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.

We recently rescued Kila and her 6 siblings from a SD reservation. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die on the reservation due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness, among other causes. Fortunately for Kila, she is one of the lucky ones, as she got out safely, and she will now get to experience life as a beloved family pet.

Kila is an incredibly playful 8 week-old little girl. She absolutely adores her two furry foster sisters, but might love playing with their toys even more! In fact, when Kila is not playing with her fur siblings, she is playing with every toy in the house. She loves to chew on nylabones, really likes to play with balls and rope toys, and she will move from toy to toy all day long! She loves chasing the big dogs around, and loves to play-wrestle with them too. Once she is done playing, she loves to snuggle up in small spaces to nap. She is working very hard on potty training, and is a very smart girl. She is kennel trained, and sleeps in her kennel through the night. She knows "sit" and is working on "lay down." Kila loves meal time, and treats. She can be quite talkative when she is ready to eat! For such a little girl, she has a big personality. She is independent and not much for cuddles, unless it is with the other dogs . Like most puppies, Kila loves to chew, so make sure to always have a toy handy for her. She is learning not to mouth or nip, and to instead chew on appropriate items. She does great with other dogs, but will need continued guidance, as not all dogs may appreciate her nonstop puppy play style. She is an adorable active girl, who would be an excellent fit for an active adopter who is excited about training, socializing, and being active with a super smart, independent puppy. Kila would be an excellent companion for another playful dog!

We do not know what the Arctic Litter pups are mixed with. Our best guess is that they are herding breed mixes. These adorable little guys will make great additions to active families that will pamper them, but who will also work with them, as they are smart pups who will need plenty of activity and mental stimulation. This is true of all of the breeds that we rescue :).

Like all German Shepherd Dogs, Catahoulas, Australian Cattle Dogs, and other herding breed mixes that we have in rescue, Kila will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.

Reminder: Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, please remember that, 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.