Laci Australian Cattle Dog / Blue Heeler & Labrador Retriever Mix Washington, IA

More information to follow since I'm new to the shelter.

Laci is a young Blue Heeler/Lab mix doggie who is a bit nervous and does cower to new people. She cowered a little but did well with a cat. She will sometimes growl at some of the other large dogs in the kennel, but does just fine with smaller dogs. Overall she is a bit nervous and cautious, but she warms up fairly quickly. She loves to just lay down and relax.

Per the Center for Shelter dogs Match-Up Evaluation---
Primary Color: White
Secondary Color: Red
Breed: Mixed
Looks Most Like: Australian Cattle Dog
Also Looks Like: Labrador Retriever
Intake Date: 5/7/2017 12:00:00 AM
Surrender Reason(s): Other: abandoned .
Weight: 40 - 49 lbs

Personality Scores
Friendliness: 16 out of 34
Fearfulness: 12 out of 36
Excitability: 5 out of 33
Aggressiveness: 0 out of 36
Playfulness: 7 out of 21
Knows Cues: 6 out of 15

Recommendation: Suitable for adoption with behavior modification training, problem-based behavior counseling, and post-adoption counseling required.

Notes
She is a nervous dog that cowers to most things, especially contact with her. She does not seem to have the same reaction to other environmental stimuli. Was reported from someone who previously knew her that she didn't live with cats and may have not done well with them but cowered a little and was well with our cat. She does growl, bark, and lunge at some of the other large dogs in the kennels and we were not able to find a suitable match to complete a dog to dog introduction. She seems okay to smaller dogs in the shelter environment. Overall nervous and cautious but warms up to people. Would lay down and relax during off times of evaluation.

Potential Problems Identified
Aggression to Dogs
Fear of Adults
Jumpy/Mouthy

Remember, it is important to provide dogs with social interaction, mental stimulation, and the exercise that they need. Visit our enrichment programs to find out more.

**** Behavioral History Summary ****

There is no information about this dog’s behavior in a home, from a surrendering owner, foster home, etc.

**** Behavior Evaluation Summary ****

Subtest 1: Leash Manners
Pulls Medium

Subtest 2a: Room Behavior Part 1
Approach Person, Stay Near Person for 5+ Seconds, Sniff Person, Lick Person, Jump Up on Person, Whine

Subtest 2b: Room Behavior Part 2
Yes, dog came when called, times tried 1, Approach Person, Stay Near Person for 5+ Seconds, Sniff Person, Cower, Wag Tail, Whine
Comments:
Circling feet with a little bit of cowering and whining. Seems nervous.

Subtest 3: Cues
Sit: 3, Down: 3, Sit/Stay: 3, Come: 1

Subtest 4: Handling
Cower, Lie Down/Lie on Side, Roll on Back, Whine, Dog would not sit or stand, subtest discontinued
Comments:
Instant submissive pose. Very nervous about being handled and as soon as you reach to pet her she will cower and roll over.

Subtest 5a: Toys - Ball
Approach Toy When Thrown, Pick up Toy in Mouth, Bring Toy Back, Approach Person, Playbow, Wag Tail
Comments:
Likes the ball and is very interested in playing with it.

Subtest 5b: Toys - Plush
Approach Toy When Thrown, Pick up Toy in Mouth, Approach Person, Wag Tail
Comments:
Wants to play and is interested in squeaky toy.

Subtest 5c: Toys - Tug
Take Toy in Mouth, Approach Person, Wag Tail
Comments:
Mouthed toy but didn't grab to play tug.

Subtest 6: Run and Freeze
Approach Person, Jump Up on Person, Wag Tail, Hard Mouth Person
Comments:
Jumps and mouths, was a rough when she mouthed.

Subtest 7: Rubber Hand
Back away from Hand, Sniff Hand, Cower
Comments:
Nervous with hand.

Subtest 8a: Possessiveness
Eat food, Eat food faster after hand introduced, Tethered
Comments:
Not thrilled but tolerant. Adopter would need to continue to work with handling while she eats.

Subtest 8b: Possessiveness - Pig Ear
Chew Ear, Cower
Comments:
Not sure if hand shy or if it's related to the treat with her submissiveness.

Subtest 9: Toddler Doll
N/A

Subtest 10: Strange Looking Woman
Woman, Approach Person, Back Away from Person, Sniff Person, Cower, Whine

Subtest 11a: Dog to Dog - Dog 1
No appropriate dog to complete the dog to dog interaction. She is known to not like some of the other dogs when passing by their kennels. Would need to meet a better suited match to properly evaluate.

**** Shelter Behavior Summary ****

Aggression to People?
No behavior issues identified in this area.

Aggression toward Veterinarians or Groomers?
No behavior issues identified in this area.

Aggression to Animals?
Dog has shown teeth/growled at another dog.

Other Behavior Problems?
Fear Without Recovery
Dog shows fear such as cowering, running away, or trembling to 25% or more of unfamiliar people.
Dog hard mouthed OR jumped up and grabbed clothing or parts of a person’s body.

If you cannot currently adopt, donations are ALWAYS welcome! Visit our paypal account on our home page at www.pawsandmore.petfinder.com or mail to PAWS and More, 1004 1/2 West Madison, Washington, IA 52353.

We recommend crate training until you’re confident that your dog is used to his/her new home: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/weekend-crate-training

All our dogs have been spayed or neutered or arrangements will be made if currently too young. They will be treated for fleas, bathed, vaccinated against distemper/parvo, treated against general parasites, and if of age, tested for heart worms and vaccinated against rabies. If underage for these things at the time of adoption, they are to be done at the adopter’s cost when the dog becomes of age. They will be microchipped at the time of adoption.

Each dog adopted from PAWS and More also comes with a free consult session with Carmen, our Professional Dog Trainer.
For more information, please contact the shelter at 319-653-6713.