Nixi is back up for adoption. Her current foster-to-adopter family has had some recent family dynamic changes and now a newly-walking, toddler has been added to the daily mix. Like all very small children, the baby excites Nixi and she tries to interact with him like a toy, not in a vicious way at all but mouthy, knocking it over, barking. All means of controlling the situation while maintaining a quality of life for all has been exhausted and the foster family has made the painful decision to allow Nixi to be rehomed. They are heartbroken as Nixi is very easy to love and their intent was to adopt her permanently. In the 11 weeks they have had Nixi they have done everything right and Nixi will be a much easier handful now than when she was initially surrendered. She and her canine siblings visit a neighborhood dog park every day and continue with a robust walk. She has opportunities all day long to play outside. She is attending weekly formal training at Petsco and has daily lessons to reinforce what she’s learned. Nixi also enjoys going out with her people for patio dining excursions and trips to Home Depot or Tractor Supply. She is popular everywhere she goes. All of her initial bad habits are much improved, though she still needs a watchful eye on her or she might get into mischief. Continued training is needed. (Any adopters in the Conroe area could have any of her remaining Petco classes transferred to them.)
Note: As to children, although NOT suitable for a life among toddlers and small children, Nixi LOVES interacting with the older kids she meets. There is a playground next to her dog park and Nixi loves the attention and interaction she gets from her many admirers.
Nixi will need someone home with her for the most part and lots of opportunities for exercise and mental stimulation. A dog or Airedale experienced adopter with a commitment to continue training is ideal.
TART has a comprehensive update from her foster to adopt family that will be sent to any adopter who looks like a potential fit. Below are primarily Nixi's original surrender notes with some changes or updates from her fosters noted in italicized bold.
Fast Facts about Nixi: (Updated info from Foster to adopted is bolded/italicized.
Nixi: • Puppy • 1yr, 4mos. old (BD 12-21-2022) • Female • 60 lbs • Spayed • Fully Housebroken and uses doggy dog • Happy/good-natured • No bite or aggressive history • On Heart Worm-Meds (Simpatico Trio) • In Training • Good on a leash but will sometimes pull • Good with all medium to large friendly dogs (not tested with small dogs because of her robust, happy exuberance) • Too big and energetic for small children • Chews Much improved and managed • Digs Much improved and managed • Microchipped (991001911408480 911fPetChip) • Crate trained • Has lived around cats but plays too roughly and wants to chase • Current home has cats but keeps them separated • Parents AKC Registered
General Background: Nixi was purchased from a Texas breeder as a puppy to replace her original family’s outside German Shepherd who was hit by a car. Nixi spent her days outside and was usually crated indoors at night. Her original home was in a rural area near a highway. It had a wireless fence so original owners also use a goat-size kennel to secure Nixi during the day.
Reason for Surrender: Nixi’s original owners had 3 indoor Miniature Schnauzers which were their “gold standard”. Nixi, in comparison was “huge”, over-active, didn’t comprehend her size, was untrained and developed bad habits like excessive chewing and digging. Both adults in the home had physical disabilities that prevent them from working with her and providing the training and human interaction she craved. Nixi was their first Airedale and they were overwhelmed with her energy, intelligence, and overall needs. Nixi has been living as an indoor dog with a foster to adopt family for the past 11 weeks where she has gotten daily exercise, training and socialization. All bad behaviors are markedly improved though she still needs a watchful eye and continued training.
Medical: Nixi has full current vet records, is spayed and is on heart worm medication.
Behavior: Behavior: Nixi is a sweet, loving, precious girl who has daily exercise needs. She is friendly with all dogs but due to her size and energy, in her original home, she was not allowed to interact with the miniature Schnauzers for their fear of her inadvertently hurting one of them. Nixi gets along GREAT with other dogs but plays rough and has impressive stamina. She is well known at the dog park and has a Standard Poodle bestie. Having a large yard and an active, playful canine sibling her size would be a perk for a new adopter. Nixi is untested with small dogs but would probably be too much for all but the most robust.
Nixi was bored in her original home. Her needs for a close human connection and interaction were not being met and she developed some bad habits. One was chewing excessively on random things and also digging and eating plants in the yard. Because of this, she had to spend more and more time in an outdoor goat-size kennel that was purchased to keep her from the highway. Nixi currently gets a great deal of mental and physical activity each day but still has some mouthy, puppy chewing needs. Her foster family gives her bully-sticks and other appropriate items to satisfy her chewing. She is much improved in the yard but still needs a watchful eye to avoid relapses.
