Nico

Our sweet little Maltese x boy is now ready for that very very special home
Noco is super gorgeous , very cuddly and loving BUT has some significant behavior challenges that we have been working on with him and he will ONLY be adopted to a special experienced home with the skills to continue his training plan we have been working with assessed and drafted by a top ranked behaviorist
Nico is a sweet little fella with a happy demeanor
He has the cutest little teddy bear face you will fall instantly in love with
He is dog social and a loving little guy for the right person
Please read Nico’s full profile before applying
This little fluff ball will require a home with confidence and a no fear approach while he continues to develop the skills he has been working on

Favourite things
Playing tug o war
Playing chase with his fur buddies
Food
Practicing his shake and drop
Playing ‘find it’s at the park

Nico will need an experienced dog owner
Nico will take a while to decompress in your home and feel comfortable with you. He came to us from the pound and was highly stressed and at times fearful and reactive of people entering his space so we engaged a trainer. Nico comes with a training plan which we will discuss if you have a successful application. Nico will NOT be rehomed to a home with children/ grandchildren/ elderly or inexperienced dog owners. We are ideally looking for a home with one person for him to build his bond with you.
Nico has displayed some resources guarding his owner so therefore we feel he’s suited to one person or max 2 people who are firm but patient, kind and understanding.
Once comfortable he is a great affectionate little fella who will form a great bond with you. He does love a good cuddle with his favourite person
Nico has been around teenage children for a weekend away with no issues but you do need understand his boundaries. He loves to come to you for pats but does not like people to come into his space as it makes him uncomfortable. Nico has a few triggers but once you understand them he is easy to manage

Obedience/training
Nico has had some training
He loves to shake, drop, wait
He walks well on the lead
Nico is very treat / food driven so has responded well to training
Nico has has some off leash time at an enclosed park and shows good recall if you have treats. He can get distracted if there are other dogs around. He happy to be walked on lead
His favourite game at the park is ‘find it’. He sits and then a treat is thrown and he is given the command ‘find it. He has an amazing nose to sniff out the threat beating his other furry friends to the prize. Nico also loooooves rolling in the grass

Animal social skills
Nico is a little social butterfly who enjoys playing chase with his resident pals
He does get a little barky in play when excited during a game of chase
Nico will walk past other dogs and happily not engage with them
Nico has been living with both male and female dogs with no problems
He is protective over high value foods so if adopted with another dog he would have to be separated if given a chew to enjoy

Independence
Nico will bark as you leave the home but settles very quickly and rarely barks throughout the day. He is left at home with other dogs while his carer works. He has not shown any destructive traits . He would love a doggy door so he could be inside if you are not home.

Food
Nico is hand fed his food, this was under the advice of a trainer to help build a bond between him and his carer. Nico is fed twice a day, dry food

Hygiene
He is toilet trained but may mark his territory initially
Nico will need regular grooming and brushing. As Nico came to rescue already groomed we don’t know how he reacts to handling but just to be safe we suggest an experienced groomer. He enjoys being brushed at home now he has formed a bond with his carer. He’s not a big fan of a bath but will tolerate it and then will go crazy doing zoomies outside to dry off.

Sleeping
Nico sleeps on his fluffy bed all night. He currently has access to a doggy door if he needs to toilet overnight. He will need toileting before bed and in the morning when he wakes

Car travel
Nico travels well in the car
He has has a 2 hour trip to the beach with no car sickness or any other issues

Exercise
Nico loves a daily walk
He’s a funny little fella as when he’s tired he will just stop and lay down. A minute rest and he’s ready to go again. About 20 min is enough for his little legs
Nico has also been introduced to water which initially he wasn’t a fan of but now realizes it a great way to cool off especially in the recent hot weather
Nico loved exploring the beach.

Inside the home
It’s important to set some inside rules with Nico. He is not allowed on the bed or couch. This is to prevent him from developing resource guarding issues. He is directed to him bed inside
Nico is learning he has boundaries inside the home and his new home needs to continue this especially when he first arrives until he knows the rules

If you are interested in applying for the adoption of Nico please be sure to send your Enquiry as per the post instructions
TO APPLY PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION FORM ON THIS LINK HERE
LINK TO APPLICATION FORM
https://forms.gle/4xMyjsPosAggKu8D7

Ideal home/ Adoption Criteria
Home with one person or a couple who only want furbabies
A home that can follow his training plan that will come with him without lapsing
Nico will not be adopted to a home with children/ elderly due some of his behavior issues. An adult only home
A home with another dog is great but not a deal breaker
A home with dog experience
No apartment living will be considered
A family who will be patient and allow Nico time to decompress and take the building of dog/ human relationship slowly
A firm but loving and patient home as this little guy will thrive in the right home
A home that’s will meet his grooming needs