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.

Colin is an incredibly handsome guy. He is very sweet and loves to snuggle up next to you. He will also lean on you until he falls into your lap for snuggles. He is all about getting love and attention from people, including belly rubs, scratches behind his ears, and pets.

Colin loves to play with the other dogs in his foster home, but needs slow introductions to help him warm up. Once he is comfortable, he likes to run around in the yard, play fetch, and wrestle. He also enjoys chewing on bones a lot. Colin does great in his kennel and is potty trained. He is still working on his manners, but is very smart and food motivated. He is still adjusting to life outside the shelter and will bark when he is unsure about something. Colin does well walking on a leash and enjoys going for walks. He is an amazing puppy looking for a very patient forever family that will continue working with him and stay up on his training. 

While adorable, GSD puppies require lots of patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Colin will need positive reinforcement training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. Because of that, Colin’s forever home will need to have prior GSD experience. 

Colin’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.