| NIXXON |
STATE: ME
AGE: 5 years
WEIGHT: 75 lbs
SEX: Male
NEUT/UTD: Yes/Yes
COAT COLOR: brindle
DOCKED TAIL: Yes
CROPPED EARS: No
CHILDREN under 4: No (no history)
CHILDREN OVER 4: No (too much stress)
SEPARATION ANXIETY: No
OTHER DOGS: Yes
CATS: Yes
CRATE TRAINED:Yes
HOUSE TRAINED: Yes
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: Yes
LEASH TRAINED: No
ATTENDING OBEDIENCE: No
MICROCHIPPED: no
ADOPTION FEE: $300
AGE: 5 years
WEIGHT: 75 lbs
SEX: Male
NEUT/UTD: Yes/Yes
COAT COLOR: brindle
DOCKED TAIL: Yes
CROPPED EARS: No
CHILDREN under 4: No (no history)
CHILDREN OVER 4: No (too much stress)
SEPARATION ANXIETY: No
OTHER DOGS: Yes
CATS: Yes
CRATE TRAINED:Yes
HOUSE TRAINED: Yes
OBEDIENCE TRAINED: Yes
LEASH TRAINED: No
ATTENDING OBEDIENCE: No
MICROCHIPPED: no
ADOPTION FEE: $300
UPDATE 3/4/08 - Nixxon has been with us for over a year now and he has settled in just fine (maybe a
little too well). Nixxon needs a constant reminder that he isn't our pack leader, but he is adjusting well
to his role as #3 in our pack. We are on a routine of taking him for a long walk in the morning before
work, and that seems to have helped curtail his energy for the rest of the day.
Nixxon's in-laws (an older female boxer and a male boxer puppy) came over to visit a few weeks ago.
Nixxon enjoyed having a little pup to boss around, but he was a little jealous whenever another dog was
the center of attention. I think he really enjoyed having a pack of boxers for a weekend.
We are all eagerly awaiting the warmer weather and longer days so Nixxon can get back on a more
active schedule. He has enjoyed his trips to the beaches this winter. He got a pair of snow booties this
winter, and his first few steps in them are always worth a good laugh (all four legs aimlessly punch the
air).
Nixxon keeps our feet warm at night as he curls up to sleep on the foot of our bed. He also enjoys
napping on his dog bed right in front of the wood stove after a long day of playing. Nixxon has been a
perfect addition to our family and we hope to have him around for many years.
UPDATE 7/20/07 - It's been 6 months now and Nixxon has really started to settle in. His true
personality seems to be showing now that he is comfortable in his new home. While he still pouts when
we leave him home alone, he understands that we will be back shortly. He always greets us with
uncontrollable wiggles when we come home.
Nixxon loves to go for walks, take trips to the park, ride in the car, play with his toys and curl up (or
sprawl out) and take long naps. I took him for a short jog tonight and he did well, until we came across
another dog on the trail. Nixxon has improved his social skills a bit, but when we have him on his leash
he tries to lunge at certain people and other dogs. He seems better when he is off of his leash and is
able to approach people on his own.
We have to leave Nixxon at doggie camp for a couple of days as we head off to get married. Nixxon
will be staying with his sister-in-law (a 9 year old fawn boxer) at camp, so he probably won't even
notice we're gone. He loves to taunt her because his younger legs last longer when they chase each
other around. He will run along side her and bark at her as if to tell her to keep up.
We have started to teach Nixxon how to swim, and he is NOT a graceful swimmer. He was afraid of
the water at first, but he is slowly getting acclimated. He has his doggie life vest to keep him afloat when
he goes over his head (just in case). Nixxon doesn't quite get how to transition into the deeper water.
His approach is to walk out as far as he can, then stand up on his back legs and slam his front paws into
the water. He does this repeatedly until he comes down over his head, and then he "swims." We tried
to take pictures of Nixxon swimming, but he raises his paws in and out of the water so fiercely that there
is too much water splashing about to see him.
Nixxon has been a great addition to our family. He really has been a perfect fit. We hope he enjoys
our company as much as we enjoy his.
