| ROCCO B KNUCKLES (Boxer Mix) |
UPDATE 1/10/10 - Another update on Rocco. He is such a great dog and an excellent addition to
our family. The kids love to snuggle with him on the couch when they wake up in the morning covered
by a warm blanket.
Rocco's dog manners have gotten better, he gets along with many dogs and we're continuing to work
with him on ignoring when we tell him to.
Many thanks to Second Chance Boxer for bringing Rocco into our lives.
UPDATE 1/1/09 - Rocco has adjusted very well to life in our home.
He is well behaved and very obedient. He passed his Canine Good Citizen exam in October!!
Rocco is very playful and loves to zoom around the yard. Now that we have snow he loves to bound
over snow banks and chase the kids when they sled.
He has gotten much better with behaving around other dogs and we're hopeful that his dog manners will
continue to improve.
Rocco's favorite thing to do is walk around the lake near our house. When he knows it's walking time
he gets very excited!
We love Rocco so much and we are so happy to have found him.
UPDATE 7/15/08 - We are so happy to have Rocco as part of the family!
Rocco was great on the long ride to our house and bonded with us right away. When we got home he
ran around the house (literally) sniffing everything.
We have a pet bearded dragon (lizard) named Oz. At first Rocco thought Oz was a chew toy. Rocco
now understands that Oz is part of the family too.
Rocco sleeps on a dog bed in our bedroom. He learned quickly to stay off our bed and he does a great
job staying in his. He seems to really enjoy being near us at bedtime.
Rocco's training is going very well. He is a model student when learning the usual commands. We're
also working on Rocco's issues with other dogs. When we first got Rocco he would react to every dog
he saw by lunging forward and barking aggressively. Since starting training, Rocco can now walk by
most dogs with less reaction. We will be working in the coming months on getting him to be more calm
around other dogs and eventually socializing him.
We borrowed a metal crate from a friend which Rocco broke out of during his first week with us. We
worked with the dog trainer to make some adjustments, and he has a new crate and is more calm when
crated.
Rocco went to the vet on his first full day with us, as he had a licker sore on his front leg. We had to
give him antibiotics twice a day for 10 days. We gave him the pill in peanut butter. By day 5 he figured
it out, so he started eating the peanut butter and spitting out the pill. :) We started giving him the pill in a
soft cheese that held it better and he took the rest that way. Since then his health has been excellent.
We went on vacation to Lake Winnipesaukee for a week and Rocco joined us. It seemed like he
wanted to swim but he wouldn't jump in. He did fall in from the dock (with a doggie life jacket on) and
seemed relieved when he was removed from the water. He took a few boat rides (with the life jacket
on) and he seemed to really enjoy it.
Rocco loves going for rides in our Jeep Wrangler with the sides open (tethered of course). He likes to
hang his head out the big opening in the side. But by far his favorite activity is zooming around the yard,
playing fetch and frisbie.
We love Rocco and we are grateful to Second Chance Boxer for bringing us together.
6/4/08 - Rocco has been adopted!
5/24/08 - Well we've been off line for about 3 weeks and been out of touch as a result. In that time,
Rocco has really made quite an impression on our family. He is doing great with our dogs, even Maizy
wags at him from time to time through the bars of the crates. Rocco is very playful with the cats. They
have been cornered by him a number of times. Rocco thinks it is a game, poor Francis does not. Rocco
has the scratches on his nose to prove it. He means them no harm, but he is very rough with them just
the same.
Since last updating you Rocco has found the basket of doggie toys and he has been exploring how to
use each and everyone. his favorites are the tennis-balls. he is great at playing fetch and will actually
bring you back the ball in a somewhat regular fashion.LOL None of my dogs will really get down and
wrestle with him. I can tell he really wants to play with them. Instead he tries to rough-house with the
people . He is very strong and is a jumper (the real life equivalent of Tigger.) His energy sometimes gets
him in trouble when he tries to play with us. All that aside he trots around the house with such a
"happy-go-lucky" look on his face I can't help but chuckle.
Rocco has had a few accidents in the house. These have occurred in the AM as we are walking to the
door to go outside (like he can't hold it) or when he has gotten excited. We have combated this by
walking him more frequently and being more direct in getting to the door. Both have helped in lowering
the occurrence.
Rocco's ideal family is cat free. He would do well with another dog, one that will tolerate his
assertiveness. Due to his energy level he would be best suited in a family that has no young children, or
doesn't plan on having any children for a few years (to give him a chance to mellow). If you are an
active and outdoors- oriented family Rocco might very well be the dog for you.
4/29/08 - Rocco has been doing exceeding well here over the past few days. I would have been the last
to think that he could be out with my dogs for extended periods of time without a problem, BUT....
Rocco has been friendly to both Peggy and Bishop and has "graduated" to dragging a leash while "free"
in the house. He is still very curious and far too rough with the cats, which is why I still insist on the leash.
Rocco has done a great job about waiting "to go" until he is outside. He has never had any
house-training issues. The only time he has had an accident was today when he refused to do anything
but whimper and whine while out in the down-pour that took place for most of today. He chose to pee
in his crate afterwards. Still I can't complain, that's only once in 2+ weeks.
Rocco and I have a standing date each night where I let him up on my bed to cuddle for a few hours.
He has to share the bed with Peggy and Bishop, and again there has not been any issues!!!
Rocco is not an overly large dog (50 lbs), but pound for pound he is the strongest dog in the house!
When he wants something he can really pull on the leash. Fortunately for us he is really only intent on
getting to my cats. LOL Outside however, he rarely pulls. I have stopped using the gentle-leader with
him and rarely do I regret making that choice.LOL
Now that we know that Rocco is capable of letting go of his "issues" about other dogs, I feel
comfortable in saying that he would do fine as a companion to another dog (as long a his new forever
family is willing to let him settle in). He is a very jumpy puppy and would do best with a family without
very young children; 5years and older (only due to his goofy-strength, not his temperament). Are you
the family that Rocco has been waiting for; active, patient and willing to help me with some obedience
training? If so give us a jingle.
4/25/08 - Rocco is such a good boy! We have been working to socialize him more with the other
4-legs in the house. He is making micro-steps, but I still wouldn't trust him un-tethered. Last night he
spent 2 hours on the bed with me watching TV. My greyhound, Peggy, was with us and Bishop joined
mid way thru. Everybody slept in close proximity and Rocco only did a little growl once (to Bishop), but
was quickly corrected with a "No". Rocco has made some progress being out with Peggy. His actions
appear more settled, but Peggy rarely lets him get close enough to test this. They have had a few tail
wagging encounters, but Peggy won't let it go beyond this and walks away. Rocco and Bishop can be
in close proximity, but if either one feels "encroached" by the other you can sense the uneasiness. I have
found that Rocco is the one who usually growls first.
Earlier in the week Rocco and Maizy met "unexpectedly" and they had a bit of a tussle. Maizy of course
made it out okay, but Rocco has a few marks on his front left leg. He has been limping on and off since
then. I have been wrapping his leg in a hot towel several times a day in hopes of avoiding a costly vet
appointment. Amazingly enough Rocco did not learn his lesson and will still occasionally growl at her
when Maizy comes close to his crate. As always Rocco continues to be way too interested in the cats,
thus they tease him all the more. LOL
Yesterday while sitting on the couch with me, Rocco noticed that there were construction workers
outside near the road. He started barking, alerting the rest of the group to do the same. Like my dogs he
is good at "warning" you when the house is "being compromised." Rocco quickly settled down once put
in his crate, and later when he had another "outing" the construction workers were long gone. Rocco is
very playful with us and has met Grandma a did well. He gets very excited when Chris gets home at
night and is very eager to play and jump with us while walking outside (even with his limpy-leg). My son
(6 years old) is very taken with him and has decided that "Rocky is his REAL name." Rocco doesn't
seem to mind and answers to both.
Rocco is really a great dog. He is looking for a family that will have the time and energy to devote to his
puppy-hood, after all he is only 12 months old (almost). Rocco is showing that he does okay with
female dogs and with time and patience would probably like a "calm and collected lady" as a buddy.
4/18/08 - I am happy to report that Rocco visited the vet yesterday and is now an UTD and neutered
boy!! The vet was very surprised by how developed he was for such a young dog and joked that it was
good they didn't charge by the pound LOL. Even after one day I see that the hormone levels are starting
to drop. I walked him today with my greyhound (female) and he actually behaved for most of the time.
