Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids,
Good with dogs,
Good with cats,
House-trained,
Spayed or Neutered,
Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Rocco !!
This very smart and sweet boy is really a wonderful dog. He has been plagued with adopters that do not at all listen to us about his exercise needs. He is a really great dog if you are willing to give him the simple things he needs to release his energy each day.
He would be an amazing hiking buddy, agility dog, running partner, really anything active he can do with you he would love and do well with.
Rocco just turned 2 years old this week. Hes a male German shepherd or maybe carolina dog mix. He was very thin when he arrived but is back up to about 50 pounds now. He is already neutered, up to date on vaccines and microchipped. He is Heartworm negative and on monthly preventions.
This sweet guy has been bounced around a lot due to no fault of his own. He was originally being given away on craigslist, then ended up extremely thin at a shelter. A very loving family adopted him but immediately suffered severe allergies they did not know they had to dogs. They kept him despite the allergies until we could make a safe spot for him. He is the best boy and just hasn’t been able to find his forever spot yet.
When he arrived here he was adopted by people that completely disregarded what we said up front about his exercise needs. He quickly became pent up and showed his anxiety leading them to return him. He was sent with some calming pills that should have lasted over a month. The adopter gave him all but 4 in only two weeks…. He was returned vomiting and having diarrhea. He’s doing better now but do not adopt him if you’re not willing to exercise him THE WAY WE TELL YOU HE NEEDS TO BE EXERCISED. It’s not fair to him for you to get him and not give him what he needs.
Be honest with yourself and your lifestyle. He is not going to be happy just tossed out in the yard. He needs real exercise both mental and physical. Two adopters have taken him and not stepped up to the plate and held up their end of his exercise needs. They created pent up energy that resulted in a break down in his training. The dog depends on you to give him what he needs!!
Rocco is a smart boy and learns fast. He is already very good with almost all of his training when exercised properly. He is potty trained and has not had any accidents. He is decent with his leash walking and loves car rides. He is doing well with crate training. He will regress on his training if not exercised properly each and every day. When given what he needs he is a wonderful god.
He has been good with other dogs he has met so far. He can be very active when playing so another tolerant or active playmate would be best for him. He is also fine as an only dog. He has done well with the cats he has met so far. He has also been really good with kids. He is super sweet and loving.
Rocco has not shown any issues with sharing food, treats or toys with humans. He needs to eat separated from other dogs. This poor boy was starved prior to coming to us so he does not want other dogs near him when he is eating. He has been great with all new people. He enjoys going on outings to the woods or pet friendly stores. He really loves being outside.
He currently has a higher energy level. He is not super high strung all the time but he does need mental stimulation EVERY SINGLE DAY to keep him a well behaved boy.
Here is what Roccos exercise schedule looks like in his foster home. It can be adjusted some but when he gets this level of energy release, he is really well behaved:
Morning- Goes out to potty and run around the yard, eats, then goes for a walk in the woods where he is allowed to stop sniff and explore all along the way (that part is important) This walk is usually a long one, approx. 4-6 miles long.
He is then crated around 6hrs
Afternoon- Out in the yard to potty and run, then given dinner in a snuffle mat or puzzle game. Something he has to work for and use his brain.
Evening- Another sniff walk and/or games in the yard, running, ball throwing, hiding things around the yard for him to sniff and find etc.
Throughout the day he is also getting short obedience training. Just a few minutes of sit, stay, wait and down works his mind and tires him out mentally.
When he has gotten that energy out he can be fairly relaxed around the house and likes to cuddle.
Rocco has been a very sweet and loving boy. He is a beautiful young dog with a ton of potential. If you’re looking for a smart, loyal and fun dog then he may be your guy.
Vet and home checks required.
Located in Hampton VA.
(He will need to be adopted within a 2 hour drive radius)
‼️Message directly with questions or to get an application at VillageDogResource@gmail.com or for faster response or more pics Facebook Page.‼️
