NICHOLAS' PICS

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Suitable for which type of housing? (House, townhome, apartment?)
House, townhome, or attached housing with good soundproofing

Is your dog good with other dogs?
Yes — very playful and social. He can be pushy in play so older, senior, frail dogs may not be the best for him. He currently is fostered with two other large breed dogs, and he really like the younger male dog that has similar playing style as him. Sometimes they are penned in the same room together and that seems to help with Nichola’s anxiety when not with his human. He can be pushy with the older dog and sometimes may not take her cues when he is being too much. He does have very good recall when he is being too much with the older dog and his future home will have to set up the proper boundaries and communication with him when he is being a bit much. He loves to give unsolicited kisses to his dog friends, which some may like and some may not.

Is your dog good with cats?
Yes but untested in current foster home, was told he grew up with a cat. Current foster has observed him meeting a rabbit at a pet store and Nicholas was interested but easily recalled back.

Is your dog good with kids?
Yes but untested in current foster home, was told he grew up with children age range from 4-13. He can be jumpy and excited when he sees certain new human and that may be a little much for young kids.

Is your dog house trained?
Yes — will paw at the door when he needs to go outside

Is your dog crate trained?
Yes but he tries his best to settle. He will cry and whine for initial crating and will cry and howl if he is in there longer than 4-5 hours. He will try to paw and mouth the crate when he gets frustrated.

Currently, foster is penning him away in a separate room with another dog (with Nicholas either in a crate or not) and he has done better without human in the room/pen set up with other calmer dog in the space.

Does your dog have any special needs?
Consistency with schedules for alone time and structured ways to burn energy. Another playful dog with similar playing style, size and energy may be helpful for Nicholas when he is away from his human. Please note that another dog playing with Nicholas does not always expend all his energy.

Does your dog have any or display any aggression? (Toys, food or people?)
No aggression toward people. Like many northern breeds, he benefits from advocacy around possessions (food, bones, and toys) and from preventing other dogs from attempting to take his items.

Is your dog playful?
Yes — very playful and energetic

Does your dog like to snuggle?
Yes — once he is done playing

Does your dog know basic commands? (Sit, stay...)
Yes — has an excellent stay, recall and other basic commands. Nicholas has done board and train program with Kanata K9 and has really solidified his basic commands.

Does your dog know any special tricks?
Nicholas would go on treadmill on his own as a form of structured exercise to burn his energy. Current foster feeds most of his dinner on the treadmill as treats for him to keep on it on his own. When he is hungry for dinner, he would jump on the treadmill himself and make eye contact with his foster mom to indicate he is ready.

Does your dog like to go on walks?
Yes. He loves long walks, hikes and ability to sniff everything.  He has been great on leash walks. While he is excited to see new dog friends, he can be quickly recalled back for attention and is not reactive.

Does your dog have any fears?
He may shy away if someone moves quickly into his space or reaches toward his face for pets.

Does your dog have any unique traits that you have noticed whether in personality or physically?
Mischievous golden eyes, very curly tail, play bows and lots of kisses (for human and for his doggy friends, sometimes unsolicited)

What are the three first words that come to mind when you think of your dog?
Goofy, high-energy, and enthusiastic

In a short paragraph, please provide any other details or a brief overview of your foster dog.
Nicholas is a young, energetic Husky/Shepherd mix with a playful, social personality and a love for adventure. He thrives with structure, routine, and clear boundaries, and his adopters will need to continue the training foundation established through his board-and-train program with Kanata K9 to help him feel secure and successful. Nicholas may benefit from the companionship of another dog with a similar size, energy level, and play style, as having a dog friend can help ease his anxiety when he is away from his human—though canine companionship alone is not a substitute for ongoing human guidance and ways to burn off his energy. With consistent leadership, appropriate outlets for his energy, and continued training, Nicholas will do best in an active home committed to helping him reach his full potential.