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.

Katniss is a delightful, very active almost 1 year-old girl who was dumped at the shelter by owners who felt they could not handle her level of activity or anxiety.

Katniss is a typical young, higher energy girl that would do well with lots of exercise. She plays well with other dogs her size but she would also do very well as an only dog. Katniss would play all day if she could so she will either need to be matched with and equally playful dog!  She loves chews and soft fluffy toys that she will carry around and nibble small corners of at a time. Her favorite yard activity is to grab very large fire logs off the rack and race around the yard with them! She’s very sweet, shy at first meeting, but warms up quickly and stays very close to her person. As long as she gets enough exercise, she does great and will plop down and hang out. She is super energetic and playful and loves to go on walks and anywhere with her humans. She's very loving and likes hugs and snuggles up when she's tired. She loves meeting new people and has done great with the few dogs she has met. Katniss has some separation anxiety. She takes Trazadone to help with the anxiety ($20/month), and the meds, plus lots of structure, exercise, and mental/physical stimulation, help keep the anxiety under very good control. She is an adorable girl. Very pretty. She absolutely loves walks and is really good pet. She was a little barky at passing dogs on walks, when she first came into rescue, but is doing much, much better, and now she passes both strangers and dogs and not one bark most of the time :). Katniss would do best in a household where she does not have to be kenneled (or left alone) no more than 6 hours/day. Someone who is active and home a lot, would be perfect for Katniss! Katniss likes to be glued to her humans or to the other household dog.  However, she would do fine as an only dog. In fact, she is a lot more calm, when she's the only dog in the house. She loves her tennis ball and plays fetch but especially likes to be chased around the yard. She does well in the kennel with her bone, and sleeps well on the bed or in the kennel. She sits and comes well and is working on other commands, and will hardly ever leave your side.