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Norman is a 10-month-old striped, brindle Boerboel puppy full of zoomies. He is an absolutely wonderful young dog, eager to learn some manners and be your “good boy”. Crate trained, housebroken and on his very best behavior. Definitely has some growing to do, this 100 lb boy is ready for training and lots of cuddles.

Likes: Being near his people. Some dogs like being around “in case you drop something” but not this adolescent pup. He likes the security of being with his pack. Like lots of Boerboels, Norman may well become a velcro dog. He is happy lying down near his people. He also likes his crate. Norman is not an alpha personality and so this is a boy who feels good with a den of his own. Likes toys and kong toys, but his favorite toy is a towel that he sucks on like a security blanket.

Dislikes: Norman spooks at big, quick hand gestures. He also has had a scary few weeks being a stray on his own and then finding his way into a shelter. Transitions can make him a bit skittish but he recovers quickly. Each time something spooks him Norman visits with his foster mom for reassurance and to see how she reacts, and then settles back to lying near her.

Personality: Norman may be 10 months old (best estimate) but he acts much younger. He has so many questions! What do you want me to do? Is this kind of play ok? Oh, this is sit? What’s a treat? Are you my mother? Aren’t I beautiful? Don’t you want to scratch under my chin? He is looking for direction and training.

Temperament: Very gentle and definitely not in charge of anything! This is a smart boy who would blossom with patient, clear and consistent training.

Energy level: Calm! Norman is one “chill” boy. He really likes several good walks a day (with plenty of tail up curiosity) and then wants to spend the day resting.

Favorite activities: Being with his people. Looking out the window. Napping. Making sure you see what a good boy he is, “Did you see me that time I saw a squirrel and started to tug but then you turned me around and I just stayed nicely at your leg? Did you see that? Did you? I’m such a good boy!”

Good with cats, dogs, and kids over 6? Good with female dogs. Would do especially well with a more dominant female in the house. We will NOT place Norman with male bully breeds, cats or any children under 12.

Not good with: Would not do well on his own for multiple hours during the day; needs to be near his person.

Housetrained: Yes. What a good boy!

Crate trained: Yes. His crate is a safe place for him. He often retreats to it briefly before coming out to investigate something new. And he sleeps in this crate all night. 

Challenges: Norman hasn’t learned any house manners yet. Norman wants to be his very best all the time and is unsure what that really means. It’s important that he go to someone with previous dog training experience and preferably prior Boerboel experience. Norman craves attention from someone who can help him understand the rules, the order of the pack and Norman’s role in the house.

Any Medical issues: Norman will be fully vetted prior to adoption.

What would be the best kind of home? Norman would be so happy in a home with a female dog or two, people who are around for good portions or the day, and a fenced in back yard. Invisible fences will not be acceptable for him. Norman is a growing boy and would love to be adopted by people who really enjoy training. He’s already offering his paw, jumping high over mysterious leaves, and heeling on both side of his foster mom (“Is left what you want? Maybe right? How about now? You watching me now? Is this good?”). With the right home, this brindle beauty is bound to become a well-adjusted dog. He’s already so eager, so willing and such a cuddly boy!

Fostered in Towson, MD. 

Application Fees, Adoption Donations and Rescue Policy: Please know that 100% of our funds are used for rescuing the dogs.

Our rescue policy requires the following:

• Adopters must have their primary residence in one of the following states: Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina and and parts of New York.
• We will not adopt a giant breed dog to homes where the dog will have access to highly varnished hardwood steps inside the home. Any inside steps to which the dog(s) have access, must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface. We encourage you to remediate potential safety issues while your application is under review, prior to the home visit.
• Applications for giant breed dogs must be submitted by the property owner.
• Homes with children under 6 years of age will not be approved for adoption.
• Homes with children should have a fenced yard.
• Pets currently in the applicant's home must have a history of appropriate veterinary care. Veterinary records will be checked.
• All references must be checked before any visitation of the dog is permitted at the foster home.
• All family members must be present during the home visit to the applicant's home.
• Any dog(s) in the applicant's home must have an introductory meeting with the rescue dog being considered, before any adoption can be completed.
• Homes with intact dogs will not be approved for adoption. Exceptions to this policy can be found on the Adoptable Dog Page.

For additional information please review our FAQs or contact: mastiffstomutts@gmail.com

Application Fees, Adoption Donations and Rescue Policy:

Please know that 100% of our fees and donations pay for the costs of rescuing dogs. These include but are not limited to pull fees from shelters, veterinary examinations, vaccinations, medications and care, microchips, neuter/spay surgeries, heartworm treatments, behavior evaluations, and foster care, as needed.

Important notes before applying.

• Approved adopters must have their primary residence in one of the following states: Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and parts of North Carolina and Kentucky.

• You must be at least 21 years of age to apply and legally sign our contract for adoption.

• Applications must be completed by the homeowner. 

• We do not adopt giant breed dogs to renters.

  • If you are renting, and you are applying to adopt a dog that is not a giant breed, permission to adopt an animal must be obtained from the landlord or property owner.

• We do not adopt giant breed dogs to homes with children under 6 years of age.

  • Homes with children should have a fenced yard.

• Applications will be denied if anyone residing in the household has a record indicating drug/alcohol abuse, theft, or violence.

• Pets currently in the applicant's home must have a history of appropriate veterinary care.
• Homes with intact dogs will not be approved for adoption.  Proof of any of the following exceptions is required:
  1. The intact dog is a working member of a law enforcement, or search and rescue/recovery team.
  2. The intact dog is registered under the auspices of the American Kennel Club and is actively being shown.
  3. A veterinarian has determined the sterilization procedure would harm the intact dog. 

• We believe in Force Free Training Methods and do not approve of methods or devices using pain or force to control the dog, or to deter undesirable behavior. 

• Homes with highly varnished steps must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface. **We encourage you to remediate potential safety issues while your application is under review, prior to the home visit.
  • ​Any inside steps to which the dog(s) have access, must have carpeting, securely fixed stair treads, or a non-skid surface.

  • Homes with highly varnished floors must have non-slip area rugs or mats wherever your animal walks or rests frequently. 

**Puppy Adoption Policy**

To ensure proper house training and socialization, puppies will only be adopted to homes where an adult will not be away more than an hour per day, per month of age of the puppy, up to 6 months.
Certain large-breed dogs should not be sterilized prior to 12 - 18 months of age.  If you adopt an intact puppy, you will sign an adoption contract agreeing to have the dog sterilized at your expense at the time your veterinarian recommends.
Proof of sterilization must be provided to Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue as soon as the procedure is completed.  If the puppy is not sterilized as required, Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue reserves the right to claim legal ownership of the dog. 

For additional information please review our FAQs or contact mastiffstomutts@gmail.com

**Mastiffs To Mutts Rescue reserves the right to approve or deny any adoption that occurs through this organization without disclosure.  We reserve the right to make exceptions for special circumstances.

**PA Kennel License: 05845

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