My story

　　Ready to shine and reach my full potential!Hi there! My name is Nicky, and I’m a 3-year-old Chihuahua mix, weighing in at 16 pounds. I’m already neutered, and my health is in great shape! I’m potty-trained and am fine in a pen all day when you leave (no separation anxiety here!) My foster mama says that I learn quickly, too, having learned “paw” and “spin” all in one week.So, here’s a little bit about me: I’m a high-energy guy who loves to play fetch and tug-o-war. I also love getting attention and jumping to show my excitement. But, sadly, I do have some behavioral issues I’m now trying to overcome, due to my abusive past. Trust is a big thing for me, and if I don’t know you or you haven’t yet earned my trust, I tend to react aggressively and/or bite if touched unexpectedly or picked up. Once I trust you is a different story, however, and I’m much more apt to letting you touch or hold me without showing any negative reactions. In fact, once you’re in my circle of trust, I’m quite loving and affectionate. Another issue that I’m trying to work through occurs when guests visit the home. Because I love getting attention from hoomans, I will bark, nip, and bite at their pant legs if I’m not receiving the level of attention I desire. Therefore, it is advised that I have limited access to those who visit (such as, being crated in another room), and it’s also a good idea to give me time to calm down from the excitement of having guests before giving me the opportunity to say hello to them. However, when I’m in another room away from all the excitement, I do tend to bark, so it is advised to put my crate in an area that guests will not go into (such as, a bedroom). Additional training, as well as adequate exercise and stimulation before guests arrive, will also help with my excitement and demand barking.My ideal furever home is with someone who’d be willing to put in the work so that I can reach my full potential, as well as provide the boundaries I need for training. Because of my reactive tendencies, an environment without dogs or children is probably best. I’d also prefer to be in an active home since I’m super high-energy and need to spin my wheels. All in all, though, I’d make a great companion for someone who could give me the attention, training, and dedication I need. My adoption fee is $400 and that includes spaying/neutering, shots, and microchip. If you want to take me home, please fill out the form on the website here: https://theanimalpad.org/adoption-application/##1252319##

　　If you have any questions or would like to adopt Nicky, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.