Rocky

Profile

 In honor of Judy Lange, who loved dogs more than anyone I know. We miss you, Judy! Love, Mike and Susie

In addition to LOVE this dog has the following requirements:Entered Foster CareFenceKid FriendlyAnother DogCat Friendly 8/10/2014Preferred
Ages 10+
OptionalNot testedThis is the most recent information available; however, it may change as we learn more about the dog.

Please welcome amazing Rocky to RAGOM. He is a 4-year-old Black Lab/Retriever mix with a gorgeous, shiny black coat, pearly white teeth, a big smile, and a constantly waving tail. Rocky came to us from Kentucky and we know little about him other than he spent most of his time in a 10'-by-10' pen. He is amazing because despite living under these unhappy conditions, he still emerged as the sweetest, most loving pup you can imagine. He is very social and seems so joyful at meeting everybody who encounters him. He loves both children and adults and definitely loves cuddling.

He weighs 61 pounds and is very healthy except for mild infections in his ears and eyes, both of which are being treated with drops from the veterinarian. He is recently neutered and up-to-date on all immunizations and current with preventatives for heartworm and fleas/ticks.

Rocky is housebroken and had only 2 accidents in his first days in foster care. Rocky will kennel nicely as long as it is done in a very calm and positive manner. He is also slowly being introduced to free roam. The first step was baby-gating the kitchen and leaving him alone there for a short period, and the second step was leaving him alone for 2 hours with free access to the kitchen area and living room. Both times were successful.

Rocky loves to play outdoors with squeaky tennis balls and all sort of dog toys. Stuffed toys are not a good idea....he immediately destuffs them. When you toss him a toy, he will tear around the fenced yard, sometimes several times, before you see him again.

He needs to be looked upon, in many ways, as a puppy with puppy behaviors, despite being four years old. He is not being naughty....he simply was never taught. His forever home will need to gently guide him and teach him indoor and outdoor acceptable behaviors and living-with-people skills. Right now, he can do "sit" and "shake" and is working on "stay." He is very bright and will learn quickly. He enjoys car rides, enjoys almost everything....except taking a bath and getting his ears checked!

He will have to be watched carefully because he likes to run and if he sees an open door or fence, he is going to run, mainly for the pure joy of running free.

Since leashes are new to him, taking walks using a Gentle Leader seems to be best for now. He would make an excellent walking or jogging companion.