UPDATE 5/5/07 - Nixxon is adjusting well to his new home. He is enjoying the lovely spring weather
we are having. Today he took a nice long nap in the sun while we did some yard work. Nixxon is still
a little confused by the run we put up for him. I don't think he likes the pulley that follows him
everywhere he goes. When he is not on his run, he stays right by our side in our yard, and usually ends
up stomping through our gardens.
Nixxon is still a bit defensive whenever another dog or person approaches him. He seems more relaxed
when someone approaches him when he is not on his leash or in the car. We try not to park near the
shopping cart return areas at the grocery store because we will find Nixxon nose prints against the car
windows, as he will bark at people who walk too close to the car. He does seem to be getting better,
but he still needs a lot of work.
He loves entertaining our guests or visiting other people's homes. Nixxon loves to be the center of
attention. He will crawl right up on your lap if he feels he is being ignored.
Nixxon is still the worst catching dog I have ever seen. He still loves to play "catch", but he usually lets
the ball hit his face or paws and then go chase after it. It is very entertaining for all involved.
Nixxon had quite an accomplishment recently as he had the first tick of the season (according to our
vet). The tick had latched onto his neck, but was not a Lyme disease carrier. He started his anti-tick
medication this week so hopefully that is the last tick we see this season.
UPDATE 4/5/07 - Nixxon continues to be a fantastic addition to our family. He is always by one of
our sides. He loves his squeaky football toy and strangely enough, he loves playing with our big
Balance/Exercise ball that we use for sit ups. When we got our first snow, Nixxon seemed very
confused by the cold white fluffly stuff. Now, he loves playing in the snow.
Nixxon has put on a little weight, which is good because he was so skinny when we first got him. But
he has put on so much muscle that he is strong enough to push his mommy out of bed on an almomst
nightly basis now.
Nixxon started obedience classes with 10 other dogs. Nixxon was too naughty in group, so the
instructor moved us to one-on-one training. Nixxon's mommy and daddy were very embarassed to get
"kicked out" of Petco group classes in front of a bunch of other people, but we also found the situation
quite amusing.
At home, Nixxon is very well behaved. He knows how to sit, stay, lie down, and bark when he needs
to go out. However, Nixxon turns into an anxious mess when we take him out into public. Other dogs
don't stress him out. In fact, he's become best friends with my mother's very agressive female boxer.
But other people (especially men) make him really nervous and agressive. He even gets scared by little
kids, which is strange to me. I'm not sure what happened in Nixxon's former life, but he certainly never
seemed to develop a trust for people. To help Nixxon become more socially adjusted, we make sure
to take him on walks in public places (like the Eastern Prom in Portland).
We are looking forward to spring with Nixxon. We are going to teach him how to swim and take him
on lots of hikes and walks. We are going to keep working on his social skills (and his catching skills; I
have never seen a dog have as much trouble catching a tennis ball as Nixxon). More updates to come.
UPDATE 3/4/07 - Nixxon has been a great addition to our family since the day he arrived in New
Gloucester. He loves being spoiled as the only dog and will let us know if he isn't getting enough of our
love. He loves to play with his squeaky toys and anything that we can play tug-of-war with. Nixxon is
very well behaved in our house and yard, but he does need some work out in public when other people
and dogs are present. His obedience training should allow him to socialize more.
He arrived at our house a little on the skinny side, so we are trying to fatten him up a bit. He loves to go
on walks and the beach is one of his favorite venues (plenty of interesting smells). As the warmer
weather approaches, we can not wait to take Nixxon out on more walks and hikes. Nixxon like to play
hard and then nap even harder (as he is doing right now).
Nixxon picked up a scratch on his ear and it looks like it might be infected, so he has his first trip to the
vet tomorrow. He has had a few accidents in the house, but he clearly knows where he is supposed to
doo.
We are spending the upcoming weekend at a relative's house where Nixxon will be able to play with
another boxer (an older female). He should get plenty of play time in and get some work on his social
skills.
Nixxon has been a perfect fit thus far. More updates to come.
2/4/07 - Nixxon has been adopted!
