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RoccoAnimal ID: Courtesy Post

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About Rocco

Adoption Fee: $75
Australian Cattle Dog mix
Age: Puppy
Sex: Male

When my wife and I adopted Rocco, we were told he was owned by an older lady who could't handle his high energy & therefore let him have the run of the neighborhood. He's a rather fearful dog and apparently the neighborhood kids picked up on this enough to scare him. In having Rocco 6 months now, we believe there were other issues that were not disclosed to us or the shelter. Rocco struggles with some resource guarding, particularly of his food/treats and his kennel. This led us to believe he had to fight for his food due to neglect on his previous owner's part. Rocco also seems to have a fear of stick-like objects. Anytime we bring the broom out to sweep he takes off and cowers. This has led us to believe he was unfortunately, hit with such an object. His previous owner used a cane in walking. This would in turn explain why he is particularly unfriendly towards older ladies with canes in our neighborhood. Suffice it to say these issues have led to our little guy being rather unfriendly towards most strangers and dogs for that matter. Rocco had a difficult and abusive past, but he is such a good dog and so worthy of a loving family. We hired a 'trainer' to come into the home who sadly made Rocco even worse and as a result he has been wary of anyone in our home that he doesn't know. Rocco has had a few instances of biting, one in which I attempted to take his bone away when we first had him (I did not know any better and I take full responsibility), one involving another dog (he got off leash), and one involving my mother who he did not fully know at the time the incident occurred. I share this information to be forthright and honest and because the growth and change in Rocco's personality and demeanor has been incredible! The resource guarding has gone down significantly, and we've found creative ways to make him work for food and treats that make it fun. He will also come when called while eating and can leave it. We have been able to undergo some positive reinforcement training with a certified behavioral specialist at the PetSmart in Lynchburg, VA. This has led to leaps and bounds in the progress of his socialization. He is still somewhat reactive and wary of strangers/dogs, but we discovered that Rocco is highly food motivated and absolutely loves the trainer now, who he didn't know a few weeks ago! In the few sessions we had, the trainer stated that Rocco's growth and ability to listen was incredible in terms of how quickly he was advancing and making progress. She firmly believes he can get to a place where he will be able to properly socialize with children, other dogs, and most people. On top of the progress in his walks and basic obedience, I have been deeply encouraged as he seems to be much more at ease and not as jumpy. He is also house-trained and extremely loyal and protective over my wife and me. Rocco is what I would call a 'Velcro dog'. He never leaves your side, and he has an incredibly sweet and warm side when he finally opens up. Usually some time and treats are all it takes. My wife and I are seeking to re-home him as we realize that he needs more than we can provide. I don't think we were fully aware of the needs of his breed and living in a small apartment with such a high energy dog is difficult on all of us. There have also been some recent changes that would require me to travel more and taking Rocco on a plane could play into the timid and fearful nature he already has. I truly love Rocco and I'm seeking to place him in a good, healthy and stable home that can continue to work with him to see the progress we have seen so that he can be a remarkable family dog one day. I truly want what's best for Rocco and will adopt him out with all his belongings. (several toys, dog food, bed, kennel, collar, leash, food and water bowl, 2 hair brushes, 2 muzzles, Interceptor Plus (X2), and FREE TRAINING IN THE LYNCHBURG AREA) The positive-reinforcement training has worked out so incredibly as well, that a free behavioral training package will be provided to his new owner once he is re-homed. His trainer at PetSmart wasn't just willing to allow the new owner to use the remainder of our package, but fully restart it free of charge if they are in the Lynchburg or surrounding areas. If you think Rocco is a good match for you, and you are ready to help him into the next phase of his life, please email me at : [email protected]

Lynchburg, Virginia 24501

Personality

  • Average Energy
  • Average Temperament

Health

  • Neutered
  • Vaccinations Current

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