Date of intake:: 6/1/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 6/7/2026

Summary:: Selkie has been observed to be highly fearful while in care. Noted to turn, snap, and bare teeth at the handler when being returned to kennel. Selkie is also noted to pancake when being returned to kennel and is not tolerant of a sling. Due to the high level of fear, stress, and anxiety, Selkie is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 6/4/26 (PM walk): Selkie is at the front of the kennel with a neutral body; as the handler attempts to leash him, he tries to squeeze out the door. The handler is able to leash Selkie and brings him out the kennel. Selkie is brought to the driveway, where he walks around with mild to moderate leash tension; he doesn’t react to people or dogs that walk past. Selkie is mainly aloof, as he ignores the handler when they call him. After several minutes outside, the handler walks Selkie inside; however, as they approach his kennel, Selkie baulks and pulls away from the kennel. The handler walks him out the room and attempts to bring him inside the office, but Selkie baulks; the handler then jogs him into the room, but he drags his feet so they walk him out. Another K9 handler places a sling under Selkie, but when pressure is applied, he open-mouth growls. The second handle removes the sling and places a leash on Selkie; both handlers double leash him to his kennel with leash pressure. Once they get him inside the kennel, Selkie hard barks and snaps at the kennels bars. One of the handlers use a hook to remove the leash, but Selkie snaps and bites the hook. Other handler uses a squeaker to distract, and eventually both leashes are removed. As the lock is being removed from the bars, Selkie jumps up and bites on it hard; he is distracted so the handler can place the lock on the latch. 6/2/26 (PM): Selkie is reported to jump up on the kennel bars, snap and bare teeth at the handler after returning from a walk and entering his kennel. 6/1/26: It is reported that Selkie will balk on leash when being returned to kennel. When handlers use a sling Selkie will escalate to growling and snapping at handlers.

Date of intake:: 6/2/2026

Summary:: Aloof

Date of initial:: 6/1/2026

Summary:: Tense, low-growling, whale eye

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Selkie 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 addition 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 the fearful behavior 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: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive: Selkie has been observed to be highly fearful while in care. Noted to turn, snap, and bare teeth at the handler when being returned to kennel. Selkie is also noted to pancake when being returned to kennel and is not tolerant of a sling. He will escalate to growling when one is used. It is important to move slowly with Sekie, 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.