1/24/07 - Wow, how time flies! Nixxon has been back here at his foster home for almost 3 months &
is still waiting for his perfect home to come along for him. He really is a great boy & we have bonded
,almost too much! ("no room for more dogs Julie, no more dogs!"-LOL!). I can only repeat how
wonderful he is: big lovebug, likes to cuddle, sleeps on the bed at night & on the couch or dog bed
when I'm home, great in his crate when I'm not home, super cute talker (growls & barks when playing),
loves to play fetch & keep away, very gentle with his owner he bonds with, etc. On the other side of
things I'll tell you some more of the things that would be great & not so great for Nixxon's new home:
No pushovers as he can be dominant with people if you let him, boxer experienced home needed that is
use to a higher protective nature & a talkative personality (he growls at you when playing or when he's
"talking", can be VERY intimidating if someone is not use to that), no condo/apartment/big city life or
dog parks(too much stress & too many strangers), either a fenced yard or out on leash only if live in
suburban setting (no invisible fencing), quieter home without lots of visitors coming & going all the time
(gets too nervous), country settings with other dogs & cats are fine (would be okay as an only dog too),
no kids (again, too much activity usually & he has a dominant personality). I still notice he has issues
more with men & people wearing hats, but he does adjust if given some time & space (or a few treats
for bribery doesn't hurt!). Nixxon's favorite toys are any type of balls (tennis ball to big Jolly Ball) &
anything that is a soft rubber squeeky toy (and HE doesn't destroy them like most do!!-LOL!).
Nixxon is a special boy that deserves a special home. When the fit is right, he's a wonderful companion
& playmate. Do you think you are the one for Nixxon & have a few squeeky toys & balls for him to
play with you? He's waiting!
11/11/06 - Nixxon has been doing very well since he came back last weekend & he definitely
remembered me as his being his last foster Mom! He has enjoyed going for rides in the car with me &
if I just show him the leash & he gets soooooo excited & cannot help himself! LOL He jumps, stomps
his feet & literally smiles at you, happy to either go for a ride or walk. He does pull on the leash still
when walking & he is a strong boy, so a gentle leader collar or gentle leader no-pull harness would
probably do wonders for him.
Nixxon LOVES playing with this little football shaped squeeky toy that makes an odd noise, he found it
in the back of my car. He will step on it like a cat pouncing, just to hear it squeek! :) He spent the day
riding around with me yesterday while I did some errands & he was a great boy. He did bark
protectively if I was in the car still & someone came up too close to us in the parking lot. I did tell him it
was okay & no need to bark & he responded to me (though at times I sure don't mind the
protectiveness when I am out by myself!). :) Nixxon truly is a nice dog for the right, quieter type of a
home. Are you that home for Nixxon?
11/5/06 - A very sad family brought Nixxon to meet me yesterday to surrender him back to rescue to
find a different type of a home. I think he was just was too stressed with all the activity of a house & a
business that had lots of people coming & going. They truly loved Nixxon & worked very hard to
make things better & work for him. With me and my animals, he was perfectly fine and didn't show any
anxiety, but I know at his first foster home & his new home he had more activity around him & je did
not seem to know how to handle the stress of this & would get nervous & snap at times. More
updates soon on Nixxon as he settles back in here.
UPDATE 9/13/06 - It took a couple of weeks but Nixxon has setteled in very well. We have found
that we can let Nixxon out without a leash and he stays around the house with us. Nixxon is a little leary
of certain men. On 9/11 we went to our first obedience training class. The first night was just for the
owners. Our homework is to work on lay down and sit with a clicker. Nixxon has done execellent so
far. Nixxon is so funny when he plays by himself. He will get a toy or a bone in his mouth and toss it up
in the air. Then will pounce on it and do it all over again.
8/11/06 - Nixxon has been adopted!
7/31/06 - Nixxon hitched a ride to Maine with Tasha's new Mom & the help of several other transport
volunteers. I had an opening & his current foster Mom was too full, so here he is now. Nixxon really
is a big boy, but he is a gentle giant. He does need to gain some weight & when he does, he should be
about 90 lbs of solid boxer boy. He's very tall & has a big beautiful boxer head. Nixxon loves to lay
his head in your lap, or tries to climb ever so quietly into your lap for a hug if you let him! (like you don't
notice him!-LOL!). He is great with both my dominant boxer boy & girl & gets along great with the
cats (actually is afraid of them most of the time!).
