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.

Cooper is an adorable GSD/Anatolian Shepherd mix young adult. He is approximately 3 years old. We rescued Cooper from a crowded high-kill shelter thanks to the amazing Miracle GSD network.

Cooper is sweet and loving as can be! Cooper is great with people of all ages and sizes. He plays well with other dogs and cats. He is GREAT and very gentle around the 10 month old in his foster home.

Cooper can be a little timid at first but he is super loving and friendly once he warms up to you. He is very affectionate. He loves attention, being petted and snuggling. Cooper is fairly quiet, but he will bark to alert you in the house, if he thinks perceives a threat. He is very sweet, very treat-motivated, and a fast learner who already knows some basic commands (sit, down, come, stay). He loves walks, playing fetch, going to the park, playing with squeaky toys. He is crate-trained and potty-trained. Cooper rides great in the car. Cooper is an awesome, very lovable boy who will excel with active adopters who are able to provide daily walks in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training that GSD youngsters require. Because of that, Cooper's ideal owner will have some prior GSD or similar breed experience.

Cooper's adoption fee is $350, 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 German Shepherds and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Cooper will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, and plenty of activity and socialization. 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 leash skills, manners, and social skills. Our dogs 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.