Nixon

Nixon is a fun loving pup, and although we're biased, I'd dare say he's perfect. He will thrive in an active household where someone is around all day, and with very clear and defined boundaries. He is highly social, however, care must be taken not to overwhelm him with loud, new situations. He is just a puppy. His cuteness makes him highly desirable and everyone wants to grab and have a piece of him, so he will need an owner who can tell strangers off and make sure they give him the respect he deserves. It is not ok to jump into his face when he is in someone's arms, like with all dogs, people need to wait for him to come to them (which he is very happy to do). He is still unsure of children due to their somewhat erratic nature, but if you give him 5 minutes to work out they're safe, he'll be jumping in their laps and giving kisses. Like any dog, we'd only suggest Nixon be around them when supervised, for both their safety.

Everyone who has met Nixon at the shelter will see a puppy flying through the air, greeting everyone, zooming about and finding things to play with, being a perfect puppy. Given his current state, it's hard to believe that he has had weeks worth of behavioural training, and that he wasn't always quite so confident. At 16 weeks, Nixon couldn't be rehomed from the pound due to aggression. Affectionately known as Cujo, he would lunge in his cage and try to bite anyone that went near him and his sister. When he arrived in care, he showed the same aggression to other dogs. This is all in the past for Nixon, however he will require ongoing socialisation. He has a will to protect his owner, and needs gentle reminders that his defensiveness is unnecessary. We do not want Nixon to grow into "one of those yappy small dogs with a complex". He has also learnt to share his human with other animals, and is socialised with bunnies, guinea pigs, sheep, cats, dogs of all sizes, etc. Chickens are still too much of a temptation for him, and as a puppy, supervision is always essential.

This smart boy will always come when called, leaps into your arm for pats, takes his role as lap warmer very seriously, is so intelligent and a well adjusted boy. He is now ready to take the next step and continue this with a family of his own. Nixon has attended a school fete with us where he could run and get cuddles from all the children, and we are very confident that our work with him is done. He just loves people and getting attention.

Nixon is great around the vacuum and thunderstorms. He is housetrained, and sleeps through the night. Loves to be with you, but does not suffer from separation anxiety.