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.

Hi, I’m Bear! I’m a 40 lb, 6 month old hunk of love that checks ALL the boxes! Fuzzy? Check. Cuddly? Check. Loves hoomans of all sizes? Check. Gets along great with other puppers? Check, check! Super chill? Check. Good on a leash? Check. I’m also pretty good at going potty outside. Foster mom says I’m about 80% there. And about half of my accidents occur because I just get so excited when my hoomans want to spend 1 on 1 time with me…which is kind of cute when you think about it. I don't need to be with another dog but I’d do really well in a house with a dog that already has some training as I love to watch and learn. I already picked up how to sit, wait, and leave it. And it has only been 24 hours! Foster mom says I also “match energy.” If everyone is go, go, going, then I love to go, go, go too! But if everyone is laying around, I find a cozy spot to rest no matter how much (or how little) exercise I’ve had. And I'm super gentle with the tiny humans. I have GREAT leash manners. I only pull when I see a fast moving bunny or squirrel. But I’m pretty good about coming out of prey drive when foster mom says, “leave it” and will quickly go back to just enjoying time outside with my person. Cars are a little scary. When I see one, I tend to find somewhere safe to sit until it passes and then I’m ready to move again. I like to eat in my crate but that’s about all I prefer to use it for right now. I will need someone to be patient with me as I become more comfortable using it at night or when you’re out of the house. I’m the sweet, loving, goofy sort of boy that you could take on errands during the week or to sports or practices on the weekends.Being with my people makes me happy, no matter where that is! Think you could be my person? Be sure to submit your application asap because foster mom says I’m going to get snatched up fast!

Bear's adoption fee is $395, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age- appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and treated if positive), and microchipped. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.

Like all GSDs and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Bear will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet puppy would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that his breed needs. Because of that, Bear's ideal owner will have prior GSD, or other similar breed experience. 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 provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills and manners.