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.

Rusty is a super handsome, extremely smart 6 month-old Australian Cattle Dog (aka Heeler) puppy.  

Rusty is eager to please, learns quickly, does great with other dogs, and lives with a cat. Rusty is a fabulous, very active pup who needs slow introductions with new people. He is very affectionate with the humans that he knows well. Rusty has been attending (and excelling in) puppy and basic obedience classes with his amazing foster mom. He recently started Agility class and is doing very well! Rusty is looking for an active adopter who has experience with Heelers or other herding breeds (GSDs, Aussies, Border Collies, etc...) and who will continue to train Rusty and provide him with plenty of activity and stimulation.

This is what Rusty's awesome foster mom has to say about him:  "Ready for a wild ride? Rusty is a happy, healthy, rootin’ tootin’ purebred baby Australian Cattle Dog who is the living embodiment of his breed description!  (See http://cattledog.com/misc/intro.html if you are unsure.) He loves other dogs, sometimes barks at the cat (but has been known to sleep next to him), has a high herding drive, is protective of “his” house and car, and is devoted to his foster mom and a few other people.  He can be slow to warm up to new people – unless they have treats - in which case he may be a friend forever.

Rusty is crate-trained, curious, adventurous, spunky, has nice manners, and learns very quickly. He has completed Puppy and Basic classes and has started some Agility classes.  He has already mastered off-lead heeling, a solid Come, and a few other advanced Obedience skills. Of course, being a Cattle Dog, Rusty sometimes has discussions with his foster mom about the “correct” way to approach a new skill! Rusty would be a fantastic companion to another extremely active dog as well as humans who desire a devoted pup velcroed to their side for the next 15 years!"

Rusty loves to be held on his foster mom’s lap like a baby, cuddled and cooed over, and having his belly rubbed! Rusty is an oustanding pup who will be the delight of an active, experienced Cattle Dog owner. Rusty needs slow, managed introductions to new people. Because of that, a home without kids, and without too many new people coming and going would be best for him.