About Rocky

Hi everyone. I appreciate your time and this is so hard for me because of the prior history I've had with dogs. This is my first one who has been too much of a challenge for me. I am so sorry to have to have help to rehome Rocky. I have to come to the realization that he would be happier in a home where he was the center of affection and attention. I got Rocky through a co-worker when he had just reached the age of being weaned. He was brought into a home with lots of love and attention but he had been the runt of the litter in his first home. He had to, he felt, compete for everything and once he settled in and then got big enough, he began to challenge my German Shepherd. First it was play fights and then there were two that were much more serious and my smallest dog is now afraid of him and my Shepherd will play with him only when he is leashed in the house or muzzled. All that said... Rocky, when we are alone, is a great dog. He's affectionate, smart, he loves to cuddle, and he is a tremendous athlete. He is also a superb guard dog with a stunningly deep bark for his size. He is neutered and up to date on shots but will need a new rabies shot by the end of January 18. He wants to please and is a fast learner. He taught himself to shake hands and he has a super soft coat for a short hair. While he has that pit bull head - his body is that of a miniature greyhound or whippet. I will only give him up to a pitbull rescue or a new pet parent close enough for me to work with them so that his transition is as easy as possible. Once he is in a home where he is the only dog, he'll be much happier but I know that will take time. Rocky's trigger has been food guarding. However, it is food that is coming directly from me that is the apparent problem. Both fights happened not because of the normal food that is out but when he thought I was going to give treat food to my Shepherd before he received any. He also growls and snaps at my other dogs if he is receiving affection or is sitting next to me and they approach. Right now, I am keeping them separated but I have a small home. I do allow them to interact when Rocky has a muzzle on that will allow him to do everything but bite but I don't want him to have this kind of life. Rocky is small as pit mixes go, about 35 to 40 lbs but all of it is muscle. I am 5'4'' tall and he come to my knee but from a stand still can jump over my head. He would love a fenced yard to run in and once he is older an more mature he might do fine with other dogs. All of this is complicated by the fact that I am an active animal rights activist and feel especially obligated to make sure he has a good home. I travel to DC to do animal rights events, donate, and work politically and on social media to help all animals. I live near Salisbury, Maryland on the Eastern Shore. I absolutely want to be able to follow up on Rocky with his new pet parent and do wellness checks. Please message me if he sounds like, after a little work, he could make your home complete.

Wicomico County
Fruitland, Maryland