MEET ROCKY! Ummmm... hi. My name is Rocky, and I'm probably the most fearful of new people compared to the other boys. New people? Well, I do my best to say, "HI! I'M SCARED OF YOU!!" but somehow it comes out sounding like I'm barking orders at them. Or just crazy barking. Either way, Foster Mom says I really need some help learning that new people aren't necessarily something to be afraid of. I guess you could say I'm a pretty good security system! Someone unfamiliar shows up? I'll definitely let you know they're there. I'm still learning that not everything unfamiliar requires an announcement. I'm a 2-year-old, 10-pound Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Dachshund) with the sweetest little face. I grew up surrounded by a LOT of other dogs, and while Grandma gave us plenty of kindness & love, our world was pretty small. We weren't walked on leashes or introduced to different people, places & experiences that would have helped us build confidence. So now, at 2 years old, I'm learning that there's a whole big world out there, and honestly, some of it is pretty intimidating. But what I DO know is how wonderful it feels to be loved. Next to you on the couch, curled up in your lap or snuggled beside you at bedtime? Ohhhhh, that's my happy place! Foster Mom was told I'm a "quiet, gentle soul who'd rather curl up beside you than cause a fuss. He's calm & somber in nature but has a deep love for cuddling, making him a wonderful companion for someone looking for a low-key, affectionate dog." And that's pretty accurate! A quieter, low-key home without a constant stream of visitors would be my preference. That's where my gentle, affectionate side really shines. A busy household with lots of people coming & going could be pretty overwhelming for me, especially while I'm still learning to trust new people. I've also struggled with being in a crate. I'm still not a fan, but I'm learning to settle a little better. Foster Mom had to switch me from a regular wire crate to a cargo-style carrier because I was trying so hard to get out that I was hurting my nose biting at the wires. Hopefully, once I've mastered my housetraining, I won't need a crate at all. Oh, how glorious that would be! I'm vaccinated, heartworm negative, neutered, microchipped & on heartworm prevention. Here's where YOU come in. Will you help me become a more confident Adventure Buddy? My housetraining? I'm doing okay-ish! Like the others, Foster Mom plays the "check your pants" game. Clean pants? Treat! Potty in the yard? Treat & a "good potty!" Wait patiently while she puts everyone's pants back on? Another treat. And guess what? I've been getting more treats during that FIRST part lately. WAHOOO!! With so many dogs here, it's hard for Foster Mom to give each of us the individual attention we really need. She thinks more one-on-one training, a predictable routine & someone keeping a close eye on me will make a big difference. Consistency is key! I'll also need help with leash training. I'm getting comfortable having one attached, but the big world outside is still pretty scary. I could be a flight risk while learning, so a securely fenced yard is required while I build confidence, learn leash skills & bond with my person. And because I'm particularly fearful of unfamiliar people, I'll need someone who understands that socialization doesn't mean throwing me into busy places or expecting me to greet everyone we meet. Slow introductions, positive experiences, treats & letting me approach things at MY pace will help me learn that the world isn't such a scary place after all. You & I working together on this - oh, the bond we'll have! Now, a little warning about my athletic abilities. I'm FAST. Like, surprisingly fast! And jumping? Psssh. A baby gate is just a little hurdle to clear if it means getting to be with you. Because that's the thing. I REALLY want to be with my person. Just like the other boys, I love being close, and sometimes I'll go to great lengths (or heights!) to make that happen. I occasionally squabble with some of the boys who came from my previous home. When you've lived with that many dogs, sometimes that's how you learn to handle disagreements. I'm doing fine with the other foster pups here, though I don't really play with them. I'm far more interested in hanging out with YOU. I'm learning new boundaries, and a calmer home with someone willing to gently redirect me will help. I could enjoy life with another compatible dog, but I think I'd also be pretty happy having a person all to myself. And as much as I LOVE being with my person, I also need to learn that it's okay when we're not glued together. Building independence, socialization, enrichment & little adventures at my own pace will help me become a more confident guy. I don't need someone to rush me or push me into situations I'm not ready for. I need someone who'll help me discover, little by little, that new people & new experiences can actually be pretty wonderful. Cats? Dunno! We don't have any test kitties here. Kids? Older, respectful ones would be lovely. Elementary-aged kids could work, too, as long as YOU make sure I'm respected. But here's something else to consider: If your kids are social butterflies with friends constantly visiting, that might be a little much for me right now. I'm still pretty nervous around unfamiliar people, so a quieter household where introductions can happen slowly & my feelings are taken into consideration would be a much better fit. No lying on me or pulling my ears or tail, please! I'm a pretty amazing little love sponge who just needs someone willing to help me learn, grow & discover what life can be like with a person of my very own. Underneath all that nervous barking is a quiet, gentle little guy who has SO much love to give. Adoption Requirements: Applicants must live within 150 miles of Jacksonville, FL. All pets in the home must be spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations & receiving consistent heartworm prevention. A solid veterinary reference with an established history of routine care, including proof of heartworm prevention, is required. Home check required. Apply: https://www.shelterluv.com/embed/animal/PPFL-A-4077