Rick was born Feb 2016.  My husband's employee had a friend with a rottie pup that he had to get rid of.  He said hebpaid $1200 for him.  I have no registration paprrs for hom because that doesn't matter to me.  They had 3 small kids under 4 years of age and Rock was too much puppy.  He spent most if not all of his first 7-8 months in an outdoor kennel.  He was dropped off at our home end of Sept 2016.  He did not know how to walk up our porch steps.  He doesnt know how to jump up in the truck very well either.  

 

We have spend our time aclimating him slowly to new environments as he can get nervous.  He demonstrated that by twirling in his kennel and licking the crate constantly.  He calms quickly when I am with him and overcame most of anxious behavior in our home within a few weeks.  I would work him on lead only short distances because he would get overwhelmed.  He does not pull on lead anymore and can be walked comfortably in our neighborhood but passing cars scare him still.  

 

He is such a delightful and energetic boy!  He loves to play and run.  He will fetch if he feels like it.  He has a stubborn streak.  He will do anything for praise or treats.  He does know sit, stay, down, heal, off and leave it.  I haven't worked on recall much and he will disregard me in an instant to chase a butterfly or falling leaf.

 

He has shown incredible growth and resiliency in our home.  He was neutered last month and is up to date on vacs.  He was micro chipped as well.  The vet was impressed with his large goofy self.  (110 pounds) especially given the background he came from.  The vet commented he would make a great therapy dog and would easily obtain cgc. He is smart. Have I mentined how much I love this boy?

 

He remains on lead in our home because he is large, energetic and impulsive.  He has high prey drive but only is interested in our cats if they run.  I do not trust his recall off lead for our cats' well being.

 

He was easily deterred from our chickens with a verbal correction for a while.  He was never allowed to be with them unsupervised.  Then one flew over the fence where their coop is and, before I could intervene, he killed the bird.  Since then, last week, he stares out the window and from his crate and whines and throws himself around.  When let out into the yard (after I coop my chickens) he runs to the gate/fence and paces waiting for another bird treat.  He can easily jump the 4 foot gate but he doesn't know that and I don't want to lose more of my flock.

 

As I have gotten more firm with him in my verbal correction, he seems almost timid but he has never been hit as my dog.  I don't like him acting as if he is afraid and can't help his attraction to the chickens. I feel like he must have a home that is free from small animals. Or more time spent building his confidence and obedience.

 

Lastly, he has found his voice and barks more than any dog I have ever known.  Now, Benjamin barks too.  Rock needs training regarding this.  I find nusiance barking to be more annoying than puppy chewing but that is just me.

 

He was fed Blue Diamond large breed puppy until last month.  We switched him to Costco/Kirkland adult dog food.  He eats 8 cups a day in divided meals.   (3/2/3 cups.)  He remains on the lean side.

 

Please let me know what else I can add about this amazing beast.  I pray his forever home is ready to take him soon.  They will adore him.