Just two days ago he was going after her for no rhyme or reason. Rocco is also starting to realize that if
he wants out of his crate he needs to be good.
He is such a good dog. I really enjoy our walks around the property in the AM. One on one he is nearly
perfect! My hope is that over the next week I will be able to introduce him to being "free" in the house
(dragging a leash). Rocco is still VERY interested in my cats when they pass by the crate. Half the time
he lunges towards them. I don't think it's vicious, but it is still very forceful. For now I think a cat free
home would be best.
4/15/08 - Rocco is scheduled to be neutered this Thursday at which time he will also be brought UTD
on his vaccinations. It is my hope that the neutering will calm down his "fight/flight" response he
continues to have towards my dogs. My "bully" Maizy has started to settle down and can be trusted to
leave him alone when she walks by. However Rocco continues to growl at all the dogs when they come
near. When I walk him he lunges towards my other dogs (even the greyhound who is very passive). As
a result Rocco has been in his crate for much of the time he has been here.
Amazingly, my cats find Rocco very intriguing. When he is out of the crate (leashed) with me and no
other dogs are around they have passed within inches of him. One even rubbed up against his legs. It
would appear that they are not sensing any aggression towards them. If unleashed I believe he would
chase them, as he has tried to without success due to the leash. Whether he would be aggressive he if
caught up to them remains a mystery and I am OK with that.LOL
Rocco is very lovey to me and my family when he is alone with us 1 on 1. He is beginning to give small
kisses every now and then. During walks he is pulling less. However, I still use the gentle leader just to
be sure. Rocco is not enjoying his crate very much. He whines and whimpers on and off through out the
day, begging to be let out. When I leave the house I can hear him howling and rattling his crate. I
returned home yesterday to find his crate tray completely outside of his crate.
I would appear for now that Rocco might be best suited in a house with no other animals, at least other
dogs. He loves to go for walks around my property. He has love and energy in bulk to give. He would
be a great dog for a family who enjoys outings and adventures! With exercise and obedience classes I
can see Rocco being an A#1 family dog!
4/13/08 - I picked up Rocco from his owner yesterday. It was clear that she loves him very much, but
due to extenuating "life circumstances" she can't keep him. Rocco was very upset when she drove away
and cried much of the drive home. Once home Rocco heard the other dogs in the house and began to
shake and put his hackles up right away. He was very nervous. Rocco had several other dog
companions in his last home, so I am hopeful he will come around once the "shock" wears off. In the
mean time he has been crated so that he can get used to the smells of the others. Since his crate can not
be placed out of the way, they have been walking by and smelling each other through the bars. Rocco
initially growled and shook when this happened, but with a firm "No" he stopped each time. This has
been occurring less and less as time goes on. My dog, Maizy, who is NEVER receptive to new comers.
Maizy has been very aggressive towards Rocco in his crate and he has responded in kind. For the time
being both dogs are being crated until they decide to "get over it." Rocco was not raised with cats. He
seems VERY interested in their presence. When I let him out of his crate he is immediately leashed
because I don't trust him around them yet. The cats of course in true fashion, know when Rocco can't
get to them and parade back and forth in front of his crate. This may help to get him used to them, or
just antagonize him further. Time will tell. Rocco pulls when leashed for walks (he is very strong). I have
been using a "gentle leader" on him as a result. He HATES it and has tried to get out of it, but this has
makes walks much more manageable.
Rocco is a very cute and people friendly dog. As I get to know him more and he begins to trust us, I'm
sure he will blossom. Check back for more updates soon. I will work on getting some pics today.
our family. The kids love to snuggle with him on the couch when they wake up in the morning covered
by a warm blanket.
Rocco's dog manners have gotten better, he gets along with many dogs and we're continuing to work
with him on ignoring when we tell him to.
Many thanks to Second Chance Boxer for bringing Rocco into our lives.
UPDATE 1/1/09 - Rocco has adjusted very well to life in our home.
He is well behaved and very obedient. He passed his Canine Good Citizen exam in October!!
Rocco is very playful and loves to zoom around the yard. Now that we have snow he loves to bound
over snow banks and chase the kids when they sled.
