We can't believe that there hasn't been any interest in Nino since he was posted a couple of weeks ago! Nino is doing very well in foster care and his guarding issues are diminishing. Foster Mom just texted this about Nino:
"The resource guarding has gotten so much better. (Or we’re reacting better?). He’s still kinda grumpy occasionally, but he’s such a sweet dog most of the time.
He really just loves sleeping on shoes, doesn’t chew them and doesn’t guard most of the time, just likes stinky feet. 🤣 I rubbed his belly and got 1 shoe away from him and then walked away and he followed so I got the other. I think it’s half him and half how others respond to him that makes it work."
To recap our last post about Nino:
Nino has been with his foster family for about a month and a half, he has lost some more weight and is down to 22 pounds. He continues to settle in and show us more of his sweet personality each day. He's generally very calm and likes to rest near humans and other dogs, but keeps a respectful distance, sometimes choosing to be partially hidden under or near chairs. When he is outside, he is more active, taking a quick stroll to sniff the perimeter of the yard. He doesn't stay out more than a few minutes at a time, preferring indoors to outdoors. His favorite activity is watching things outside, he LOVES looking out the front door and spends hours there when allowed. He gives a couple barks to warn the household of passing pedestrians, dog walkers, cars, and wildlife. Generally, he is a calm, quiet dog. He doesn't use dog beds and has only occasionally jumped up on furniture. During the day, he prefers a cooler surface such as tile or linoleum and at night, he sleeps alongside the bed.
He enjoys the attention of being pet and especially having his belly and ears scratched. He does not enjoy being brushed and will growl at a brush when it comes near. Nino was surrendered to some degree due to resource guarding, he loves to find an item he shouldn’t have (such as a shoe, glasses, or a door stop) and sit with it, if anyone tries to take it, he will growl. Ignoring the item and distracting Nino with another activity such as going outside or by giving a treat seems to be helping. His foster family is working on these behaviors and seeing improvement.
Nino enjoys daily walks but likes to wander and take his time to get deep sniffs at a slow pace. He sometimes needs to be cajoled into moving on and tires out after short distances in the neighborhood (as little as 1/4 mile). He gets very excited for more exotic walks at local parks, especially if there is water such as a lake or stream to sniff nearby. He is curious about and enjoys meeting strangers (men, women and children all alike, no fear for any category) as well as other dogs and is friendly to them. He has been to a dog park and gotten along well with the other dogs. He doesn’t play much with the other dogs, but will wander around the park and interact with them. At home, he enjoys chasing a tennis ball,
but is still learning how to fetch. He knows the commands of “sit”, “lie down”, and is getting better with “come”.
Nino LOVES cars! He'll give them all of his attention as they pass by on the street or when viewing them from the front door. On walks, he pauses at car doors in the driveway, volunteering to be lifted in for a ride. He enjoys looking out the window while riding in the car.
Ideal home type: Quiet and calm
Ideal household: Adults, no kids, maybe another dog or two or he can be an only and be just as happy!
Nino is currently in a foster home where he is left alone: 2-3 hours at a time, 2-3 times per week, confined in a crate. No barking or issues with crating but must be lured in with treats.
Nino is sensitive about where he is touched. Prolonged contact with legs, feet and ears can provoke him but mostly tolerates pets anywhere. Does not like to be brushed but making progress with treats.
Nino plays by chasing toys/half-fetching (no return). No other forms of play have been observed.
Nino is not frightened by much. He is very observant and often barks at sights/sounds outside of the house (birds & squirrels, pedestrians & other dogs, cars, etc) but not afraid.
Nino sleeps on the floor beside the bed. Has occasionally climbed into bed (once or twice in ~month-long foster).
Nino is housetrained and is 6 years old. He currently being fostered in Hampton Roads, VA. Please contact us at cavalierrescuecoalition@gmail.com for more information.
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