the owner's sister (snapped at), and the owner's 5-year-old daughter. Was this the first bite: No Previous bite before this: 5/26/2026 How many times the dog has bitten in the past: Approximately 3–4 times Bite severity: Most severe incident involved the owner's daughter. Medical attention needed: Yes Medical attention type: Wound cleaned at home. Warning signs prior to the bite: Showed teeth, lifted lips, lunged, or snapped. What happened before/during the bite: Bites occurred during attempts to place a leash on the dog. The circumstances surrounding the incident involving the owner's daughter, who was on a bed, are unclear. Type of bite: Bite and released immediately. When the biting began: Since being brought into the home.

Housetrained:: Partially

Energy level/descriptors:: High (often playful/busy)

Other Notes:: Knows to relieve himself outside while but may have indoor accidents a times a week where he will urinate on the floor. How this dog reacts when... - Held/restrained: Isn't bothered - Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Isn't bothered - Startled: Isn't bothered - Pushed/pulled off furniture: Isn't bothered - Paws are touched: Isn't bothered - Collar grabbed/touched: Snaps

Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: No

Medical Notes: Has no known allergies or medical concerns Veterinarian: Last vet check: 04/16/2026

For a New Family to Know: He is describe as a social, affectionate, and very active dog who prefers to spend most of his time around people. He enjoys playing, is described as very friendly, and likes to lick and interact with those around him. He is accustomed to going on 3–4 walks per day for approximately 15–20 minutes each during which he does not pull on his leash. He is crate trained, does well in a medium-sized crate for up to 3hrs at a time, and generally tolerates grooming, allowing family members to bathe and brush him without issue. He becomes nervous when getting into or riding in the car but travels comfortably when sitting on a person's lap or in a carrier. While he does not know any formal cues, he reportedly responds reliably to "come here" when off leash. He enjoys all toys he is given but seemingly has a soft spot for "Lambie" squeaky toy plushies. He eats both wet and dry food of various brands and is not picky with treats.

Date of intake:: 7/21/2026

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender (5 months)

Previously lived with:: adults, one 5 year old child, 2 cats, and 1 dog

Behavior toward strangers:: Friendly & Outgoing

Behavior toward children:: Snaps or bites

Behavior toward dogs:: Familiar dogs: Friendly & Outgoing, unfamiliar dogs on leash - social; off leash - shy/on own terms

Behavior toward cats:: Friendly & Outgoing

Resource guarding:: Valuable items: Toys, Food Reaction: Has a tense body or hovers over them

Bite history:: Ethan is reported to have a multiple-bite history that has started since entering the home. Majority of the incidents were towards a five-year-old child in the home; Ethan reacts negatively when he is presented with a leash. Once the leash is on, he walks fine, but getting the leash on him is always a hassle. The previous owner also reported that Ethan bit them on 7/21 when being leashed but did not break skin and described it more as a rough nip. Reported victims include the owner, the owner's brother, a resident 5-year-old child, and a familiar visitor, with an additional incident in which the dog snapped at the owner's sister. The owner reports that the most severe bite involved their daughter, although the exact circumstances are unclear. Several incidents occurred while someone was attempting to place a leash on the dog. The bites have broken skin, with wounds reportedly cleaned at home, and the dog typically bites and releases immediately. The owner reported that, before biting, the dog will display warning signs including showing teeth, lifting lips, lunging, and snapping. The owner is unsure of all triggers.

Housetrained:: Partially

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

Other Notes:: Knows to relieve himself outside, but may have indoor accidents a few times a week where he will urinate on the floor. How this dog reacts when... - Held/restrained: Isn't bothered - Disturbed while resting/sleeping: Isn't bothered - Startled: Isn't bothered - Pushed/pulled off furniture: Isn't bothered - Paws are touched: Isn't bothered - Collar grabbed/touched: Snaps

Date of assessment:: 7/22/2026

Summary:: Due to the variety of behavior concerns, including a multiple-bite history, resource guarding, a history of escalating to higher-level warnings/defensive behaviors, and his handling/touch sensitivity, Ethan is not an appropriate candidate for a handling assessment.

Summary (7):: 7/27/26: Ethan is at the front of the kennel and is leashed with ease. he is brought out to the play yard and will approach the handler with a soft frame and leans into contact. After a while, they will walk around the yard while he sniffs and relieves himself. He is then returned to kennel with no issue. 7/26/26: Ethan is at the back of his kennel laying down. He is leashed with ease and will exit the kennel slowly. Due to a slight limp, the handler picks him up with a towel and brings him to the play yard. He will then walk around a sniff slowly in the yard, relieving himself. After a moment he is returned to kennel where he is secured safely. 07/24/26: Ethan is at the back of the kennel as the handler approaches. He moves himself into a corner and growls as the handler tries to leash him, but does not escalate further. The handler is able to leash him and brings him to the office. Ethan walks extremely slow. He pauses frequently in the hallway. In the office, Ethan keeps a moderate amount of distance from the handler, only occasionally choosing to approach and sniff them. Ethan allows the handler to clip his leash. He is returned to his kennel with no issue.

Date of intake:: 7/21/2026

Summary:: easily leashed, growled and side eye during scanning for MC, growled, thrashed, and attempt to bite

Date of initial:: 7/21/2026

Summary:: thrashing when trying to put slip leash over neck. tried to bite. opted for sedated exam

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to the concerning behaviors reported in the previous home, inlcuding conflict with the resident child, we recommend that Ethan be placed in an adult-only home. Place with a New Hope partner: Ethan's bite history is significant. Though the bites have not typically caused serious injury, they happen consistently and indicate a high level of stress for Ethan when he is in these situations that escalate to biting. This is a behavior that has been rehearsed over his time in the home and will require careful environmental management and likely significant lifestyle adaptations to prevent injury to his future humans and to increase Ethan's quality of life. We highly recommend consultation with a veterinary behaviorist and/or highly qualified behavior modification trainer.

Potential challenges: : House soiling,Resource guarding,Handling/touch sensitivity,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: House soiling: Ethan is reported to have accidents a few times a week, where he will urinate on the floor. Please see handout on House soiling. Resource guarding: Ethan is reported to guard food and toys; he will become tense and hover over these items. Please see handout on Resource guarding. Handling/touch sensitivity: Ethan is reported to snap when his collar is touched or grabbed or when his owner attempted to attach the leash. It is important to always go slow and give Ethan the option to walk away from any social interaction. Please see handout on Handling/touch sensitivity. Fearful/potential for defensive aggression|Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression | Bite history (human): Ethan is reported to have bitten multiple in the home, including his owner, the resident child, the owner's brother, a familiar visitor, and an additional incident where he snapped at the owner's sister. Prior to biting, Ethan displayed warning signs including showing teeth, lifting lips, lunging, and snapping. The bites are reported to have broken skin, with the wounds cleaned at home, and are typically bites and releases. Please see handouts on Fearful/potential for defensive aggression and Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression.