Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/aggressive-shelter-dog-rocco/

Shelters can be a stressful place and it is nearly impossible for a dog to relax and show his true personality. In addition to the loud noises, strange smells, and unfamiliar people, some of the dogs have been abused or neglected and no longer trust humans.

This was the case for a border collie named Rocco. He was not adjusting well to shelter life and was scheduled to be euthanized because he was “aggressive”. Thankfully, AGWC Rockin’ Rescue, an animal rescue service in Los Angeles, saved him just in time.

The rescue gives at-risk animals the second chance they deserve. Rocco was unsure of people, so he protected himself by showing his teeth and growling when anyone came close. This of course frightened shelter workers.

“We rescued Rocco from the shelter today. He was scheduled to be put down due to being “aggressive”. He is fearful and doesn’t trust people. He had been dumped by his previous owner after being abused and neglected,” posted the shelter with a video of the frightened dog.

@agwcrockinrescue We rescued Rocco from the shelter today. He was scheduled to be put down due to being “aggressive”. He is fearful and doesn’t trust people. He had been dumped by his previous owner after being abused and neglected. Follow us on Instagram for updates. Donate via Venmo. 🙏❤️🐕‍🦺 #fyp #rocco #rescuedog #killshelter #bordercollie #adoptdontshop #rescueme #agwcrockinrescue #viral ♬ original sound – AGWC Rockin’ Rescue

Dog trainer, Dog Daddy (TikTok user @thedogdaddyofficial), works with rescues and shelters to train dogs for free to help them find loving homes. He was called to help with Rocco.

It was clear the dog was terrified and unsure of what was going to happen next. Within minutes of interacting with Dog Daddy, Rocco was much more relaxed and even allowed the trainer to pet him.

He said it was clear that the dog was acting like this because of distress. “I took him out and spent some time working with him and he quickly warmed up and I could see the relief in his eyes once he felt understood,” shared Dog Daddy.

A video posted on the trainer’s TikTok page has gone viral with 1.7 million views. People from around the world thanked him and AGWC for all their life-saving work.

@thedogdaddyofficial ❤️@agwcrockinrescue ♬ original sound – The Irish Connection

One person wrote, “All he needed was love and assurance 🥺 no such thing as a bad dog or a bad animal. They are loving creatures”. Another said, “working in a kennel has showed me how insanely different dogs are outside of a kennel.”

He reassured his followers that Rocco will be adoptable and said, “His life matters.” The animal hero hopes to help misunderstood dogs get the chance they deserve and save even more lives through his dog training. Learn more by following him on TikTok.

Check out Rocco’s transformation in the video below.

Rocco has progressed so much in a week that the rescue believes he is ready to find his forever home. They are looking for a home without children and for patient parents to allow Rocco to adjust at his own pace. Be sure to share his story to help him find a loving home.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog