Date of intake:: 10/2/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Date of assessment:: 10/6/2026

Summary:: Barkin has been observed to thrash intensely while on leash. Due to the high FAS Barkin is not a candidate for a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 10/2/26 (PM): Barkin is at the front of his kennel with a neutral body; as the handler attempts to leash him, he attempts to flee by pushing his head out of kennel. The handler is able to place the leash on him and brings him out of kennel. The handler brings Barkin to the yard; he sniffs around the play pen and relieves himself. Barkin also sniffs the handler; he shows no interest in treats, but is briefly attentive when they call his name. As the handler sits on the bench, Barkin attempts to climb on the bench, but he doesn't follow through; instead, he lies down by the handler's feet. When a handler and dog walks past the pen, Barkin stands up and starts high pitch barking; the handler then walks Barkin to entrance and clips the leash. The handler jogs Barkin to his kennel, but he doesn't enter; when they try muscling him in, he briefly thrashes. The handler tosses treats into Barkin's kennel, but he shows no interest. When they try again to muscle him in with more leash pressure, Barkin thrashes intensely. Once he settles, the handler brings him out the room and calls for help. When a canine rep attempts to place a sling under him, Barkin continuously head whips, even as they try to distract him. After a few attempts, the rep places their leash on Barkin and both handlers walk him to his kennel on double leashes. They significantly muscle him into kennel. The handler is able to pull of the clipped leash and removes the second one with a hook. 10/02/26: K9 behavior is called to assist with a dog reportedly refusing to re-enter kennel, upon arrival Barkin is at the front of the kennel room standing with handler at the doorway. K9 behavior member approaches and kindly asks to see the handlers leash. Handler grabs Barkins leash and walks him away from the kennel room, handler stands with Barkin in the hallway for a few moments attempting to offer treats, Barkin is not interested so handler begins slowly walking back to kennel with Barkin, at the front of the kennel he stops and when leash pressure is applied he pushes back while standing on hind legs with mild intensity, handler maintains mild leash pressure in the direction of kennel and Barkin eventually returns without further issue. 10/2/26: Barkin is reported to thrash when being returned to his kennel. As a K9 behavior handler helps and brings him to kennel, he thrashes with slight leash pressure; the handler eventually muscles him into kennel.

Date of intake:: 10/2/2026

Summary:: Vocalized when separated from other dog

Date of initial:: 10/2/2026

Summary:: Tense, but allows placement of muzzle and all handling. Tail remains tucked throughout interaction

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Barkin 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 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 challenges comments:: Fearful: Barkin has been observed to thrash intensely while on leash. This behavior is difficult to redirect. They should never be forced to approach anything that they are uncomfortable with or submit to petting or handling. It should always be their choice to approach a new person or thing. Barkin would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to their new surroundings. Please see handout on Decompression Period.