I took Nixxon to a BRAD(boxer rescue awareness day) we had at a Petco so he could get some
exposure to more people & kids. He did very well & loved getting all the attention he could & even got
jealous when the other boxer there was getting attention & made sure everyone in the store knew! He
sure talks a lot & tells you what he is feeling when he wants to! Whether it's a big wide mouthed, loud
yawn to tell you he's not getting enough attention to a big WOOF! to make SURE you don't miss him to
a whining/waa-waaa noise that is usually his winding UP voice! It cracks me up as I love the "talkers"
like this as they seem to be really trying to form words & tell you what they think & get frustrated if you
don't get it right away. Now an apartment or condo neighbor may not think this is so cute, so that is
probably not in Nixxon's best interest to go to that situation (you cannot keep a talkative dog quiet very
easily!-LOL!). It's also such a cute part of his personality, so I cannot see wanting to stop his
communication with you. Nixxon is great in his crate & goes right in on his own even.
The only "fault" I see that Nixxon has is that he comes across as being protective when he meets some
new people in public or coming into the house. In reality I see Nixxon is just a big chicken & he is very
scared & will bark & try to scare off whoever he is afraid of. For example, at Petco he loved almost
everyone he met (kids, men, women, teenagers), but he did bark at a couple who came in wearing
baseball hats & also at an employee whose arm was in a sling. Also, when he came up to Maine he
spent the night at another volunteer's house. When I picked him up in the AM & came in the house, he
was barking at me from behind the baby gate, but backing up the whole time, very scared (trying to
look tough though). I knew he was all talk & after a few minutes & getting on my knees, he came over
to me & started wiggling & enjoying the petting. I don't see Nixxon as a social butterfly type where you
can take him to kids ballgames or big picnics & expect him to be happy & content. He will be better
with a more quiet type of home without a lot of people coming & going for him to be worried about.
Do you have the right home for Nixxon? He's waiting to talk to you!
7/3/06 - What a good boy we have here :) He really knows basic commands, sits, lays immediately,
crate trained, house trained, does not jump my dogs should behave so well :)) lol lol We had him
outside while we did some chores last night. He was just a happy boy. Hung out on his lead, played
with a squeaky toy and a tennis ball, drank some water... he was very content. A neighbor came over
and he was all wiggles and said hello like a gentleman. His flews are rather large so he does drool a bit
after drinking water...... He has been outside with one of the other dogs. He does have a dominant
personality when it comes to his canine friends. He would be best in a home with a passive female dog
or being the only dog in the home. He is truly a special boy......... please get your application in he
won't be around long
7/2/06 - Nixxon has arrived and is settling in slowly. He has been through a lot of changes in the past
week.
He was surrendered to the shelter by his owner. For no fault of his own his previous owner was moving
and did not make provisions for him. So this gentle giant is still wheeling from all the changes . We're
letting him just relax and giving him time to adjust to his new environment. He is very handsome and is
house and crate trained. He is an easy going guy. We will introduce him to some of the other dogs in a
day or so.....
little too well). Nixxon needs a constant reminder that he isn't our pack leader, but he is adjusting well
to his role as #3 in our pack. We are on a routine of taking him for a long walk in the morning before
work, and that seems to have helped curtail his energy for the rest of the day.
Nixxon's in-laws (an older female boxer and a male boxer puppy) came over to visit a few weeks ago.
Nixxon enjoyed having a little pup to boss around, but he was a little jealous whenever another dog was
the center of attention. I think he really enjoyed having a pack of boxers for a weekend.
We are all eagerly awaiting the warmer weather and longer days so Nixxon can get back on a more
active schedule. He has enjoyed his trips to the beaches this winter. He got a pair of snow booties this
winter, and his first few steps in them are always worth a good laugh (all four legs aimlessly punch the
air).
Nixxon keeps our feet warm at night as he curls up to sleep on the foot of our bed. He also enjoys
napping on his dog bed right in front of the wood stove after a long day of playing. Nixxon has been a
perfect addition to our family and we hope to have him around for many years.
UPDATE 7/20/07 - It's been 6 months now and Nixxon has really started to settle in. His true
personality seems to be showing now that he is comfortable in his new home. While he still pouts when
we leave him home alone, he understands that we will be back shortly. He always greets us with
uncontrollable wiggles when we come home.
