Behavior History:

Veterinary Staff:

8/1/26 behavior: showing teeth, growling.

Shelter Staff:

08/01/26 13:55 Intake Note: Intake dog was found earlier today in the city of Santa Ana. RP states that the dog was foung walking on the side of a busy street. RP said that she was able to pull over and placed a leash on the dog without any issues. Retrieving the dog, staff was able to place a leash on the dog and walked it back without any issues.  

Restraint sensitive, barrier reactive.

08/01/26 15:16 Approached transit kennel to remove, dog presented with hard stare, side eye. Emitted low growl when approached, then bared teeth, snapping when taking a step closer to place hand on door to leash. Asked Lt. to approach to see if dog preferred men, dog emitted same response. Catchpole was used to remove dog from kennel. Once dog was on pole, very compliant, cowered to the ground and crawled on pole. Pole was removed, Lt. was able to leash and walk to clinic. Leash muzzle was utilized. As vet continued to examine dog, dog emitted very low growl. Once leash muzzle was off, vet placed flea treatment, in which dog quickly whipped head and emitted full muzzle flash. Lt. able to apply leash pressure and guide dog away on leash. Left leash on. Marked as eval. Significant barrier and restraint sensitivity.

8/5/26 Went to pull for EVAL but was already in Clinic for SX – when to SURGD to observe – dilated whale eyes, tense muscles, ears back – concerning body language – use caution with this dog.

8/6/26 – Whale eye, body lowered to floor, dilated eyes with direct stare. Cracked door and then he froze. Did not press the interaction further as he tried to bite on the 1st. Go slow with this dog. Has already attempted to bite staff and is showing concerning body language.

08/07/26 08:18 Approached dog from back of kennel today. Dog remained at front of kennel, laying in bedding. Attempted to coax outside, dog began low growling, hard stare. Dropped treats, ended interaction. Dog remains unwilling to engage.



8/8/26 Behavior unchanged.

8/11/26 Behavior unchanged.

This dog has demonstrated barrier reactivity and restraint sensitivity with repeated displays of defensive and potentially dangerous behavior during kennel approach, handling, and vet care. He presents with dilated eyes, hard stare, unblinking eye contact, baring of teeth, and snapping when staff attempted to approach. During vet care, the dog would low growl and rapidly whip his head toward the handler and then freeze (pre bite behavior). He displays defensive behavior associated with barriers, restraint, and handling. He has an intolerance to handling despite multiple interactions and decompression time. Given the documented bite attempt (in addition to behavior concerns explained above) this dog will need rescue. He presents a safety concern and showing to the public should be avoided.