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.

Malibu is a sweet, gorgeous, approx 4 y.o. girl, who came from a SD reservation, where she was living as a stray. We are not sure what Malibu is with mixed with, other than she appears to be mixed with GSD & Husky, based on her looks. She has strikingly good looks, with one blue eye, and one brown one, and she is a great girl!!

Malibu is not only a sweetie, she is also brave, and an excellent mom. Our rescue friends on the reservation tell us that Malibu had her puppies in a culvert on the reservation. When a thunderstorm started brewing, and lightning lit the sky, this sweet mama, somehow sensed that her babies would be in danger. She was seen picking her puppies up, one by one, and carrying them to the house up the hill, all eleven of them, until rescue arrived!

Malibu was very lucky to come into rescue when she did, as Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die on the Reservation due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. Fortunately, Malibu and her puppies are now safe, and they will get to experience life as beloved family pets.

Malibu likes to go for walks and does well on a leash. She is sweet yet not clingy. She can be a little skittish with sudden movement, but she is adjusting very well to life in her foster home. She gets along well with other dogs with slow introductions. She takes treats nicely and she is not competitive around food. She is still learning what toys are, and she loves to chew on bones :). Malibu will make a great family pet for a very lucky adopter.

Reminder: 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/her leash skills, manners, and social skills.