Rocko is a party on legs — this kid is bouncy, sneaky (or so he thinks), playful, food motivated, and ready to take on the world with all the curiosity in the universe! If you can offer an active lifestyle and a lifetime of care to this active and curious pup, please keep reading below!
HISTORY
Rocko was produced by a backyard breeder, and rehomed to family in an apartment who felt they could not provide for him. Since we do not know his actual DOB, we have assigned him the birthdate of 09/29/2025.
Rocko is located in Kennewick in Southeast Washington. We advertise our dogs in a variety of locations in an effort to improve their chances of finding great homes. We can assure you, this pup is well worth a road trip! However, if necessary we will arrange transport to bring him to an approved adoptive home within the Pacific Northwest.
SOCIALIZATION
Rocko came into our care in early December, a bouncy and curious puppy. He is nervous of new things, but can be encouraged verbally pretty easily. He is also VERY food motivated.
Before he came to us, we were told he chased the cat in the residence away, but that has not been our experience with him. He is extremely confident with other dogs, and loves to play rough. We are working on his intensity during play time, so that it’s more enjoyable for him playmates!
Rocko is kept on a routine that includes a playpen during the day without potty pads and several trips outside to potty train. He comes out of his pen several times a day for play time and snuggling the humans, but he is very comfortable with is routine and has little to no complaints about settling in his crate.
Rocko’s ideal home would be without small children, as he is still learning not to chase every time the toddler in his foster home runs. He would thrive in a home where he could be on a solid routine that includes mental stimulation and physical exercise. He is an extremely intelligent puppy,
GENERAL TEMPERAMENT AND BEHAVIOR
Rocko loves everyone he meets! He does incredible playing with others dogs, but needs help not being too rough with those sharp teeth. He is very good with people, but will chase children to engage in play, not understanding that being bites isn’t the way to play with humans. He would do best in a home with older children or teens who understand his rough play style, and will help him learn to be the best family dog!
He enjoys playing a lot, but hasn’t been able to go to walks or outings quite yet due to not being done with the full puppy series of vaccinations. He is ready to explore as soon as he can, and needs an active home that will keep take him out into the world.
During playtime, he is very vocal, but he is an otherwise pretty quiet pup.
TRAINING
Rocko is working on potty training, and doing extremely well on a solid routine. He is also doing very well being in the crate for naps, and bedtime. He is also kept on a 3 meal schedule, which is working out very well.
Rocko is just a baby, he is young and eager to learn how to be a good family dog. He'd love you to take him to school so he can learn ALL the skills he needs to be his best self. This would be beneficial for you as his pet parent(s) as well so that you can learn to communicate effectively with him and teach him to be confident. He is still working on potty training.
It's important to remember: Rocko is a puppy, and PUPPIES ARE HARD WORK! This little boy is just getting started - he has sharp nails and needle teeth and loves to pounce on shoes and grab hold and tug on anything that moves! As far as he's concerned, anything and everything is for play. He still has everything to learn about being a civilized member of a mainly human family. He will trip you up, piddle on your rug, and chew your stuff. Please don't apply to adopt Rocko unless you're sure you have the time, energy and desire to raise him right!
HEALTH STATUS
General info
He is up to date on vaccinations, microchipped, and dewormed. He appears to be in good health. Once full grown, he will likely be somewhere in the 60-80lbs. range.
HART does not support pediatric spay/neuter, so Rocko has not been sterilized. You will be required in terms of the adoption contract to have your pup sterilized by the time they are 6 months old. At your request, HART will refund you $100 upon receiving proof of sterilization at your expense.
ADOPTION
The adoption fee for Rocko is $425. For more pictures of Rocko, see his Facebook album at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1152896313658123&type=3
To apply to adopt Rocko, please complete our online adoption application at https://new.shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/HAWA-A-73, or email HearthfireART@gmail.com and request an adoption application form.
HART dogs live in foster homes, not in a kennel facility. To respect our fosters' privacy, we make our dogs available to meet adopters only after an adoption has been approved.
