Norman

Meet Norman

Norman is a tiny 3kg bundle of personality — wildly cute, full of charm, and impossible not to fall in love with. He’s a delightful, confident, outgoing, and affectionate little boy who loves being close to his humans for cuddles, playing with his foster sibling Russel (a gentle Border Collie), or happily entertaining himself with his toys. He’s also a quick learner, which makes training both rewarding and enjoyable.

While Norman is undeniably adorable, it’s imperative that his new family has prior experience and, most importantly, patience and understanding. He is not a “plug-and-play” puppy — he thrives in the right hands, but needs people who can read and respect his communication.

His Ideal Home:
Norman is best suited to an adult-only home with experienced dog owners who understand dogs with more complex behavioural needs. A calm, consistent environment will help him continue to flourish. Homes with children, or frequent visiting children, are not suitable for Norman.

A securely fenced yard is essential. Due to his tiny size, any small gaps or escape points around the home or fencing will need to be fully secured.

He is accustomed to a quiet, urban home and may need gentle reassurance with unfamiliar sounds until he builds confidence. He’s quite the little character — happily alerting you to the toaster popping or the washing machine beeping, while completely ignoring other household noises.

Norman can be left home alone for a few hours when safely inside and will happily snooze or play with his toys.

Understanding Norman:
When Norman first came into care, he was very fearful and expressed this through frequent reactive outbursts, where there was a risk of biting. With time, patience, and trust-building, these behaviours have reduced dramatically — now almost non-existent in his foster home.

The key to Norman’s success is respecting his need for choice and communication:
- Consent matters: Norman needs to feel involved. For example, rather than assuming you can handle him (like wiping paws), giving him time and allowing him to understand what’s happening leads to cooperation.
- Routine and cues: He thrives on predictable cues — such as winding down before bedtime and choosing to enter his crate himself, rather than being placed inside.
- Public interactions: Norman enjoys meeting people, but does best when allowed to “call the shots” in interactions to avoid overwhelm.

Now that these boundaries are understood, Norman is relaxed, affectionate, and sweet 99% of the time.

Care & Ongoing Needs:
Norman is comfortable with day-to-day handling like bathing and drying when approached with patience and positive reinforcement. However, for more invasive procedures (such as vet visits, grooming, or treatments like ear cleaning), he will require muzzle training to ensure everyone’s safety.

Energy & Lifestyle:
Norman is an energetic and engaging little companion who loves outings — whether it’s a café trip or visiting friends. He travels well in the car, walks nicely on leash, and is enthusiastic about meeting new people (on his terms).

He adores squeaky, soft, and chew toys, and sleeps quietly through the night in his crate.

Other Pets:
Norman currently lives with a calm, tolerant dog and enjoys playful backyard chases. He can sometimes be a little bossy, but also shows moments of indifference. He may suit a home with another gentle, well-balanced dog, with careful introductions and management.

(He is untested with cats.)

A Final Note
Norman — affectionately nicknamed “Fearless” — is a brave little soul who has blossomed into a happy, secure, and deeply endearing companion. He will thrive with someone who sees beyond his size and cuteness, and is committed to continuing his journey with patience, structure, and understanding.

In the right home, Norman isn’t just a cute dog — he’s an incredibly rewarding one.