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Rocky Steele: Notes on a foster dog

Rocky was the alpha (dominant) in a bonded pair of brothers. He spent nearly all of his life in a shelter and was skittish around people. He needed socialization, and release from his roll as his brother’s keeper. This has been achieved.

Last updated: July 12. 2019

Base Info:

  • Arrival date: April 17, 2019
  • Breed: Hound mix
  • Sex: Male
  • Age: Young, Adult, Mature, Senior
  • Weight: @ 40 Pounds
  • Spay/Neutered: Yes
  • General Health: Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor
  • Temperament: Good: has become affectionate.
  • Gets Along with Dogs: Yes
  • Gets Along with People: Yes is a little skittish around new people.
  • Housebroken/Crate Trained: Working on it
  • Departure date: July 12, 2019 headed for SAVE

History

Rocky was one of 6 puppies and their mother who were owner surrendered to Newport Animal Control because the original owner went to jail, the owner’s father didn’t want the dogs and his mother could do nothing with them because the mother dog became aggressive after she gave birth. All of the dogs were adopted out, Blaze and Rocky together, but were returned because they were kept outside and they barked, causing neighbors to complain. Rocky and his brother had become bonded, with Rocky as the dominant. Rocky tended to bully his larger brother, eating his food, taking his treats, but also played the role of protector and alpha.

Progress Notes:

Detailed update notes on our foster dogs are posted regularly. For a listing of updates and Doggie Tales that include Rocky [click here]. A summation of his progress is included below.

Dog to Dog Behavior

  • Relates well to other dogs: Yes
  • Can eat food/treats near other dogs: Yes – but is greedy.

Dog to People Behavior

  • Is affectionate: Yes
  • Jumps up on people: No
  • Mouths: No
  • Walks well on a leash: Almost

House Dog Training

  • Willingly enters his crate: No / Yes
  • Is calm/quiet while in crate: No / Yes
  • Understands going outside to potty
    No / Yes
  • Alerts me of need to go outside
    No / Yes
  • Is destructive of bedding and/or toys
    Yes / No
  • Refrains from kitchen counter cruising: No / Yes
  • Stays off people furniture: No / Yes

Commands:

  • Comes when called: Yes
  • Sits on command: No
  • Down / Off: Yes
  • Shake / Paw: No
  • Kennels on command: Yes

Medical

  • DA2PP: 08/22/18 (NAC)
    Booster: 09/13/18
  • Bordatella: 08/22/18 (NAC)
  • Worming history:
    . 08/21/18,
    . Pyrantel Pamoate: .5 NAC
    . 12/13/18
    . Pyrantel Pamoate, 3.5 cc NAC
    . 05/07-09/2019
    . Safeguard, 10cc PMFC
  • Rabies: 10/03/2018 (Cedarwood)
  • Microchipped 10/03/2018
  • Neuter: 06/13/2019
  • Heartworm Test:
    06/13/2019 – Negative
  • Flea/Tick preventative:
    . May 1, Effipro, 2.5 cc
    . July 2, brand unknown
  • Heartworm preventative:
    . 06/14/2019

Gallery

In roughly chronological order, newest at the bottom. Click the thumbnails to enlarge. Some pictures are linked to a Doggy Tale or video about Rocky, click those to open the related story or video.

Rocky and Blaze, bonded brothers

Supervising construction of new kennels

Lounging in the sun

Making progress on leash walking! (Video)

Enjoying a sunny play time

He likes ear scritchies!

I’m a rough-tough muscle dog!

But I also like ear scritchies — a LOT!

Time to say “good bye” (video)

As a final entry on this end (if I get an adoption picture, I’ll add that) Rocky is an energetic fellow with a sweet nature under the drive.  He plays well with others in that he will get as rowdy as another dog will tolerate, but back off when that limit is reached.  When he shares the yard with low energy dogs like Buddy Beagle they end up walking around together.

Rocky no longer sees himself as Blaze’s protector (and master).  The two get along great but can also play with others even when separated.

He’s a good little fella and will only get better as he is exposed to new environs and more sedate dogs.  His play group here were all pretty rowdy.  Happy Tails, Rocky!

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Blaze Steele: Notes on a foster dog
Roof, Roof, Roof!