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.

Cruze is a sweet 2 month-old boy who was rescued from a reservation in SD with his mom and a litter of 11 pups. Cruze'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.

Cruze is super handsome and very affectionate. He loves spending as much time with his humans as he can. He even likes to fall asleep as you pet him and cuddle him! Yet, he is also confident and loves to explore. He is very food-motivated. He is also very smart and catches on quickly. He already knows "sit" and is learning to leash-walk. He is doing well with potty-training and now even barks to let you know when he has to go. What a smart puppy! He loves the rubber kong toys to chew on, soft frisbee's and rope toys. He is great with kids, other dogs...in fact, he loves playing with the big dogs AND he loves cats! 

We are not sure what adorable little Cruze 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, Cruze 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.