Rocco

Paws and Recover are so pleased to present this sweet special needs boy for rehoming.

Introducing Rocco.

Rocco is a 4yr old male chihuahua, desexed, vaccinated and vet checked.

Rocco is a darling little chap with a few behavioural issues. Sweet natured when he finally trusts you, but a confirmed little crocodile nonetheless - this means he is snappy when afraid and can also display dominant behaviour resulting in nipping and biting which must be managed.

He is an easy enough dog to manage in the right home, with the right person. His current carer can do anything with him, with confidence.

Needs someone who:

Isn’t fazed by his attempts to be the decision maker of the house.

Can establish leadership with him through a kind, no nonsense approach.

Can cope with him the way he is without waiting and hoping for him to change.

Can safeguard him by ensuring he is never around children, elderly, or otherwise vulnerable people.

Love him because of his snappiness, and not in spite of it.

Can offer him an interesting life with walks, outings, and adventures.

He would benefit from someone with:

Experience and understanding of the chihuahua breed.

Considerable experience with dogs with challenging behaviours.

The ability to allow him to develop into better behaviours at his own pace, whilst providing kind but firm correction when he attempts to take over and run the show.

A bit about our Rocco from his current carer:

- Doesn’t bark until he feels VERY comfortable with you and then ONLY to greet you with excitement when you return home.

- Good with other dogs once he trusts them, otherwise will be a little bossy to let them know not to approach him until he is ready.

- Has always been around cats, likes to play with them once familiar but will give them space if necessary.

- Walks well on harness/lead, often takes him a few minutes to gain his confidence however once he gets going he walks considerable distances…also happy to sniff around a park.

- Good off lead, followers in beside/behind you.

- Loves his food and now takes treats off strangers easily.

- Can also be persuaded easily with treats…

- By no means demanding at home, happy to sit on the sofa in between big or small outings.

- Rides on my bicycle or in pram when necessary.

- Always happy to ride in the car.

He has experienced a lot of trauma in his first 4yrs, showing signs of trust issues. He is a fear biter, although he has had the chance to feel safe in recent times and has proven what a great little companion he will be for someone who is willing to be patient and kind.

He is a great little dog for the right person.
He’s very smart, maybe too smart, I think he’s worked out exactly how to boss people from a very early age, when he was tiny, frightened and vulnerable. These days he needs a calm, kind, no nonsense person who can take his behavioural quirks, especially his snappiness, in their stride. Once he loves you, he loves long and hard. He’s the sweetest boy.

If you are interested in adopting Rocco, Please include as much information as you can about yourself and any experience you have with dogs with challenging behaviours. Please include your suburb and phone number. Thank you.