Niko II

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Entered: 12/29/2009

Status: Adopted

Age: 5

Color: Black/White

Weight: 56 lbs.

Gender: Altered Male

Location: Goochland, VA

Health: UTD, HW-, overall good health

Temperament: Good with people as young as 15, good with other dogs, not good with cats

Niko II's Story . . .

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Update 10/14/2015: “He excelled in class such that the trainer used Niko as an example on how a dog should respond to commands; he learned them quickly.“

After good years in an adopting home, Niko returned to MAESSR when his family decided he should not be with the young children in the household.   When a person (though not his owners) stands over Niko, bends over to pat him on the head, and looks Niko in the eyes, he will jump and snap at the person.  The family did not want to take a chance that their children or visiting children would be hurt. Otherwise, he is good with people and older children. This type of episode seems to trigger something.

Niko really likes other dogs, loves to play with them, and loves to play at the dog park. He lived with another dog and they were fine eating side by side...even out of the same bowl; there was no growling or resource guarding.  In addition he doesn’t guard toys or his crate. Niko was good with the resident chickens in his previous home. His owner had taught Niko that the chickens were off limits and Niko abided with that.  He is a good watchdog and will only bark if he has a reason to... something he heard, etc.   Rounding out good manners, Niko does not dig, chew on people’s things, exhibits no submissive urination, and doesn’t beg for food or counter-surf. He will jump on people who come to visit but only to seek their attention. He is a very good dog, a smart dog, is easy to train, learns things very quickly and is very friendly. He does like to be around people as well as other dogs.

As a youngster Niko completed two courses of obedience training. He excelled in class such that the trainer used Niko as an example on how a dog should respond to commands; he learned them quickly. Niko knows “sit”, “stay”, “roll over and play dead”, and does “come” but not all the time. He is crate trained and uses a crate at his leisure. Niko is not crated when his foster family goes away, as he is trustworthy in the house and does not have any "accidents."  He does pull on the leash, loves to go on car rides, has no car sickness and is a good traveler for long journeys.

Niko does well with home grooming. He isn’t fond of getting his toe nails done but he does allow it. He has gone swimming in the past and liked that. He loves to be touched, though he isn’t much of a cuddler. His preference is to be a lap. If yours is a home that isn’t frequented by little people, ask about meeting Niko. He’s a very sweet dog with exemplary manners!

Original: "He loves to play, wrestle, and “love” and it does not have to be in that order!"

When Niko was found as a stray in Virginia and was taken to the local shelter, the shelter staff contacted MAESSR.

This fun boy is just as cute and sweet as they come. He loves to play, wrestle, and “love” and it does not have to be in that order! He is typical puppy in most of his mannerisms and will definitely benefit from the obedience classes that will be required of his adoptive home.

Niko has adjusted to sleeping in a crate after initially refusing to go in. Now he just enters and takes a nap. He is crated at night and while his foster parents are at work. Niko rides very well in the car; he just lies down and goes to sleep. Niko is not 100% reliable in the house training department, yet. He almost has the idea, but sometimes he gets so busy playing that he forgets to go outside until it is too late.

This sweet boy is going to be a wonderful addition to some lucky home!