MR.K – A1056502

A volunteer writes:

Mr K’s name may make him sound like a man of mystery but there’s no question about this good boy’s credentials and after 3 years experience as a loving family pet he takes his life’s work pretty seriously! When his people moved where he wasn’t welcome, K suddenly found himself all alone in a strange new world of barking dogs and foreign smells but he’s kept his cool and his good manners (not to mention his fondness for napping) and waits patiently on the bed until his turn for a walk rolls around. Eager yet easy to handle, K pulls enthusiastically at first but once his outside ‘business’ is done he slows to a comfortable stop-start sniffing pace, exploring all around with that big ol’ smush nose and happily leaning in whenever another pup passes by. His former owners describe him as very social and playful with people and dogs alike, an active guy whose favorite games include chase and tug-o-war. K clearly loves spending time with friends of all species, he’s totally cool with being held, petted, groomed or bathed and we’re told the only time he prefers to be left in peace is when he’s eating his dinner–I know just how you feel, buddy! The perfect pet for any home as active yet relaxed as himself, Mr K has lots of grateful thank you kisses stored up and he can’t wait to share them with his new forever family. Ask to meet this honey-coated hunk today and get ready to fall in love!

Behavior:

Mr. K came to us as an owner surrender on 10/31/15. It was reported by the owner that Mr. K has experience with other dogs and is very playful and gentle with strangers. The owner also stated that while eating if his food is touched or taken away he will begin to growl and tuck his tail. He walked well on the leash when taken out of his kennel and had soft body language. He was interested in interacting with the assessor when entering the behavior even though he was a bit nervous. Mr. K allowed the assessor to conduct all tactile assessment items without displaying any signs of aggression. He had slightly tense body language during the sensitivity and squeeze tests. He was interested in playing with the assessor during the tag interaction and began to jump on the assessor a bit strongly with soft body language, but calmed down quickly. Mr. K holds the toy item with a firm grip from his paw, but allows the item to be removed without any signs of aggression. The behavior team believes that Mr. K can go to an experienced adopter with no young children.

Look: 1. Dog’s eyes are averted. His ears are back, his tail is down, and he has a relaxed body posture. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor’s cupped hands.

Sensitivity: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, his eyes are averted, and his tail is in neutral position with slightly tense body posture. Dog’s mouth is closed for a portion of the assessment item.

Tag: 1. Dog assumes play position and joins the game. He indicates play with huffing, soft ‘popping’ of the body, etc. Dog jumps on assessor a bit strongly but calms down easily.

Squeeze 1: 2. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. His eyes are averted and his ears are back, body a bit tense.

Squeeze 2: 3. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. His eyes are averted and his ears are back body tense.

Toy 1: 2. Dog takes toy away, keeps a firm hold. His body is between you and the toy, and he is loose and wiggly. No growling or stiffness.

11/6 update: Mr K is not thriving in the kennel environment, and is not walking willingly into the adoptions room. He can be picked up and carried, and is not showing any human-directed aggression, but due to this clear distress we recommend that Mr K move into a stable home environment as quickly as possible.

Group Behavior:

When off leash with other dogs Mr K is avoidant and will bare teeth when approached. He spends his time seeking attention from handlers.

11/5 update: Mr K is uncomfortable and will offer correction when approached.