He has gotten much better with behaving around other dogs and we're hopeful that his dog manners will
continue to improve.
Rocco's favorite thing to do is walk around the lake near our house. When he knows it's walking time
he gets very excited!
We love Rocco so much and we are so happy to have found him.
UPDATE 7/15/08 - We are so happy to have Rocco as part of the family!
Rocco was great on the long ride to our house and bonded with us right away. When we got home he
ran around the house (literally) sniffing everything.
We have a pet bearded dragon (lizard) named Oz. At first Rocco thought Oz was a chew toy. Rocco
now understands that Oz is part of the family too.
Rocco sleeps on a dog bed in our bedroom. He learned quickly to stay off our bed and he does a great
job staying in his. He seems to really enjoy being near us at bedtime.
Rocco's training is going very well. He is a model student when learning the usual commands. We're
also working on Rocco's issues with other dogs. When we first got Rocco he would react to every dog
he saw by lunging forward and barking aggressively. Since starting training, Rocco can now walk by
most dogs with less reaction. We will be working in the coming months on getting him to be more calm
around other dogs and eventually socializing him.
We borrowed a metal crate from a friend which Rocco broke out of during his first week with us. We
worked with the dog trainer to make some adjustments, and he has a new crate and is more calm when
crated.
Rocco went to the vet on his first full day with us, as he had a licker sore on his front leg. We had to
give him antibiotics twice a day for 10 days. We gave him the pill in peanut butter. By day 5 he figured
it out, so he started eating the peanut butter and spitting out the pill. :) We started giving him the pill in a
soft cheese that held it better and he took the rest that way. Since then his health has been excellent.
We went on vacation to Lake Winnipesaukee for a week and Rocco joined us. It seemed like he
wanted to swim but he wouldn't jump in. He did fall in from the dock (with a doggie life jacket on) and
seemed relieved when he was removed from the water. He took a few boat rides (with the life jacket
on) and he seemed to really enjoy it.
Rocco loves going for rides in our Jeep Wrangler with the sides open (tethered of course). He likes to
hang his head out the big opening in the side. But by far his favorite activity is zooming around the yard,
playing fetch and frisbie.
We love Rocco and we are grateful to Second Chance Boxer for bringing us together.
6/4/08 - Rocco has been adopted!
5/24/08 - Well we've been off line for about 3 weeks and been out of touch as a result. In that time,
Rocco has really made quite an impression on our family. He is doing great with our dogs, even Maizy
wags at him from time to time through the bars of the crates. Rocco is very playful with the cats. They
have been cornered by him a number of times. Rocco thinks it is a game, poor Francis does not. Rocco
has the scratches on his nose to prove it. He means them no harm, but he is very rough with them just
the same.
Since last updating you Rocco has found the basket of doggie toys and he has been exploring how to
use each and everyone. his favorites are the tennis-balls. he is great at playing fetch and will actually
bring you back the ball in a somewhat regular fashion.LOL None of my dogs will really get down and
wrestle with him. I can tell he really wants to play with them. Instead he tries to rough-house with the
people . He is very strong and is a jumper (the real life equivalent of Tigger.) His energy sometimes gets
him in trouble when he tries to play with us. All that aside he trots around the house with such a
"happy-go-lucky" look on his face I can't help but chuckle.
Rocco has had a few accidents in the house. These have occurred in the AM as we are walking to the
door to go outside (like he can't hold it) or when he has gotten excited. We have combated this by
walking him more frequently and being more direct in getting to the door. Both have helped in lowering
the occurrence.
Rocco's ideal family is cat free. He would do well with another dog, one that will tolerate his
assertiveness. Due to his energy level he would be best suited in a family that has no young children, or
doesn't plan on having any children for a few years (to give him a chance to mellow). If you are an
active and outdoors- oriented family Rocco might very well be the dog for you.
4/29/08 - Rocco has been doing exceeding well here over the past few days. I would have been the last
to think that he could be out with my dogs for extended periods of time without a problem, BUT....
Rocco has been friendly to both Peggy and Bishop and has "graduated" to dragging a leash while "free"
in the house. He is still very curious and far too rough with the cats, which is why I still insist on the leash.