Nixxon loves to go for walks, take trips to the park, ride in the car, play with his toys and curl up (or
sprawl out) and take long naps. I took him for a short jog tonight and he did well, until we came across
another dog on the trail. Nixxon has improved his social skills a bit, but when we have him on his leash
he tries to lunge at certain people and other dogs. He seems better when he is off of his leash and is
able to approach people on his own.
We have to leave Nixxon at doggie camp for a couple of days as we head off to get married. Nixxon
will be staying with his sister-in-law (a 9 year old fawn boxer) at camp, so he probably won't even
notice we're gone. He loves to taunt her because his younger legs last longer when they chase each
other around. He will run along side her and bark at her as if to tell her to keep up.
We have started to teach Nixxon how to swim, and he is NOT a graceful swimmer. He was afraid of
the water at first, but he is slowly getting acclimated. He has his doggie life vest to keep him afloat when
he goes over his head (just in case). Nixxon doesn't quite get how to transition into the deeper water.
His approach is to walk out as far as he can, then stand up on his back legs and slam his front paws into
the water. He does this repeatedly until he comes down over his head, and then he "swims." We tried
to take pictures of Nixxon swimming, but he raises his paws in and out of the water so fiercely that there
is too much water splashing about to see him.
Nixxon has been a great addition to our family. He really has been a perfect fit. We hope he enjoys
our company as much as we enjoy his.
UPDATE 5/5/07 - Nixxon is adjusting well to his new home. He is enjoying the lovely spring weather
we are having. Today he took a nice long nap in the sun while we did some yard work. Nixxon is still
a little confused by the run we put up for him. I don't think he likes the pulley that follows him
everywhere he goes. When he is not on his run, he stays right by our side in our yard, and usually ends
up stomping through our gardens.
Nixxon is still a bit defensive whenever another dog or person approaches him. He seems more relaxed
when someone approaches him when he is not on his leash or in the car. We try not to park near the
shopping cart return areas at the grocery store because we will find Nixxon nose prints against the car
windows, as he will bark at people who walk too close to the car. He does seem to be getting better,
but he still needs a lot of work.
He loves entertaining our guests or visiting other people's homes. Nixxon loves to be the center of
attention. He will crawl right up on your lap if he feels he is being ignored.
Nixxon is still the worst catching dog I have ever seen. He still loves to play "catch", but he usually lets
the ball hit his face or paws and then go chase after it. It is very entertaining for all involved.
Nixxon had quite an accomplishment recently as he had the first tick of the season (according to our
vet). The tick had latched onto his neck, but was not a Lyme disease carrier. He started his anti-tick
medication this week so hopefully that is the last tick we see this season.
UPDATE 4/5/07 - Nixxon continues to be a fantastic addition to our family. He is always by one of
our sides. He loves his squeaky football toy and strangely enough, he loves playing with our big
Balance/Exercise ball that we use for sit ups. When we got our first snow, Nixxon seemed very
confused by the cold white fluffly stuff. Now, he loves playing in the snow.
Nixxon has put on a little weight, which is good because he was so skinny when we first got him. But
he has put on so much muscle that he is strong enough to push his mommy out of bed on an almomst
nightly basis now.
Nixxon started obedience classes with 10 other dogs. Nixxon was too naughty in group, so the
instructor moved us to one-on-one training. Nixxon's mommy and daddy were very embarassed to get
"kicked out" of Petco group classes in front of a bunch of other people, but we also found the situation
quite amusing.
At home, Nixxon is very well behaved. He knows how to sit, stay, lie down, and bark when he needs
to go out. However, Nixxon turns into an anxious mess when we take him out into public. Other dogs
don't stress him out. In fact, he's become best friends with my mother's very agressive female boxer.
But other people (especially men) make him really nervous and agressive. He even gets scared by little
kids, which is strange to me. I'm not sure what happened in Nixxon's former life, but he certainly never
seemed to develop a trust for people. To help Nixxon become more socially adjusted, we make sure
to take him on walks in public places (like the Eastern Prom in Portland).
We are looking forward to spring with Nixxon. We are going to teach him how to swim and take him
on lots of hikes and walks. We are going to keep working on his social skills (and his catching skills; I
have never seen a dog have as much trouble catching a tennis ball as Nixxon). More updates to come.
