When Jeanette came to pick up Rocky he went right to her and stayed with her - like he could sense the she was the one for him. All of the dogs she has ever owned have been some sort of rescue. On the home visit Rocky was greeted by Ginger their 6 year old black pug and she very quickly decided to clean the good life - And now it will be even better with a comfy pug brother to sleep beside.

Rocky - Foster Update September 14th

Rocky has responded well to the training in his foster home. His stubborness has faded away as he has learned his place in the household. He gets along very well with both the other dogs and humans. His earlier behaviour may be attributed to the transition for his old home to the new environment.

Rocky - Foster Update September 6th

Rocky's vet would like to see him drop 7lbs. Regular exercise, and diet /feeding restrictions should help to keep him trim, and ease his breathing. Right ear was inflamed, red, and impacted with wax. With daily cleaning it now looks good. Rocky will need a follow up vet visit for microchipping.

Temperment and Disposition:
At first I thought he may have fear aggression…. i.e. only nip when scared; but now I think it's just plain stubborn behaviour. For example when it's time to get off the sofa, and tell him "off", or he simply just doesn't want to move/be moved, or be caught when wanting to run. I think he's just bossy and stubborn as he was good for the vet and for his bath etc.

Potty Habits:
Routine must be established. Will do his business outside. Break his routine, and he'll have the occasional accident.

Eating:
He's now eating regular meals. But we have to encourage him to eat, by adding some human food to his kibble. Rocky even likes his raw veggies!

Forever home Recommendation:
Would best suit an adult only home. I am also a couch hog. Rocky would be fine with or without another dog for companionship. But because he seems to really need one on one time, and seems to enjoy the positive attention it might be best that he be the only dog, or with another female canine. Enjoys human companionship; so he'd probably do better with someone home most of the time; someone with a regular routine. He needs a family that is patient and gentle.

Training Recommendations:
Stubborn, most pugs are but when Rocky has his mind set or something it's hard to distract him. Rocky will need continue reassurance, positive re-enforcement with housetraining. He's a bully with house manners. Commands that we will be working on & that should continue will include but not limit to: Sit, Come, Off, Let ( for when he steals things in order to get them back), and stay. Food rewards do not really work for him. So a loving heart, lots of praise, a positive tone, and hugs/pats should help. I believe this method would work for best for Rocky as he seems to enjoy human contact and interaction. It is also recommend that he take obedience training, it may help him learn how to listen and pay more attention to his owner, not to mention it provides a great opportunity for BONDING.

Rocky - Vet Update August 30th

Rocky - Initial Foster Assessment - August 24th

Health:
Rocky is a big boy. Could stand to loose a few pounds. Regular exercise, and diet /feeding restrictions should help to keep him trim, and ease his breathing. Right ear seems inflamed, red, and impacted with wax. I will clean and monitor it. Excessive shedding… suspect that its anxiety related from new environment etc. He seems itchy, also suspect nerves, and the introduction to a new harness. Will monitor, and treat with a good grooming, including a medicated bath. Eyes, and teeth look clear, but we'll see what the vet says.

Temperment and Behaviour:
Friendly, easy going. Doesn't mind our loud house, nor my kids, or all the kiddies that we have visiting. No sign of aggression towards other dogs big or small, or children. I don't know about cats. Rocky seems to really enjoying hanging out with the kids, and in general just human companionship. I would be inclined to guess that he would be fine as an only household canine, or with another doggie friend. Will sleep on the sofa, or floor. Will sit on command, will come on command. Doesn't seem to know lay down, but will let me put him in the lay down position. When he jumped up, I used the word "off", and he listened.