Rocco has done a great job about waiting "to go" until he is outside. He has never had any
house-training issues. The only time he has had an accident was today when he refused to do anything
but whimper and whine while out in the down-pour that took place for most of today. He chose to pee
in his crate afterwards. Still I can't complain, that's only once in 2+ weeks.
Rocco and I have a standing date each night where I let him up on my bed to cuddle for a few hours.
He has to share the bed with Peggy and Bishop, and again there has not been any issues!!!
Rocco is not an overly large dog (50 lbs), but pound for pound he is the strongest dog in the house!
When he wants something he can really pull on the leash. Fortunately for us he is really only intent on
getting to my cats. LOL Outside however, he rarely pulls. I have stopped using the gentle-leader with
him and rarely do I regret making that choice.LOL
Now that we know that Rocco is capable of letting go of his "issues" about other dogs, I feel
comfortable in saying that he would do fine as a companion to another dog (as long a his new forever
family is willing to let him settle in). He is a very jumpy puppy and would do best with a family without
very young children; 5years and older (only due to his goofy-strength, not his temperament). Are you
the family that Rocco has been waiting for; active, patient and willing to help me with some obedience
training? If so give us a jingle.
4/25/08 - Rocco is such a good boy! We have been working to socialize him more with the other
4-legs in the house. He is making micro-steps, but I still wouldn't trust him un-tethered. Last night he
spent 2 hours on the bed with me watching TV. My greyhound, Peggy, was with us and Bishop joined
mid way thru. Everybody slept in close proximity and Rocco only did a little growl once (to Bishop), but
was quickly corrected with a "No". Rocco has made some progress being out with Peggy. His actions
appear more settled, but Peggy rarely lets him get close enough to test this. They have had a few tail
wagging encounters, but Peggy won't let it go beyond this and walks away. Rocco and Bishop can be
in close proximity, but if either one feels "encroached" by the other you can sense the uneasiness. I have
found that Rocco is the one who usually growls first.
Earlier in the week Rocco and Maizy met "unexpectedly" and they had a bit of a tussle. Maizy of course
made it out okay, but Rocco has a few marks on his front left leg. He has been limping on and off since
then. I have been wrapping his leg in a hot towel several times a day in hopes of avoiding a costly vet
appointment. Amazingly enough Rocco did not learn his lesson and will still occasionally growl at her
when Maizy comes close to his crate. As always Rocco continues to be way too interested in the cats,
thus they tease him all the more. LOL
Yesterday while sitting on the couch with me, Rocco noticed that there were construction workers
outside near the road. He started barking, alerting the rest of the group to do the same. Like my dogs he
is good at "warning" you when the house is "being compromised." Rocco quickly settled down once put
in his crate, and later when he had another "outing" the construction workers were long gone. Rocco is
very playful with us and has met Grandma a did well. He gets very excited when Chris gets home at
night and is very eager to play and jump with us while walking outside (even with his limpy-leg). My son
(6 years old) is very taken with him and has decided that "Rocky is his REAL name." Rocco doesn't
seem to mind and answers to both.
Rocco is really a great dog. He is looking for a family that will have the time and energy to devote to his
puppy-hood, after all he is only 12 months old (almost). Rocco is showing that he does okay with
female dogs and with time and patience would probably like a "calm and collected lady" as a buddy.
4/18/08 - I am happy to report that Rocco visited the vet yesterday and is now an UTD and neutered
boy!! The vet was very surprised by how developed he was for such a young dog and joked that it was
good they didn't charge by the pound LOL. Even after one day I see that the hormone levels are starting
to drop. I walked him today with my greyhound (female) and he actually behaved for most of the time.
Just two days ago he was going after her for no rhyme or reason. Rocco is also starting to realize that if
he wants out of his crate he needs to be good.
He is such a good dog. I really enjoy our walks around the property in the AM. One on one he is nearly
perfect! My hope is that over the next week I will be able to introduce him to being "free" in the house
(dragging a leash). Rocco is still VERY interested in my cats when they pass by the crate. Half the time
he lunges towards them. I don't think it's vicious, but it is still very forceful. For now I think a cat free
home would be best.
