Date of intake:: 2/19/2025

Spay/Neuter status:: No

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

Previously lived with:: 4 adults & 1 child(3yrs old)

Behavior toward strangers:: Benji will hard bark

Behavior toward children:: Benji is shy and prefers contact on his own terms

Behavior toward dogs:: No experience

Behavior toward cats:: No experience

Resource guarding:: Benji will resource guard food/treats & toys when in his possession. He will growl or hard bark when someone attempts remove those items from him.

Bite history:: It was reported that there have been 2 bite incidents in the home with benji. The most recent bite incident didn't break skin, the 1st incident did break skin. It was noted that on 2/10 while benji was eating from his food in the kitchen area, a 3y old child attempted to touch his food bowl while eating which caused benji to bite and release her on the left arm which didn't break skin but did swell up. Benji was resource guarding in that incident. The 1st bite incident occurred about 4 months ago when an adult in the home was getting off the bed when benji suddenly without any warning signs who was under the bed, bit him in the ankle which did break skin but wasn't severe. both incidents were bite & release. Both seeked medical attention to make sure they were okay.

Housetrained:: Partially

Energy level/descriptors:: Medium

Other Notes:: Benji is fearful when held/restrained. he hasn't never been disturbed while sleeping/resting, startled or pulled/pulled from furniture. It was reported by previous family he is fearful when someone touches his paws/feet but did Allow one female family member to touch her paws/feet. he isn't bothered when collar is touched. Benji's previous owner describes him as a quiet dog that prefers to spend time with his people. He may know the cue come

Date of assessment:: 2/20/2025

Summary:: When brought into the assessment room Benji remained tense and fearful. Noted to have a tense and trembling body. When handler attempted an interaction Benji began seeking exit and thrashing on leash. Benji was not receptive to treats or squeakie sounds. Due to the high levels of fear, stress, and anxiety displayed. Benji is not a candidate to receive a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 3/13/25: Benji is at the front of the kennel when handler approaches. He is easily leashed and then backs away from the handler, and attempts to back out of the leash. When reaching the ends of the leash Benji readily exits kennel. He is taken to the behavior office where he marks in the room. Benji is not receptive to treats. Benji will approach handlers and jump up on them and allows handlers to tentatively pet the top of his kennel. Benji then jumps off and shakes off. Benji is easily returned to kennel. 2/25/25: Benji is at the front of his kennel when handler approaches. He dodges the leash but is eventually leashed and walked outside with no issue. In the yard, he does not react to any nearby dogs and stands with a tense body. He sniffs both handlers but does not seek out attention. Handlers do not attempt petting/pickup as Benji seems aloof and uninterested. He is easily walked back to kennel without issue. 2/20/25: Benji is at the back of his kennel as handler approaches, he is laying down sleeping but is woken up by handler and leashed without issue. He exits kennel and is taken to the street for a walk, during which he baulks frequently and slowly walks forward with handler. He walks past people and dogs without issue and uses the bathroom outside. Once finished with his walk, Benji is taken to the behavior office for an assessment. During the assessment Benji is aloof and avoidant of handlers. He shakes violently and seeks exit throughout the majority of the interaction, food and toys are unsuccessful at coaxing him. He is successfully collared but his interaction is ended shortly after due to his clear fearfulness. He is brought back to kennel and returned without issue.

Date of initial:: 2/20/2025

Summary:: Trembling, very wiggly for restraint, head shy and cries when touched around face. Opted to sedate

ENERGY LEVEL:: Benji is described as medium energy. They will need daily mental and physical activity to keep them engaged and exercised. And we recommend using force-free, reward-based training techniques for them.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

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

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to his multiple bite history we recommend a home with no children. 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: : Resource guarding,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression,Bite history (human)

Potential challenges comments:: Resource Guarding: Benji's pervious owner state that he will resource guard food/treats & toys when in his possession. He will growl or hard bark when someone attempts remove those items from him. Fearful Defensive: Benji has been observed to be highly fearful during his stay in the care center. Noted to have a tense trembling body and begins seeking exit when handlers attempt to interact. Benji has also been observed to thrash while on leash. It is important to move slowly with Benji, 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. Multiple bite History/ Bite History (Human): Please see bite history above for more details. Escalating to biting is a behavior that Benji has rehearsed repeatedly over their life. This behavior is likely to continue as it has become part of Benji repertoire, and will need careful management to work toward reducing triggers for Benji and reducing the resulting bites. Please see handout on Bite History and Potential for Future Aggression.