Norman

Norman is an adoptable male German Shepherd looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a young adult and medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 5 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Norman, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Requirements OLDER CHILDREN 12+ Recommendations FAMILY INTRODUCTION EXPERIENCED HANDLER IN HOME TRAINING Memo 9/30/2026 09/30/26 14:51 Due to two reported pre-bite incidents and related circumstances, canine requires placement in a secure, well-managed environment. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 10/5/26 to provide appropriate behavioral management and posst-adoption support. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/6/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/25/2026 What is the reason for surrender? LUNGED AT AND PULLED TOWARDS ONE PERSON IN HOME TWO TIMES. How long have you had your pet? 6 DAYS. Where did you get this animal from? ACS NEW. Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES. Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NO. We offer resources such as low-cost veterinary care, trainers, food/medication coupons, and financial assistance. Would you like any resources instead of surrendering? NO. Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO. Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? NO. Do you have pictures of injuries/bites? N/A Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? N/A Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? YES. THIS PET SNAPPED AT AND LUNGED TOWARDS THE SAME PERSON TWO TIMES IN 6 DAYS. IN ONE INSTANCE, THIS PET WAS ON COUCH NEXT TO PERSON AND THAT PERSON WAS PETTING THIS DOG WHEN PET SUDDENLY SNAPPED AT AND LUNGED TOWARD THAT PERSON'S FACE. THE 2ND INSTANCE, THAT SAME PERSON WAS WALKING THROUGH ROOM AND PET SNAPPED TOWARDS THEM AND LUNGED TOWARDS THEM. Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO. How is the animal around children? NOT AROUND CHILDREN. Please describe behavior around children? N/A Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 5 ADULTS LIVE IN HOME WITH REGULAR VISITORS. THIS PET WAS CALM, FRIENDLY AND SOUGHT ATTENTION FROM ALL RESIDENTS OF THE HOME. THIS PET DID SNAP AT/LUNGE TOWARDS ONE PERSON IN THE HOME ON TWO OCCASIONS. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? Cats? NO. Dogs? THIS PET MET TWO LARGE DOGS WHILE ON A WALK. ONE OF THOSE DOGS WAS PULLING HARDS TOWARDS THIS PET AND THIS PET JUMPED UP ON THAT DOG. PET WAS VERY CALM IN LOBBY WITH MANY BARKING DOGS. Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? NO. Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? NO. Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO. Is the animal house-trained? NO. Is your pet potty trained? NO. Familiar with a dog door? NO. Crate trained? NO. Leash trained? CAN WALK ON LEASH BUT PULLS AND LIKES TO LEAD. Knows commands? KNOWS NAME. Where was this animal kept? BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE. Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? YES. POTTY ACCIDENTS, GETTING INTO TRASH, CHEWS RANDOM ITEMS. Last vaccinations / last vet visit? ON FILE. How would you describe your pet's energy level? LOW Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? NO. What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? LOVES BALLS. PLAYS FETCH. Any escapist behavior? YES. Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? PET WILL BOLD THROUGH AN OPEN DOOR. Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE STATED PET WAS A GOOD DOG WHILE THEY OWNED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE TWO SNAPPING/LUNGING SITUATIONS WITH ONE PERSON. 8/18/2026 What is the reason for surrender? DOG IS NOT A GOOD FIT FOR THE HOME. DOG IS NOT HOUSEBROKEN, NEEDS A LOT OF FOCUS THAT THE OWNER CANNOT PROVIDE. How long have you had your pet? 10 DAYS Where did you get this animal from? MCACC Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NO SIGNS OF ILLNESS. We offer resources such as low-cost veterinary care, trainers, food/medication coupons, and financial assistance. Would you like any resources instead of surrendering? Do you have pictures of injuries/bites? NO Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? NO Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? NO Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO How is the animal around children? NO CONTACT WITH CHILDREN. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? SWEET AND GENTLE. VERY LOVING. CAN BE MOUTHY DURING PLAY. LIKES TO BE UNDERFOOT ALWAYS NEEDS TO BE NEAR PEROPLE. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? Cats? Dogs? FRIENDLY WITH OTHER DOG IN THE HOME. VERY PLAYFUL. Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO GUARDING NOTED Is the animal house-trained? NO, STILL LEARNING POTTY TRAINING. Is your pet potty trained? NO, WILL PEE IN THE HOME, WILL NOT POOP. NEEDS POTTY TRAINING. Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? NO Leash trained? YES, A LOT OF PULLING. MADE PROGRESS WITH ROUTINE LEASHED WALKS BUT STILL PULLS IN MULTIPLE DIRECTIONS. Knows commands? NONE Where was this animal kept? INSIDE Last vaccinations / last vet visit? How would you describe your pet's energy level? MEDIUM ENERGY. VERY ENERGETIC WHEN PLAYING, WHEN NOT PLAYING VERY RELAXED. Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? NO FEARS NOTED Any escapist behavior? YES Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? WILL DASH OUT THE DOOR, WILL COME BACK IF PERSON KNEELS. Any Additional details/notes on behavior? DOESN'T SEEM TO DIGEST CHEESE WELL. WILL DRINK EXCESSIVELY IF WATER IS AVAILABLE. SOURCE STATED A5164265 HAS A GREAT TEMPERAMENT, NOT A MEAN BONE IN HIS BODY, BUT HAS HAD VERY LITTLE TRAINING. NEEDS A HOME WITH FOCUSED TRAINING AND A CONSISTENT ROUTINE. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/30/2026 Outside for AM cleaning with neutral body on approach, started to wag tail and become wiggly as handler interacted with dog. Easy leash placement at front of kennel, exited with some pulling on leash, marks on way to yard, no interest in dogs or volunteer in passing. In yard dog had high energy throughout, after marking and going potty dog would have zoomies for most of evaluation, wiggly loose body and tail, jumped up onto handler once for attentions, easy to direct off. Took interest in tennis balls thrown but would only chase after ball, did not retrieve. Took interest in stuffy toy, runs with toy in mouth. Would come to handler whenever handler sat on bench, leaning in for pets accepting pets all over, accepted treats gently, soft bodied. Ran to fence line to sniff dog in passing with soft neutral body and tail. Came to handler when called over, no reaction towards dogs in passing, hesitant to first enter kennel but followed handler into kennel, allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 09/30/26 14:55 Updating color due to NHO status. 9/29/2026 Closed outside for AM cleaning. Dog was high-pitched rhythmic barking as handler approached, settled and took treats from hand, body tense, high wagging tail. Began leaping around kennel when presented with leash, came forward as handler opened kennel door, front paws on door, allowed leash placement, moderate pull to yard, ignored kenneled dogs. Explored yard, marking frequently and ground scratching, front paws on fence, interested in neighboring yard, dog approached handler, stoic, took treats gently, tense while handler pet, dog then leaned into handler soliciting more attention and allowed petting all over, took more treats, continued exploring, checked in with handler frequently. Dog approached fence as another dog was walking by, play bowed, barking, able to call dog away, followed handler into catch pen, able to pick up leash and attach clip leash, no issues walking back, easy return, able to coax dog forward, body tense, able to slowly remove leash by hand. 9/25/2026 Orange due to hist review, allowed handling in room by male handler, wide eyed with female handler when put out hand for dog to sniff. 9/15/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm 9/12/2026 , hope whispers 9/10/2026 Solicited attentions, Moderate to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, NORMAN: Excited on approach, leashed overhead, loose leash, tolerated all touch, returned moderately had to use treats to retrieve leash 9/7/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, NORMAN: Calm on approach & easy to leash on all four, walked easily on loose leash, easy to return to kennel on all four. 9/4/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels 8/30/2026 Updating color level to GREEN based on out of kennel behaviors. Keeping previous REQUIREMENT of OLDER CHILDREN 12+ due to touch sensitivities during previous walks & evaluation. Keeping previous Recommendations of In Home Training & Family Introduction. 8/30/2026 easy pull and return. loose leash, was quiet and calm with people he met just a bit shy. please eval for green level 8/29/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, explored yard, followed handler around. went up to fence to see dog walking by and no barking but lots of sniffs. walked around inside the building and was happy with all volunteers he met. super nice boy and very calm and friendly. 8/19/2026 Whining as handler approached with some demand barking, would come forward with soft body and solicit attentions with handler. Placing \"YELLOW\" based on intake notes and kennel presence. 8/18/2026 K9 timid when walking into triage, verbally coaxed k9 into room. Slow approach when handling. K9 walked to kennel easy to place and remove leash. 