At her original home, the more time Nixi spent in the kennel, the worse her pent-up energy became, so back in the kennel she went in a vicious cycle that did nothing to solve her boredom or frustration that were most likely driving these behaviors. Nixi is currently only crated at night and when her foster family leaves the house to run errands and such. She is no longer bored and they would be adopting her permanently had it not been for her not working well with their toddler grandchild.
Nixi is fully house trained and knows how to use a doggy door to let herself out.
Nixi loves her daily walks now and is good on a leash. She might pull if she gets excited but she is controllable and getting better all the time.
Nixi is fine with the groomer and now enjoys a daily soft brushing to keep her coat maintained.
Her foster family have not seen Nixi exhibit any type of anxiety related to noise or environment.
Nixi is not aggressive at all, she just wants to play and interact with any and all people or dogs she meets.
Nixi loves all friendly dogs and would love to be around another energetic dog like herself of similar size. She has interactions with other family members dogs and neighbor dogs and some of them find her play energy too much.
Nixi loves toys and loves water. She has a bouncy ball hanging from a tree limb she enjoys until it gets caught up in the branches. Foster family has also observed Nixi’s love of water activities. They speculate she’d love being on a boat. Nixi is a good passenger in the car but if you have food in there, keep an eye on her.
Nixi is not fed around other dogs but does not seem to be food, treat or toy possessive. As a smaller puppy in her original home, the property cats use to come try to eat out of her bowl and she usually let them, she didn’t care. Nixi has not shown resource guarding in her foster home either.
Nixi’s had never lived with children but had exposure to a 7 year-old grandson. She was sweet with him but he had to learn to deal with her high energy and bouncing around. She does not realize how big she is. Nixi is not suitable for living with very small children.
Nixi’s very favorite things are: 1.Playing. Playing with toys, playing fetch (brings things back pretty close) and water. 2. Being near her people (loves it when her people come sit outside) 3. Being in the house 4. Getting praise and getting a treat Playing at the dog park Chasing squirrels Playing in water Getting love, though she’s not overly needy
Nixi’s least favorite things are: 1. Being kenneled “Obeying” vexes her when she’s intent on getting into mischief
Adoption Challenges (as per her foster): Nixi came to her foster home with several challenging behaviors. They have worked with her extensively and ALL ARE MUCH IMPROVED but you still have to be on your toes and correct her if she strays. These indoor behaviors included: counter-surfing and occasional destructive chewing. Outdoors Nixi loves gardening with you and proudly prancing around with big sticks she’s commandeered BUT, she will indulge herself in some yard mischief if not watched. This outdoor mischief includes digging, protecting the world from potted plants, sprinkler heads and solar lights. Again, her puppy behaviors have all improved dramatically but Nixi still needs a close eye on her and gentle, corrective guidance until she matures.
What an adopter will love about Nixi (as per current owner and foster): A new adopter is going to love Nixi’s happy, playful, joyful disposition and her loving heart. She loves to run and watching her bound around is a pleasure. She is desperate for attention, bonding and interaction with a special person/family and has limitless potential with the right adopter. She wants to be near her people and ultimately sit right next to you as close as she can.
Nixi is a joyful, happy girl with an infectious zest for life. She makes you smile with her antics and high-spirited play. She is affectionate but not overly needy of your attention. She is a delight and for the person/s who puts in the continued love and work during this puppy-phase, is going to have the most fantastic, loving girl.
Ideal next home: Nixi has come a long way since coming into her foster’s home but still needs training as she matures. Nixi is still very much a puppy-girl and not just any ‘ole puppy…she’s all Airedale, inside and out.Nixi needs an active person/people engaged and committed to her who will assure her exercise and play needs are met and her training is continued. Nixi needs a patient, loving dog experienced (preferably Airedale) adopter who has the time to invest in her. Someone needs to be home with her most days and at least somewhat versed in positive reinforcement training.
Nixi needs a big, secure yard, walks and ample opportunities for play. A friendly, energetic canine sibling would be a ideal. She would also love older, dog-experienced children.
Nixi would love opportunities to be around and in the water.
Nixi’s current foster couple love her and are committed, as we are, to seeing her find an adoption where she won’t loose the immense strides she’s made. Although her next adopters are going to have an infinitely easier time with Nixi due to the love, care and training she’s had these past weeks, there is still work to be done.
