Date of intake:: 12/18/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 12/31/2025

Summary:: Keith arrived at MACC following a bite incident. It is reported that the victim was bitten and scratched multiple times on both legs while they were in the middle of a dispute with Keith’s owner. The owner and the victim live in the same home. Following the bite incident Keith was removed from the home and brought to VEG. The field team picked him up and reported no aggressive behaviors. While in care, Keith has been observed to hard bark and growl towards handlers. Due to the multiple bite incident, the behavior team does not feel that Keith is a safe candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (6):: 12/31/25 (Midday walks): Keith is at the front of his kennel with a loose, wiggly body, jumping on the kennel bars as the handler approaches. He is easily leashed and brought out the room. The handler walks Keith to the yard. He walks ahead with moderate pressure on leash. The handler brings him into the pen. Keith sniffs around and relieves himself. After a few minutes, the handler clips their leash and brings Keith inside. Before returning, Keith jumps on the handler with a loose body. The handler is able to return Keith to kennel with ease.

Summary (7):: 12/22/25: Keith is at the front of his kennel as handler approaches. He is able to be leashed with ease and is then taken to the driveway for a walk. On the walk, he would pull around to mark his territory and had no reactions to dogs or people that would pass by. He had no interest in toys and would take a few treats from the handler that were tossed on the ground. He is able to return back to his kennel with no issues. 12/22/25: Keith is at the front of the kennel with a tense body, whale eye, and lip licking. The handler offers a treat and Keith is receptive. 12/21/25: Keith was observed to hard bark and growl at handlers when approached. 12/20/25: (LATE ENTRY): Keith is at the front of his kennel barking at handler. Handler speaks to him as the unlock the kennel. He ceases barking and tries to push his head out as the kennel door is opened. He is easily leashed and removed from kennel. Keith is walked on the street where he walks ahead of handler, marking and sniffing. He is aloof and does not check in with handler. He pulls towards dogs, standing on his back legs hackles raised growling. He is easily clipped and returned to kennel

Date of intake:: 12/18/2025

Summary:: Allowed handling into vehicle for transport

Date of initial:: 12/19/2025

Summary:: Loose body, allowed all handing

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No Children and Place with a New Hope Partner: Due to Keith's history of escalating to biting, we recommend placement in an adult only home with an experienced New Hope Partner.

Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful/potential for defensive aggression: Keith gives clear warnings when he is uncomfortable, but if prevented from moving away there is a potential to escalate to higher-level warning behaviors and possible fear-based aggression. It is important to move slowly with Keith, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow Keith to initiate interactions with new people. She should never be forced to greet or to interact if she is not comfortable and soliciting attention Multiple Bite History/Bite History Human: Escalating to biting is a behavior that Keith has rehearsed repeatedly. This behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Keith's repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Benny and reducing the resulting bites. Please see hand-out on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression.