Abstract
Moka is a two-year-old, intact mixed-breed dog adopted from a kennel at six months old. A behavioral assessment was requested due to aggressive behavior when strangers arrive at the house. During her time at the kennel, Moka lacked proper socialization with visual, auditory, and social stimuli typical of family life. This deficiency hindered the development of essential skills needed to cope with everyday life after adoption. The proposed treatment focuses on establishing a stable and secure relationship between Moka and her owners, combined with behavioral modification techniques such as desensitization and counterconditioning towards strangers. Pharmacological therapy is considered only after assessing her initial response to behavioral therapy. Additionally, the use of DAP Collar, L-Theanine (Anxitaneâ), and L-Tryptophan supplementation has been suggested to support the process. Moka’s case highlights the importance of providing adequate social and environmental stimulation to dogs housed in kennels to enhance their well-being and prevent emotional and behavioral issues that could lead to their return to the kennel or the development of severe conditions like phobias.