4/15/08 - Rocco is scheduled to be neutered this Thursday at which time he will also be brought UTD
on his vaccinations. It is my hope that the neutering will calm down his "fight/flight" response he
continues to have towards my dogs. My "bully" Maizy has started to settle down and can be trusted to
leave him alone when she walks by. However Rocco continues to growl at all the dogs when they come
near. When I walk him he lunges towards my other dogs (even the greyhound who is very passive). As
a result Rocco has been in his crate for much of the time he has been here.
Amazingly, my cats find Rocco very intriguing. When he is out of the crate (leashed) with me and no
other dogs are around they have passed within inches of him. One even rubbed up against his legs. It
would appear that they are not sensing any aggression towards them. If unleashed I believe he would
chase them, as he has tried to without success due to the leash. Whether he would be aggressive he if
caught up to them remains a mystery and I am OK with that.LOL
Rocco is very lovey to me and my family when he is alone with us 1 on 1. He is beginning to give small
kisses every now and then. During walks he is pulling less. However, I still use the gentle leader just to
be sure. Rocco is not enjoying his crate very much. He whines and whimpers on and off through out the
day, begging to be let out. When I leave the house I can hear him howling and rattling his crate. I
returned home yesterday to find his crate tray completely outside of his crate.
I would appear for now that Rocco might be best suited in a house with no other animals, at least other
dogs. He loves to go for walks around my property. He has love and energy in bulk to give. He would
be a great dog for a family who enjoys outings and adventures! With exercise and obedience classes I
can see Rocco being an A#1 family dog!
4/13/08 - I picked up Rocco from his owner yesterday. It was clear that she loves him very much, but
due to extenuating "life circumstances" she can't keep him. Rocco was very upset when she drove away
and cried much of the drive home. Once home Rocco heard the other dogs in the house and began to
shake and put his hackles up right away. He was very nervous. Rocco had several other dog
companions in his last home, so I am hopeful he will come around once the "shock" wears off. In the
mean time he has been crated so that he can get used to the smells of the others. Since his crate can not
be placed out of the way, they have been walking by and smelling each other through the bars. Rocco
initially growled and shook when this happened, but with a firm "No" he stopped each time. This has
been occurring less and less as time goes on. My dog, Maizy, who is NEVER receptive to new comers.
Maizy has been very aggressive towards Rocco in his crate and he has responded in kind. For the time
being both dogs are being crated until they decide to "get over it." Rocco was not raised with cats. He
seems VERY interested in their presence. When I let him out of his crate he is immediately leashed
because I don't trust him around them yet. The cats of course in true fashion, know when Rocco can't
get to them and parade back and forth in front of his crate. This may help to get him used to them, or
just antagonize him further. Time will tell. Rocco pulls when leashed for walks (he is very strong). I have
been using a "gentle leader" on him as a result. He HATES it and has tried to get out of it, but this has
makes walks much more manageable.
Rocco is a very cute and people friendly dog. As I get to know him more and he begins to trust us, I'm
sure he will blossom. Check back for more updates soon. I will work on getting some pics today.
| HAVE YOU SPONSORED A BOXER TODAY?? You can make a safe, secure donation through Paypal and make a difference in a dog's life TODAY! Even $5 or $10 helps pay for food and medical care. Click here to donate today! or Mail your donation to: SCBR PO Box 525 Woolwich, ME 04579 |
State: ME
Age: 12 months (born 5/07)
Weight: 50 lbs
Sex: Male
Neut/UTD: Yes/Yes
Coat color: Flashy Fawn
Docked Tail: No
Cropped Ears: No
Children under 4: Probably
Children over 4: Yes
Separation Anxiety: No
Other Dogs: Yes (better with submissive ones)
Cats: No
Crate trained: Yes
House trained: Yes
Obedience Trained: No
Leash trained: No
Microchipped: No
Adoption Fee: $200
Age: 12 months (born 5/07)
Weight: 50 lbs
Sex: Male
Neut/UTD: Yes/Yes
Coat color: Flashy Fawn
Docked Tail: No
Cropped Ears: No
Children under 4: Probably
Children over 4: Yes
Separation Anxiety: No
Other Dogs: Yes (better with submissive ones)
Cats: No
Crate trained: Yes
House trained: Yes
Obedience Trained: No
Leash trained: No
Microchipped: No
Adoption Fee: $200
