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.

Bernard is a very sweet, super handsome puppy who landed in a rural kill shelter in Missouri that was quickly filling up, with 2 other siblings (Jolie and Pierre). The pound can be a scary place, especially for a puppy. This adorable little trio was so thankful and relieved to be rescued!

Bernard (aka Bernie) is a gorgeous 3.5 month-old puppy, with one blue eye, and one brown eye. He can be a little bit shy at first, but who warms up fairly quickly. Bernard likes kids, loves other dogs, and gets along with the cats in his foster home (he is learning not to chase them).  Bernard is super smart and picks things up quickly! He’s a typical puppy, very playful, curious, so he needs good supervision. He is working on potty-training and is doing well. He is a great napper and cuddle buddy. Bernard would love to have another playful dog in his forever home, as he LOVES to play! However, he gets along with all the dogs in his foster home -the older dogs too-. He's pretty calm and laid back for a puppy, he knows how to chill and just hang out with the other dogs when they're done playing... Bernard is a keen observer and he copies his mentors' behavior!

Bernard loves to play, but takes nice naps throughout the day. He doesn’t like to be alone. He loves his toys and puzzle toys and bones. He rides well in the car. He’s crate-trained and does great in his crate: foster mom will let him fall asleep at night out of it and will put him in it right before she goes to bed and he doesn’t make a peep. He goes right back to bed! Foster mom tells us about Bernard "He’s just so sweet and we all have fallen in love...one of the most well behaved puppies I’ve ever seen!"

Like any of our dogs, this sweetheart will make a great addition to an active home that will pamper him, but that will also work with him, as herding breeds are smart dogs who need structure, good leadership, lots of activity and mental stimulation. Bernard will need daily walks in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training that youngsters require. Because of that, Bernard's ideal owner will have prior Heeler, GSD, or other herding breed experience. 

Bernards's adoption fee is $395, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (treated if positive), and microchipped. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption.