Rowan Australian Shepherd Fredericksburg, VA

Meet Rowan!

A nearly six-year-old Australian Shepherd from Fredericksburg, VA, whose happiest moments are spent chasing Chuck-It balls and showing off his skills in a game of fetch. With his beautiful red tricolor coat and forty-six pounds of pure energy and intelligence, Rowan is an active, funny, and engaging companion, ready to win your heart! He has mastered an impressive array of commands like "heel," "place," "sit," "down," "leave it," and many more. Rowan is an excellent leash walker, making evening strolls a breeze when he's guided with calm confidence.

Rowan thrives with structure and routine but has shown signs of anxiety when meeting new people or dogs in close spaces. He has, on occasion, reacted by nipping, and twice, this resulted in broken skin. These incidents happened in unfamiliar or overwhelming situations, but Rowan has never exhibited aggression toward other animals in the home. His previous canine sibling and he lived peacefully together, sharing toys and space without issue. While Rowan can get anxious around strangers in confined settings, he’s a pro at focusing during walks, especially with his caregiver's guidance through commands like "heel" and "leave it."

This loyal and playful pup is crate-trained and comfortable being left alone for short periods. He’s indifferent to cats and could fit well in a household with feline companions. Rowan is also a fetch fanatic! Give him a Chuck-It ball, and he’ll play until his heart's content, before curling up for some well-deserved rest. His routine includes twice-daily feedings, walks, and evening play sessions, helping to manage his energy and keep him content.

Rowan is looking for a patient, experienced caregiver who can help him continue to work through his anxiety and guide him toward becoming the best version of himself. He has a lot of potential and, with the right care and ongoing training, could truly thrive! His new family should be mindful of his past nipping incidents, ensuring he has the support and positive reinforcement needed to feel safe and confident in new environments.

Are you ready to welcome a clever, funny, and loving dog who needs a little extra support to shine?

If you're interested in providing Rowan with a loving home, please email adopt@joyfulpets.com for more information on adopting him! Please note that Rowan will remain with his current family until a suitable new home is found for him.

Also, Rowan is open to a long-distance adoption—love knows no distance when finding your perfect companion!