Delta is a 2 year old entire black and tan bitch. She was abandoned by her owner at the vets after some health concerns were raised. It is evident that she has been used for breeding.
She is fine with people and will seek out affection. No history with children, so 14 and upwards only, no cats. She is reactive to other dogs, and this will need addressing.
After some concerning bleeding she was scanned which showed no infection, and it has been put down to her normal season, we are keeping an eye on her and she seems OK.
A fundraiser was started for her amid concerns for her health, her scan showed she will need to be spayed, and we will also be addressing her rehabilitation towards dogs and her reactivity.
Any new home for Delta will need to carry on with the training. Her reactivity is fear based and we are confident that in time and with the correct guidance she will learn to focus and trust. Her new owners will have the full back up of the rescue and our trainers.
If you feel that you would like to take on Delta and have the experience and knowledge with a reactive dog then please fill out an application.
Delta’s Assessment
Kennel behaviour
Delta was calm in her kennel until staff went to get her out. She was trying to push past staff, barking and avoidant of having the lead on. Upon leaving the kennel Delta was barking and lunging at the other dogs in their kennels. This heightened when another dog barked back at her but was still evident with the calm and quiet dogs too. In exiting the kennel block there was a dog and Delta was lunging and barking at the dog who ignored her.
Handling
Delta is happy to be handled all over with no reaction. She enjoys affection and touch and seems this out.
Delta was walked on a lead and collar plus a slip lead. She pulls excessively, lunges when seeing other dogs and does spin occasionally too. Delta was let off in the secure area. She does orientate towards people but doesn’t seem to respond when called if she is sniffing or otherwise distracted. Delta is very calm once off her lead and chose to lie down in the paddock rather than running or playing.
Sociability
Delta barks, lunges and spins on seeing other dogs. No difference in her response when other dogs bark at her or not. Even when given space between her and other dogs she actively pulls towards them, barks and lunges.
Delta greeted me (a stranger) very calmly and confidently once in the secure paddock. She took treats from my hand with no concerns. Not observed with males.
Arousal/Reactivity
Please give details of reactivity on a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 = low & 5 = high)
Reactivity – 4
Delta is reactive to all dogs including kennel dogs, a young dog who paid her no attention and dogs who were barking outside. She displays this by lunging, barking and spinning on the lead. Delta wasn’t interested in treats when reasonably close to other dogs but was when in the secure area. Her arousal levels do appear to lessen quite quickly after a trigger.
Possession
Delta showed no interest in a ball or tug toy. She did pick a toy up but quickly dropped it again. No issues around me approaching the toy after she had dropped it. Delta is gentle when taking treats, does not grab and does not attempt to steal from a treat pouch.
Comments
Delta is currently under vet care for multiple ailments and has recently had a litter of puppies so this could have added to her reactivity towards other dogs. She is unable to take treats when she is reacting to dogs.
She is a very biddable dog when in the secure area away from other dogs and doesn’t appear to have any issues with people, although not observed with a male today. She also appears calm and composed when off lead in the secure area, choosing to lie down and watch rather than playing or running. Delta’s lead work does need time and training. Currently she is strong on the lead when she sees another dog. With consistent positive training this could be worked on, firstly away from distractions and triggers and then slowly introducing triggers once the behaviour is in place without.