Adopt a Shepherd / Mixed

ROCCO is an adorable, medium sized 2 1/2 year old boy who's had a rough beginning to his life so far. His trouble started off when he was hit by a car as a stray in 2015, and suffered injuries to one of his back legs. After recovering from surgery, Rocco was adopted out for a year, and left outside with little care, attention or handling, before being surrendered to another shelter during a landlord dispute. Now he's with MOGS, and not a minute too soon! He's a super-sweet boy with some rough edges, so he's currently on hold for adoption while he is working on learning the ropes of becoming a good doggie citizen.

TEMPERAMENT

Rocco is continuing to make positive progress in his foster home, and has learned to “sit,” “wait,” go “outside,” come “inside,” “go to bed,” “free,” “come,” and “eat.” He is also working on learning both verbal and hand signal commands for “down,” “quiet,” and “place.” Rocco adores his people, and sometimes thinks he’s a lap dog when he wants cuddles and attention. He loves to go for walks and car rides, and is working on not demonstrating his gymnastic abilities on a leash. He loves to race around in his backyard, but settles down well once inside. He is working on crate-training, but sometimes thinks he is a crate Houdini, especially if he wants to get to his “person.” If you make a good impression on him, he might even let you skritch his new favorite itchy spot over his back hips!

OTHER ANIMALS

Rocco has had to work hard at it, but has been able to get along with other dogs his size or bigger, for short periods of supervised time. Due to his history of neglect, he sometimes works overly hard to lay claim to food, toys, beds, etc., as only his. He does not get along with cats. Even though he is making progress with other GSD buddies in his current foster home, Rocco would prefer to be an only pet, so he can have his fur-ever family’s undivided attention.

CHILDREN

Rocco would prefer to be around adults, and should not be adopted into a home with children under 16 years old.

MEDICAL

Rocco currently takes medication and supplements to help ease pain and stiffness in his previously injured back legand hip, and will need to continue this regimen following adoption.

Rocco will need a strong leader that will realize when he begins to claim toys, beds, people etc., and gently but firmly correct his behaviors. He has been working really hard in his foster home, and can’t wait to meet his new forever family!