RICO German Shepherd Dog Mix Tucson, AZ

PACC CENSUS DEADLINE 5PM 04/15/25 Name: Rico Animal ID: A859727 Age: 1 year 4 months Weight: 37.50lbs. About: In the cult classic movie Napolean Dynamite, Uncle Rico was a goofy, football obsessed guy who thought very highly of himself. At one point he asks his nephew Napolean, How much you wanna make a bet I can throw a football over them mountains? Our Rico is a much more humble guy! His big question to you is, How much do you wanna bet that Ill be the best dog youve ever had and Ill love you furever? Okay, maybe he is pretty sure of his great dog characteristics, but we think thats ok because he is truly a GREAT DOG! This handsome stray was found by a kind member of the community who cared for him for a month before bringing him to us. During that time, Rico showed some wonderful qualities! He was reported to be good with small dogs, reliably house-trained, and well-behaved when left alone a true gentleman! However, he wasn't a fan of the feline friend in the home, so to ensure everyone's comfort, Rico would do best in a home without any cats. While his previous temporary home reported positive interactions with small dogs, due to the potential for unpredictable situations, we are ideally seeking a home without small animals for Rico. However, we also understand that every adopter is unique. If a dedicated individual or family with small dogs falls in love with Rico, we will carefully consider their experience and commitment to responsible introductions and safety precautions on a case-by-case basis. Rico is an excellent leash walker who enjoys the great outdoors, whether it's hitting the hiking trails or going for a fun car ride! Inside, he transforms into an affectionate couch potato who still loves to play and always wants to be near his favorite person sounds like the perfect companion! It's important to note that Rico can be a bit wary of strangers, so his new family will need to be patient and understanding, allowing him to adjust at his own pace. Avoiding situations where he feels cornered or overly pressured will help him feel safe and secure. He does have a bite on his record from an incident where he reacted when a stranger approached with a box, making him feel uncomfortable. Therefore, a calm, low-traffic home without a constant stream of new people coming and going would be ideal for Rico to truly relax and thrive. Our volunteer friends rave about Rico, describing him as a very playful and friendly guy who loves to give affectionate hugs to his handlers! And let's not forget those incredibly cute little ears they are simply irresistible! Rico is also the perfect petite, mid-sized pup, just the right fit for a family looking for a wonderful companion. Here at PACC, Rico happily shares his kennel with another dog and has been playful, social, and easygoing when meeting other dogs in playgroup. If you're ready for an adventure buddy who's always up for exploring (and maybe even searching for Uncle Rico's missing football!), come meet this adorable and loving boy today! Available for long term foster care 30+ days or adoption through PACC. PACC offers FREE training support for any dogs placed in foster or adoptive homes. Interested parties: Must visit PACC before the 5:00 PM April 15th 2025, deadline to meet with an adoption or foster counselor who will go over notes and then introduce you to ensure that its a good fit. Home Management Plan Bite History minor bite- victim walked into a room in the home holding a box, the victim had not meet the dog previously and was not announced, the dog ran up and bit the victim on the leg. Stranger Danger Your new dog is uncomfortable with new people, they may bark, snap, or flee from new people in their home. They need a slow introduction to new people, we recommend muzzle training for safe introductions. May need a safe place to be put away when new people come to the house. Your new dog would likely do best walking in quiet areas without a lot of traffic. Undersocialized Rico needs to go home with a strong handler. Due to fear behaviors, they may panic over small things and could potentially attempt to flee by bolting on leash. Needs time to decompress in a home, this could take 3 weeks to 3 months if not longer. If dog friendly, a confident dog could help bring them out of their shell. Go slow with your new dog and do not force handling, this could make the dog fear bite. Your new dog will not be affectionate immediately after adoption, they will need patience. send home with martingale collar and flat clip leash Prey Drive- no small animals May chase or pull towards small animals. May need a strong handler when out on walks. This can be instinctual behavior, breed related behavior or learned behavior. Work with a trainer for behavior modification. Handling Sensitivities no forced handling On Prozac Do NOT stop medication without consulting your personal vet. MUST be tapered - stopping abruptly may have negative effects.