Animal Profile

Rocky is at risk due to behavioral concerns. He arrived at the Care Center with limited history. Upon arrival Rocky was aloof and allowed petting. However when approached for medical exam Rocky was noted to become defensive and attempt to bite when vaccines were being administered. Similarly, during his handling assessment he was initially neutral bodied but became tense and seek exit when attempting to place a collar on him. Unfortunately, Rocky is difficult to handle safely due to persistently grabbing and tugging leashes into kennel when handlers attempt to take him for walks and is very difficult to refocus with treats or squeaker toys. Medically, Rocky has Brachycephalic Syndrome and unspecified dermatitis.

Let's get to know each other a bit more...

This pet needs emergency placement. Please click here to go to our emergency placement page for more information. This pet is available only through ACC New Hope partners. To adopt or foster, please complete the pre-screener form below. Inquiries sent directly to ACC will not receive a response. Pre-Screener Form Rocky is at risk due to behavioral concerns. He arrived at the Care Center with limited history. Upon arrival Rocky was aloof and allowed petting. However when approached for medical exam Rocky was noted to become defensive and attempt to bite when vaccines were being administered. Similarly, during his handling assessment he was initially neutral bodied but became tense and seek exit when attempting to place a collar on him. Unfortunately, Rocky is difficult to handle safely due to persistently grabbing and tugging leashes into kennel when handlers attempt to take him for walks and is very difficult to refocus with treats or squeaker toys. Medically, Rocky has Brachycephalic Syndrome and unspecified dermatitis. Rocky arrived at MACC as a stray with no known history. While in care, Rocky has been observed to be highly fearful. Noted to growl, snap, and attempt to bite when vaccines were being administered. During his medical exam Rocky began hard barking and lunging towards handlers. Due to the detailed behavior we recommend an experienced adult only home.

My medical notes are...

Weight: 69 lbs

Medical Notes

5/22/2026

DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 8-10y Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative History: Found stray Subjective: BAR Observed Behavior - Attempted to bite for vaccine administration. Hard barking and lunging. Reluctant to sedate due to age, breed and severity of BOAS. Mainly visual exam. Not interested in food offered. Evidence of Cruelty seen -no Objective T = P =wnl R =wnl BCS 7/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears AU limited exam but appears to have stenotic canals, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: not performed H/L: upper respiratory stridor, eupneic ABD: Not distended U/G: male intact, 2 testes visible in scrotum MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, intertrigo on face, skin on distal limbs inflamed and redundant CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: normal external Wood's Lamp Exam: not performed Assessment dermatitis chronic otitis BOAS Prognosis: fair Plan: intake tasks 200mg cefpodoxime PO SID x14d Apoquel 16mg PO BID x7d then SID for maintenance SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to age and BOAS

5/27/2026

Reported leash biting and hard barking at handlers. Made TDO Adding 300mg trazodone PO BID indefinitely

Details on my behavior are...

Behavior Condition: 4. Orange

Behavior History
Behavior Assessment

Date of intake:: 5/20/2026

Spay/Neuter status:: No

Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Stray, No known history

Date of assessment:: 5/24/2026

Summary:: When brought into the assessment room Rocky had a neutral body initially sniffing around the room. When the handler presents the collar, Rocky becomes tense and begins seeking exit persistently at the door. When the handlers are able to coax Rocky away from the door, they offer treats. Rocky is not receptive and pulls back to the door of the room. Due to the fearful behavior displayed, escalating to growling, snapping, and attempting to bite during vaccines. Rocky is not a candidate to receive a handling assessment at this time.

Summary (7):: 5/26/26: (PM): Rocky is at the front of the kennel, neutral bodied. He comes forward and accepts high value treats (sliced cheese). Handler attempts to leash him as he's engage with the sliced cheese. HE moves his head toward the leash with an open mouth. Handler removes the leash and offers more cheese. Handler steps away for a few moments and when they return, Rocky is still at the front barking. He is not as interested in the cheese, (goes to take it but then spits it out). Another handler squeaks a toy and Rocky hard barks in that direction. Handler is able to get the leash over his head but as it tightens, he bites at it and pulls it in. Handler drops the leash and Rocky stops tugging. He comes to the front, barking and jumping on the kennel door. A hook is used to remove the leash and interaction is ceased. 5/26/26: Rocky is at the front of the kennel hard barking, jumping up, biting, and tugging the leash into kennel. When the handler tries to leash him, he is not receptive to treats or squeaky sounds. He continues to frantically bite and tug the leash into the kennel. When the handler is able to get the leash back, they reset with a toy. He is not receptive to the toy and continues to jump up, bite, and tug the leash into kennel. The handler is unable to leash him or remove him from kennel. Rocky continues to tug the leash, slightly causing the door to move. Pet corrector was required to redirect the behavior. And the interaction was ended. 5/24/26 (Assessment): Rocky was at back of kennel when handler approached. He was easily leashed and pulled from kennel. While walking he had no reactivity to people or dogs that he saw. He walked next to handler with a slack leash. Taken to behavior office for assessment. When an attempt and collaring was made he went tense and gave side eye. He was returned to kennel with no issue.

Date of intake:: 5/20/2026

Summary:: Aloof during intake, growling, snapping, and attempted to bite during vaccines

Date of initial:: 5/22/2026

Summary:: Hard barking and lunging

ENERGY LEVEL:: We have no history on Rocky so we cannot be certain of their behavior in a home environment. However, they will need daily mental and physical activity to stay engaged and exercised. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in addition to physical exercise, to positively direct their energy and enthusiasm.

BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only

Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner

Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Due to fearful behavior and the potential for defensive aggression, we recommend an adult only home. We recommend placement with a New Hope rescue partner who is able to provide an experienced, adult-only foster home. Force-free, reward based training and/or consultation with a professional trainer/behaviorist is highly recommended.

Potential challenges: : Fearful/potential for defensive aggression

Potential challenges comments:: Fearful Defensive: Rocky has been observed to escalate to growling, snapping, and attempting to bite when vaccines were being administered. During his medical exam he was noted to hard bark and lunge towards handlers. It is important to move slowly with Rocky, to build positive associations (treats/toys/praise), and to allow them to initiate interactions with new people. They should never be forced to greet or to interact if they are not comfortable and soliciting attention. Please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression.