Rocky 4

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Original: Rocky is the typical Springer puppy that comes into rescue. His owner states that he is uncontrollable, not housebroken and naughty. He has demonstrated none of those qualities in foster care. He marked one time in the house, was quickly reprimanded and hasn’t done it since. He plays very well with his foster “sister”, a German Shorthair Pointer. Rocky was raised with children and has played quite nicely with the one child he has met in foster care. Rocky has not chewed on anything in his foster home or demonstrated any destructive behavior. We attribute some of the change to the fact that he has another dog to play with, a yard to run in, toys to play with and supervision.

Rocky will be neutered this week and we’ll be able to send him to a new home in two or three weeks.

From Rocky’s foster mom:
Rocky is a 10-month old puppy who was surrendered to us because he was destroying his owner’s apartment: excessive house-soiling, chewing, couldn’t be crated because he barked constantly and the neighbors complained. When he arrived at my house on Saturday, I was prepared for the worst. To my relief, he has proven to be nothing more than a normally naughty Springer puppy who hadn’t been taught any rules. He is learning the rules quickly! Within 24 hours, he knew the meaning of “sit” and that sitting is the best way to ask to get petted. He is a sweet, friendly, affectionate dog whose entire body wiggles when he wags his tail (which he does often!).

Rocky urinated twice in the house within a few hours of his arrival. Both times, he was reprimanded immediately and firmly. He looked rather surprised, but this problem has ceased to be an issue (although I still watch him!). He was told not to get on the furniture, and now does not even try to get up on the one chair my dog is allowed to occupy. He has picked up a few objects but ignored many others in easy reach (including my shoes). He drops these prizes when told without discussion or chasing. He does stand up on the counter, but we’re working on that! He needs watching around wooden furniture pieces that easily fit in a dog’s mouth, like the lever on a recliner and rockers on a rocking chair, but again stops chewing when told. He still barks in his crate, but stops eventually (nights have been a little rough unless he is completely exhausted).

Rocky and Gretel, my 2-year old German Shorthaired Pointer, made friends immediately. They have been having a wonderful time running and wrestling and playing tug-of-war. She is a major part of the “exhaust the puppy” exercise program, and has taken responsibility for teaching him doggy manners. This morning, they were both cleaning up the dregs of Rocky’s breakfast out of his bowl at the same time, so there is no food aggression.

We went to the vet yesterday to check out his itching, and he has an overall skin infection which should clear up easily with antibiotic and some medicated baths (I’m not looking forward to bathing Mr. Wiggles!).

Rocky takes great joy in running in the yard and bounding through the brush, sniffing for critters. He alerts when he hears the geese fly over (unlike Gretel who thinks her job is to point rabbits not birds!). Rocky follows Gretel everywhere, and one day followed her into the creek. He is somewhat shorter than she is, and to his surprise, he found he was swimming! After giving me the “hey-hey, what’s this” look, he decided that was way fun, and kept going back in. He loves children and plays nicely with them.

Rocky would be great for an active but not chaotic family. He needs people who have some dog savvy and understand how to be firm about the rules so he doesn’t get out of control again.