Rossco

My name is Rossco. I am an 18 month old Staffy x with a silky smooth white coat. My face has an interesting shade of half brown/half white and I have a sweet personality, loving all of the cuddles and kisses I can get. I am a smaller medium size dog, weighing around 18kg and I have lots of energy to burn.
I am friendly around people, happy to walk up to say hello and ask for a pat, cuddle or kiss. Sometimes I do get a bit excited though, and may accidentally jump up.
Around the home I am happy to chill out during the day whilst my foster owners work, although I also enjoy chilling on the sofa inside. Considering I was abandoned by my last owner, my separation anxiety is not too bad when I am home alone…. I do prefer to be around people.
During the day, about 2 - 3 times, my foster Dad takes me for walks around our neighborhood - introducing me to new smells, to people that pass by and to say hi (from a distance) to other dogs.
Whilst I am not aggressive to other dogs, I do come across as a bit boisterous/ energetic/ intimidating, which other dogs tend to not like and don't give me a chance to show my sweet side.
I love chewing toys, whether it be a teddy, toy bone or just a rope - these help settle me and put me at ease - and keep me out of mischief.

My favorite things are
Loves chew toys/ toy bones/ rope toys, he will run around with his toys and want you to play tug-o-war with them.
Loves his cuddles, and will sit next to you when chilling on the sofa.
Enjoys walks around the neighborhood
Enjoys interacting with people
Enjoys chilling outside on the sofa

Human Interaction
He does get quite excited around people and may jump around when meeting new people. There is no aggression, just overly excited and happy to play.

Does not seem concerned with children, although due to his jumpy/excited nature, would have to be cautious that he does not knock them over so mature age would be best suited

Obedience
Walking on a lead is improving. This will need some more work and would recommend investing time as well as some professional training to ease his excitement and improve his social behavior around people and dogs.
We tested him around 2 other dogs male and female. While he was excited and wanted to jump on them, they were not interested and would snap at him. He hasn't reacted aggressively or even bark at other dogs. We think over time with the right training and with slow, continuous interactions that this would improve
He is ok in the car, can become a bit anxious, although does settle eventually.
Working on commands such as sit/stay whilst using treats. Is starting to improve, would need more work.
Understands what his harness is for and happily puts his head into it ready to go!!
Very rarely barks, even when left alone. He usually only barks when he wants to play and is talking to you.. Such as.. Give me the treat!!
He is happy to stay home while his humans are at work
He is a chewer though, so would need to make sure you have adequate stimulation to curb any mischievous behavior.

Animal Social Skills
Have met other dogs - is not aggressive, overly excited which intimidates other dogs
He has not met any cats, so am unsure how he would be with them
Has seen a possum doesn't really take any notice of them

Food
Is not picky, eats dry food
Will eat the dog roll fresh and polish it off and then clean up the dry food.
Loves treats (peanut butter biscuits / dog treat beef jerky)

Independance
When alone, has spent his time in the backyard under cover. Settles fine and has no issues being outside.
Has toys, a bowl of dry food and a bowl of water to keep busy
Has not destroyed any plants,

Bathing & Hygiene
Enjoys his bath, we have taken him to the dog bath booths at Pet Barn - he enjoys the whole experience from Shampoo to Rinse. We avoided the blow dry as the noise seemed to startle him
We recommend you provide him with treats to distract whilst bathing
Fur is short and doesn't seem to shed much
He had some clogged/dirty ears when first arrived, this has been cleaned - would need to monitor and continue to clean where needed

Sleeping
Sleeps in a crate with a dog bed inside
Sleeps all the way through the night from 10pm - 7am (no toilet breaks required)
Settles really well, will happily settle once its bed time.
Doesn't cry/bark when settling, or during the night

Exercise
Enjoys his walks, or playing in the backyard. Currently enjoying 2 walks a day at around 30+ mins each.
Loves playing tug-o-war with toys in the backyard

Inside the home
Is toilet trained
Does jump onto the sofa, May need to monitor to ensure he doesn't chew on shoes/furniture - as he does like soft toys/things to rip apart
Enjoys chilling on the sofa
Does not like loud noises, hair dryer - can be startled by loud sudden noises
We haven’t let him up on or sleep on beds

Medical Issues
Rosco did have his ears flushed by the vet as they were very dirty

Ideal Home
For the first week or so, was quite unsettled and would need his new family to be calm, have patience and reassure him with lots of cuddles and kisses - as when he arrived he would pace around the home, unsure whether he wanted to sit/ snooze/ go outside/ eat… etc…
Preferably with someone who is around home / working from home most of the time for company
Would recommend a family with a large backyard where owners have time to play and walk on a regular basis
Needs shelter outside for weather / sun protection and is happy to let him inside and spend time with the family
Would likely be best suited to an only dog home at this stage , with social visits from time to time to build up his confidence and obedience in general
Children with dog experience and/or over 14 years old - would need to be monitored, purely due to his jump behavior
No cats in the home
Would recommend dog training to improve dog to people (to stop the jumping) and dog to dog behavior (Improved dog socialization)
Ongoing training for walking on lead, and responding to commands

THE LINK TO HIS ADOPTION APPLICATION FORM IS HERE

Australian K9 Rescue Vic Adoption Application Form