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.

Valentina is a very sweet appox 2 y.o. girl who was rescued from a reservation in SD. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die young on the Reservation, due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. In fact, when Valentina arrived, she was in very rough shape: she was extremely skinny and undernourished, she cowered, as if expecting the worst of people. We are so glad that we were able to help Valentina leave that life behind. Valentina's six puppies came into rescue a few weeks before she did and they have all found homes of their own. We were elated to be able to bring Valentina into rescue as well, so that she too can enjoy the rest of her life safe and loved, with a loving family of her own. 

Valentina is a very sweet, loving girl. She gets along great with other dogs. And she is even great with cats: she grooms and kisses the kitties in her foster home, and does not chase them, even when they run. Valentina knows "sit", "shake", and "high-five". 

Sweet, gentle Valentina appears to have been treated unkindly in the past. She still cowers a bit at times (ex: when it's time to be crated; or when approached too quickly, which can cause her to submissive-piddle a bit on occasion). But little by little, sweet, brave Valentina is gaining confidence. We feel confident that soon Valentina will realize that her prior sad life is behind, and that she no longer has anything to fear!

Valentina is affectionate, yet easy-going and pretty low-key. She is practically house-trained, although for now, we recommend crating at bedtime and when gone during the day, to avoid the occasional accident. Valentina has only been in rescue a short time, and she has adjusted beautifully to life in her foster home. These are all things that we feel should improve, as she settles in, and gains confidence.

Valentina is a wonderful girl with a beautiful temperament. She is great with people, loves kids, and she gets along well with other animals. She is doing well with leash-walking. She enjoys attention, likes to give sweet kisses. Valentina is not competitive around food or toys. 

Like all German Shepherd Dogs and other herding breed mixes that we have in rescue, Valentina will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.

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.