UPDATE 3/4/07 - Nixxon has been a great addition to our family since the day he arrived in New
Gloucester. He loves being spoiled as the only dog and will let us know if he isn't getting enough of our
love. He loves to play with his squeaky toys and anything that we can play tug-of-war with. Nixxon is
very well behaved in our house and yard, but he does need some work out in public when other people
and dogs are present. His obedience training should allow him to socialize more.
He arrived at our house a little on the skinny side, so we are trying to fatten him up a bit. He loves to go
on walks and the beach is one of his favorite venues (plenty of interesting smells). As the warmer
weather approaches, we can not wait to take Nixxon out on more walks and hikes. Nixxon like to play
hard and then nap even harder (as he is doing right now).
Nixxon picked up a scratch on his ear and it looks like it might be infected, so he has his first trip to the
vet tomorrow. He has had a few accidents in the house, but he clearly knows where he is supposed to
doo.
We are spending the upcoming weekend at a relative's house where Nixxon will be able to play with
another boxer (an older female). He should get plenty of play time in and get some work on his social
skills.
Nixxon has been a perfect fit thus far. More updates to come.
2/4/07 - Nixxon has been adopted!
1/24/07 - Wow, how time flies! Nixxon has been back here at his foster home for almost 3 months &
is still waiting for his perfect home to come along for him. He really is a great boy & we have bonded
,almost too much! ("no room for more dogs Julie, no more dogs!"-LOL!). I can only repeat how
wonderful he is: big lovebug, likes to cuddle, sleeps on the bed at night & on the couch or dog bed
when I'm home, great in his crate when I'm not home, super cute talker (growls & barks when playing),
loves to play fetch & keep away, very gentle with his owner he bonds with, etc. On the other side of
things I'll tell you some more of the things that would be great & not so great for Nixxon's new home:
No pushovers as he can be dominant with people if you let him, boxer experienced home needed that is
use to a higher protective nature & a talkative personality (he growls at you when playing or when he's
"talking", can be VERY intimidating if someone is not use to that), no condo/apartment/big city life or
dog parks(too much stress & too many strangers), either a fenced yard or out on leash only if live in
suburban setting (no invisible fencing), quieter home without lots of visitors coming & going all the time
(gets too nervous), country settings with other dogs & cats are fine (would be okay as an only dog too),
no kids (again, too much activity usually & he has a dominant personality). I still notice he has issues
more with men & people wearing hats, but he does adjust if given some time & space (or a few treats
for bribery doesn't hurt!). Nixxon's favorite toys are any type of balls (tennis ball to big Jolly Ball) &
anything that is a soft rubber squeeky toy (and HE doesn't destroy them like most do!!-LOL!).
Nixxon is a special boy that deserves a special home. When the fit is right, he's a wonderful companion
& playmate. Do you think you are the one for Nixxon & have a few squeeky toys & balls for him to
play with you? He's waiting!
11/11/06 - Nixxon has been doing very well since he came back last weekend & he definitely
remembered me as his being his last foster Mom! He has enjoyed going for rides in the car with me &
if I just show him the leash & he gets soooooo excited & cannot help himself! LOL He jumps, stomps
his feet & literally smiles at you, happy to either go for a ride or walk. He does pull on the leash still
when walking & he is a strong boy, so a gentle leader collar or gentle leader no-pull harness would
probably do wonders for him.
Nixxon LOVES playing with this little football shaped squeeky toy that makes an odd noise, he found it
in the back of my car. He will step on it like a cat pouncing, just to hear it squeek! :) He spent the day
riding around with me yesterday while I did some errands & he was a great boy. He did bark
protectively if I was in the car still & someone came up too close to us in the parking lot. I did tell him it
was okay & no need to bark & he responded to me (though at times I sure don't mind the
protectiveness when I am out by myself!). :) Nixxon truly is a nice dog for the right, quieter type of a
home. Are you that home for Nixxon?
11/5/06 - A very sad family brought Nixxon to meet me yesterday to surrender him back to rescue to
find a different type of a home. I think he was just was too stressed with all the activity of a house & a
business that had lots of people coming & going. They truly loved Nixxon & worked very hard to
make things better & work for him. With me and my animals, he was perfectly fine and didn't show any
anxiety, but I know at his first foster home & his new home he had more activity around him & je did
not seem to know how to handle the stress of this & would get nervous & snap at times. More
updates soon on Nixxon as he settles back in here.