7/27/2026 from foster: Norman is doing great. He is indeed a gentle soul. No aggressive behavior. He took a long bath and shed one pound of black fur. He has not eaten any his dry dog food yet. He is very happy and has playful nature. He is not food aggressive either. Taking snacks very gently. Not sure he could bark or talk. I have not heard any. I hope he will make some sound someday. 7/20/2026 RUN BUDDY: Standing quietly on treadmill while allowing petting. Slowly would walk then stand to look around. 1st time on treadmill. 7/16/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Had seen this pup jumping and barking earlier today but when I opened his kennel that stopped on the spot. Pup exited kennel as if he were timid and nervous. Walked slowly to yard. Pup stayed close to me. He allowed touch and accepted pets. 7/10/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, A little excited when I approached kennel, but quickly calmed down once I got leash out. Very easy to pull from kennel, ignored other dogs on way to yard. Spent majority of time exploring space. I was able to brush him with ease, likes to be pet. Calm and friendly. 7/10/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, A little excited when I approached kennel, but quickly calmed down once I got leash out. Very easy to pull from kennel, ignored other dogs on way to yard. Spent majority of time exploring space. I was able to brush him with ease, likes to be pet. Calm and friendly. 7/2/2026 Dog was standing in back half of kennel on approach, handler would call dog to front half of kennel with verbal coaxing, dog would enter into front half with a relaxed body. Offered treats, would take treats gently. Presented leash & leashed without issues. Walked to main PY with a relaxed body & fast tail wag. Would explore PY with nose to ground. Approached handler on own & when called for. Would lean into handlers lap while allowing more petting. Gently took treats. Was not interested in toys. Handler would walk around PY, dog would continue to explore on own. Handler would approach dog, dog would allow petting without issues. Offered more treats then picked up leash. Walked with a moderate pull on leash back to kennel building. Dog would paw @ door while handler would reach for door handle. Entered back into building & directly into kennel without issues. Allowed leash removal to be done by hand. Keeping previous REQUIREMENT of OLDER CHILDREN 12+ due to touch sensitivities during previous walks & evaluation. Keeping previous Recommendations of In Home Training & Family Introduction. Interested parties should be counseled on providing this dog with proper decompression time in a new home.  Allowing time to adjust is important for their comfort and well-being.  Adopters should be counseled on proper dog-to-dog introductions, which should only occur after the dog has fully decompressed. 7/2/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, When approached, was jumping on kennel gate, barking. When handler talked to dog, he settled and stood still to be leashed. Easy pull from kennel, and walked well on leash. Looked often to handler during walk. Easy return to kennel. 6/23/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Easy pull from kennel. No pulling during walk, and walked well on leash. Easy return to kennel. 6/14/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Norman was easy to leash out and return to his kennel. Excited on leash, walked loosely to yard. Sniffed yard on his own, accepted lots of pets, went into pool. Took treats only when i placed them on the floor. Chased ball but didnt play w/it. Very cuddly, sweet dog. 6/6/2026 Avoidant, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Easy to pull & return. Slight pull on leash. In yard, mostly explored. Approached a couple times for pets but pretty distracted by the environment, smells, activity outside of fence. Accepted all pets & took treats nicely. 5/26/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Stop and go, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels. Shut divider & stepped in to leash. Easy walk to yard. Put treats on ground by bench. After dog wandered & went potty, slowly approached to sniff treats. Slowly became affiliative with handler. Did eat the treats. 5/20/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in treats, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Approached gate for leash, quick, walked out on own & out to play yard (no taxi needed); explored but allowed pets - later came in for pets, leaned in; loose leash while on walk; stalled when large construction truck passed by but ok w/ cars; friendly, gentle; easy return. 5/18/2026 Backing up during leash placement, low growling, wide eyed, muzzle wrap for restraint, allowed vaccine booster, slowly coaxed into kennel, used clip leash to remove leash. 