Rocky Mixed Breed Meridian, ID

Hi! My name is Rocky, and obviously, I am a dog. Yes, I have four legs and stick my nose in other people's business, if you know what I mean. I wanted to tell you about myself so that we could get started off on the right paw.

Some of my daily needs: besides food, water, shelter, and the most important one, love, I also need enrichment and training. Think of enrichment as mental and sensory stimulation for me because when I get it, I am a Good Dog. When I don't, I chew up shoes, tear through trash cans, and other dog behavior you might already know about.

So puzzles with food hidden in them, shreds like paper bags with a few high value treats are always top on my list, and thingsto smell so that I can track it down and maybe get a treat reward at the end. But following my nose is the most important.

I also love training. Working with my human is the highlight of my day because it makes me feel like I am doing something of value. I love scent work with Predation Substitute Training, loose leash walking (which sometimes I forget when I see a squirrel or mouse and bail, but I come back and like the game). I also like working for my food and doing all the MCR cues.

Now that I have covered all my daily needs, let's talk about likes and dislikes. I love cuddling with my human, working, shredding, and playing tug. I also enjoy learning new things, going to new places, meeting new people and pina coladas and getting caught in the rain. What I don't like is being manhandled or having people petting me over the head. Under the chin, please, slow, smooth, soft pets and follow the PPP -- Pet, Pet, Pause -- so I can decide if I want more. I like having choices.

I am a friendly dog once you get to know me, but I am aloof with strangers. I am loyal and loving to my human but have a strong will and am definitely goal-oriented. Once I get a mission, all I want to do is accomplish it. Although I am a positive happy dog, there are some things you want to avoid: like fetch. I love that game and will get totally lost in the fetch world and that will become the thing I am. You definitely want to pay attention to me while on walks because when I see something I want or like I tend to shoot off like a bolt of lightning to get it. Also, pay attention when I get really vocal because that is how I am telling you I need to go potty. Other than things mentioned above, I am a good dog. I have an award somewhere, maybe I chewed it up. It did look like a chew toy, so things happen sometimes, but I hope to meet you soon.

(Rocky's bio is courtesy of the EPIC handlers who have cared for and trained him. Visit meridianrescue.org to learn more about adopting him.)
For more information about our adoptable dogs and/or to submit an adoption inquiry, please visit meridianrescue.org.