Nux

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Update 10/06/2021: “His foster parents have had success with a whistle to stop him and make corrections at home; they continue to use the whistle to refocus him.”

Mr. Nux is still a work in progress. His foster parents have had success with a whistle to stop him and make corrections at home; they continue to use the whistle to refocus him. He has not improved on leash at this point but has made some improvement with his sitting and staying at the door. Positive reinforcement with some treats help.

Nux loves chew toys. Heavy-duty toys are a must for this pup since he tears apart the plush toys.

Currently Nux has been taking a calming probiotic. He will be going to another foster home soon to help him continue his journey to become the best Springer boy he can be. 

Original:  “Nux’s foster parents believe that he would be well suited in a high energy family with lots of interaction.”

Nux came to MAESSR when his Pennsylvania family felt he deserved more activity than he was getting.  This original home had a five year old child with disabilities who was frightened by Nux’s jumping.  As a result, Nux was spending quite a bit of time in crated which was not allowing for him to get the exercise he needed and burn off his puppy energy.  

Housetrained, Nux will go to the back door to let his foster family know that he needs to go out.  He is also crate trained and spends time in it when his foster family has to step out of the house and at bedtime. 

This young Springer will counter-surf occasionally and gets on the couch.  Nux has to be reminded that four on the floor applies to him!  He hasn’t gotten into the trash at his foster home; however, the trash cans are not easily accessible.  Still a puppy who likes to chew, Nux has damaged a few pair of socks.  His foster family is teaching him what makes acceptable chewing toys for puppies.  He is fed in the kitchen near the resident dogs and does not exhibit any issues with food guarding. 

Nux plays well with the younger resident dog at his foster home. He tries to engage in play with the senior dog who wants nothing to do with him.  Reportedly in his original home, he enjoyed running the fence line with a Rottweiler friend.  This good boy shows no aggression with other dogs.

Nux is interested in cats but does not hurt them.  He will chase after them if they run but can be quickly corrected to stop.  His foster parents are teaching Nux not to jump up on people which could be a problem with youngsters.  The original owner said he is good at the veterinarian and, while he hasn’t been to an official groomer, his nails were routinely trimmed while at daycare. 

Although he knows the commands “sit,” “down,” and “stay,” Nux only maintains the “stay” if his person maintains eye contact.  He walks on his harness but still pulls a bit.  He needs continued work on walking.    He is very curious about new people and will bark for a minute but ultimately just wants to say hello.   He rides well in the car, also.

Please note that MAESSR will require the adoptive family to take their new family member through a series of obedience classes within 90 days of adoption.  MAESSR only places puppies – even older ones like Nux– in homes that are committed to training and bonding with the pup in obedience classes. Puppies require a lot of care, attention, and patience.  MAESSR believes the decision to get a puppy and raise it to be a healthy, happy, and well-adjusted dog is a serious commitment.  Nux will be a star pupil!

Nux loves ANY toy; however, the Kong and good rope bones are the ones that seem to be able to withstand his play the longest.  It did not take him long to make waste of plushies and squeakers when he arrived at his foster home.  He really enjoys playing catch outside with a tennis ball and will start zooming around the yard.  He has not demonstrated any guarding behaviors in his foster home.  His energy level is HIGH!

Nux’s foster parents believe that he would be well suited in a high energy family with lots of interaction.  He needs plenty of exercise and play and would be great in a house with older children.  Spunky and very much still a puppy, Nux needs high levels of activity and engagement.  He is extremely curious about everything in his foster home from the birds and fountain in the back yard to the street noise in front of the home.  He also enjoys looking out the window and observing the neighbors.  He also bounces at the door like a pogo stick when it’s time to go out.  With his previous family, he has experience in puppy daycare and enjoyed going there.  This active boy would also be well suited for individuals who can put him through the paces of agility training, obstacle courses, runs, or other enrichment activities.   

If yours is a very active family that enjoys playing and exercising with your dog, consider adopting Nux!