UPDATE 9/13/06 - It took a couple of weeks but Nixxon has setteled in very well. We have found
that we can let Nixxon out without a leash and he stays around the house with us. Nixxon is a little leary
of certain men. On 9/11 we went to our first obedience training class. The first night was just for the
owners. Our homework is to work on lay down and sit with a clicker. Nixxon has done execellent so
far. Nixxon is so funny when he plays by himself. He will get a toy or a bone in his mouth and toss it up
in the air. Then will pounce on it and do it all over again.
8/11/06 - Nixxon has been adopted!
7/31/06 - Nixxon hitched a ride to Maine with Tasha's new Mom & the help of several other transport
volunteers. I had an opening & his current foster Mom was too full, so here he is now. Nixxon really
is a big boy, but he is a gentle giant. He does need to gain some weight & when he does, he should be
about 90 lbs of solid boxer boy. He's very tall & has a big beautiful boxer head. Nixxon loves to lay
his head in your lap, or tries to climb ever so quietly into your lap for a hug if you let him! (like you don't
notice him!-LOL!). He is great with both my dominant boxer boy & girl & gets along great with the
cats (actually is afraid of them most of the time!).
I took Nixxon to a BRAD(boxer rescue awareness day) we had at a Petco so he could get some
exposure to more people & kids. He did very well & loved getting all the attention he could & even got
jealous when the other boxer there was getting attention & made sure everyone in the store knew! He
sure talks a lot & tells you what he is feeling when he wants to! Whether it's a big wide mouthed, loud
yawn to tell you he's not getting enough attention to a big WOOF! to make SURE you don't miss him to
a whining/waa-waaa noise that is usually his winding UP voice! It cracks me up as I love the "talkers"
like this as they seem to be really trying to form words & tell you what they think & get frustrated if you
don't get it right away. Now an apartment or condo neighbor may not think this is so cute, so that is
probably not in Nixxon's best interest to go to that situation (you cannot keep a talkative dog quiet very
easily!-LOL!). It's also such a cute part of his personality, so I cannot see wanting to stop his
communication with you. Nixxon is great in his crate & goes right in on his own even.
The only "fault" I see that Nixxon has is that he comes across as being protective when he meets some
new people in public or coming into the house. In reality I see Nixxon is just a big chicken & he is very
scared & will bark & try to scare off whoever he is afraid of. For example, at Petco he loved almost
everyone he met (kids, men, women, teenagers), but he did bark at a couple who came in wearing
baseball hats & also at an employee whose arm was in a sling. Also, when he came up to Maine he
spent the night at another volunteer's house. When I picked him up in the AM & came in the house, he
was barking at me from behind the baby gate, but backing up the whole time, very scared (trying to
look tough though). I knew he was all talk & after a few minutes & getting on my knees, he came over
to me & started wiggling & enjoying the petting. I don't see Nixxon as a social butterfly type where you
can take him to kids ballgames or big picnics & expect him to be happy & content. He will be better
with a more quiet type of home without a lot of people coming & going for him to be worried about.
Do you have the right home for Nixxon? He's waiting to talk to you!
7/3/06 - What a good boy we have here :) He really knows basic commands, sits, lays immediately,
crate trained, house trained, does not jump my dogs should behave so well :)) lol lol We had him
outside while we did some chores last night. He was just a happy boy. Hung out on his lead, played
with a squeaky toy and a tennis ball, drank some water... he was very content. A neighbor came over
and he was all wiggles and said hello like a gentleman. His flews are rather large so he does drool a bit
after drinking water...... He has been outside with one of the other dogs. He does have a dominant
personality when it comes to his canine friends. He would be best in a home with a passive female dog
or being the only dog in the home. He is truly a special boy......... please get your application in he
won't be around long
7/2/06 - Nixxon has arrived and is settling in slowly. He has been through a lot of changes in the past
week.
He was surrendered to the shelter by his owner. For no fault of his own his previous owner was moving
and did not make provisions for him. So this gentle giant is still wheeling from all the changes . We're
letting him just relax and giving him time to adjust to his new environment. He is very handsome and is
house and crate trained. He is an easy going guy. We will introduce him to some of the other dogs in a
day or so.....
