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.

Hooch is a sweet 3 month-old boy who was rescued from a reservation in SD with his mom and a litter of 11 pups. Hooch's mom, Malibu's 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. Malibu 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!

This adorable furry family was very lucky to come into rescue when it 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, they are now safe, and they will get to experience life as beloved family pets.

Hooch is a great little guy, pretty mellow and laid-back for a puppy. He loves people, including kids. He also loves to spend time outside and exploring with his humans and the other dogs. He absolutely LOVES other dogs, and especially playing with them! He is an active little puppy, but when he's ready for a nap, he cries to get into his playpen. What a cute and smart puppy! He is doing well working on his potty-training. He is a confident pup who loves to be with everyone, but he also knows how to be independent and entertain himself with his toys. His favorite toys are balls, and toys that he can play tug-o-war with. He is such a cool little pup! He enjoys snuggling and he also enjoys going on adventures :)

We are not sure what adorable little Hooch is with mixed with, other than his mom, Malibu, appears to be mixed with GSD & Husky, based on her looks. Like all German Shepherd Dogs and other herding breed mixes that we have in rescue, Hooch 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.