5/16/2026 Stiff body, Avoidant, Moderate to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Stop and go, Timid, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Had to coax out of kennel with chicken. Slow halting walk to yard. Reluctant to pass yard gate, used treats and ;leash pressure. Stiff body in yard, explored and sniffed me and eventually relaxed and allowed pets. On return, walked to kennel but had to coax in with chicken an 5/13/2026 Handler approached kennel with taxi, putting taxi off to the side for the time being, and calling for dog and tossing hot dogs in to intice dog to come closer to the kennel door to leash the dog. Dog crouched to the back of the kennel, but came foward slowly with a trail of hot dogs and was eventually able to leash dog by placing hot dogs on the other side of leash. Handler placed a trail of hot dogs into taxi to coerce dog to getting into taxi. Dog is still tense with whale eyes and ears back but takes the treats. Handler called for assistance to help place dog into taxi, gently muzzle wrapping and picking dog up and placing inside behavior taxi, but once inside taxi was able to transport towards B building where the dog was being moved. Handler called for assistance to help open the door to B building because dog was tipping the taxi. However, once the dog got inside B building, and the other dogs started barking loudly, he started pacing back and forth inside the taxi and then proceeded to jump out of the taxi, and retreated towards the door with tail tucked behind. Once in the doorway, dog needed coercing to move outside with more hot dogs, still tense with tail tucked. However, dog did not take hot dogs to get back into the taxi for the second time and could not get dog into taxi. Handler called for assistance again and after supervision came and took the dog and moved towards designated kennel, dog was moving slowly with tail tucked, ears back, and tense body. Got dog into designated kennel, did not take treats, whale eyes but no whites of eyes, tail tucked behind body, removed leash slowly and closed kennel door. 5/12/2026 dog didnt eat 5/7/2026 *Needs Behavior Taxi* Dog was laying along side kuranda bed on approach. Handler would offer treats through kennel gate, dog would slowly approach front of gate with slow tail wags, air scenting then slowly took treats gently. Handler would open kennel gate, dog would slowly walk backwards towards kennel divider wall. Handler would offer more treats, dog would stand with slow tail wags, not coming forward with verbal coaxing or treats. Handler would lean into kennel & slowly draped leash over dog to secure leash placement. Dog would slowly walk forward & allow petting. Would not walk out of kennel with verbal coaxing or a treat trail. Handler would slowly reposition behavior taxi then use leash to softly muzzle wrap dog, picked up without issues & carried into behavior taxi. Rode to small PY while standing with front paws resting on edge of behavior taxi, allowing petting on head. Handler would reposition behavior taxi, dog would slowly exit out of behavior taxi with a treat trail while having slow tail wags. Handler would offer more treats, was not interested in treats from hand but would eat scattered treats throughout PY. Would explore with nose to ground while having soft tail wags. Approached handler on own & when called over. Would follow handler around in PY. Handler would squeak a squeaky toy sound maker, dog would perk ears up with sound. Does not appear to know \"sit\". Handler would pet dog on head, dog would have no reaction. Dog would skin crawl when being pet near neck area & lower body, would slowly recover to a neutral stance after a few moments when petting on head. Picked up leash, would not walk on leash. Slowly able to use leash to softly muzzle wrap dog then carry back into behavior taxi. Would ride back to kennel while having front paws resting on top of behavior taxi, accepting pets on head while looking around surroundings. Would not exit back into kennel. Allowed handler to slowly lift out of behavior taxi & back into kennel. Allowed leash removal to be done by hand without issues. Interested parties should be counseled on providing this dog with proper decompression time in a new home. Allowing time to adjust is important for their comfort and well-being. Adopters should be counseled on proper dog-to-dog introductions, which should only occur after the dog has fully decompressed. Due to having touch sensitivities near neck area, placing OLDER CHILDREN 12+ as a REQUIREMENT. 5/4/2026 nervous, tail tuck, stuff body, used control device due to dog hiding under car. Froze once caught, air snapped, defacted. Once in truck kennel dog allowed some petting 5/4/2026 Carried into kennel, stiff body, tail tucked, allowed handling, went to kennel in bucket Name: Norman Animal ID: A5164265 Breed: BLACK/TAN GERM SHEPHERD Sex: Neutered Age: 2Y 5M Weight: 52.7 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing D - 115 Intake Date: 9/25/2026 Deadline Date: 10/5/2026