German Shepherd dogs, as well as the other herding breeds that we have in rescue, are highly active, energetic, working breeds. They require considerable vetting, exercise, socialization, training, leadership and mental stimuli in order to be well-adjusted, well-balanced, and well-mannered dogs. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, you MUST still take your dog out on daily walks and outings in order to work on his/her leash skills, manners, and social skills. These breeds make great additions to active families who will pamper them, but who will also work with them, as they are smart dogs who need leadership, structure, plenty of activity and mental stimulation. 

If you are new to German Shepherds (and other herding breeds), please research the breed to make sure this is the dog for you. We ask that you consider the time and financial commitment that your German Shepherd (or other herding breed) dog will require before applying for one. Please review the section on our website (www.heartlandgsrescue.org) "Is a HUGS Dog Right for You?" for additional information.

Crush is an adorable 8-week boy puppy who was rescued from a reservation in SD with his mom and a litter of 5 pups. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die young due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. We are so glad that we were able to help Crush and family! 

Crush's mom Cici, and her litter of 5 were found this summer on a SD reservation, hungry, overheated, and covered in fleas and ticks. Cici is an amazing mom with incredible survival skills: she had tucked her babies deep into the brush, out of sight, by digging a den on the side of a small hill, in the middle of a plum thicket. Cici's ingenuity saved their lives by providing shelter from the oppressive summer heat, predators, and from the back-to-back storms that kept hitting that area right before their rescue.

Crush is a super handsome, very sweet boy puppy. Crush is now the biggest in his litter. He has tons of energy, and like a typical puppy, he loves to play hard and then he naps hard :). Like the rest of his siblings, Crush enjoys cuddling with you on the couch, does great getting his nails trimmed, is learning to walk on a leash, and is going through potty-training. 

Crush appears to be a German Shepherd/Retriever/Husky mix. Like all German Shepherd and German Shepherd mix puppies, Comet will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.