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.

Sir Lancelot is a very sweet, affectionate guy, who found himself in trouble, at a small rural shelter, with a severe eye infection.

During his intake exam at Ridgeview Animal Hospital, Lancelot was noted to have a dental abnormality (either a missing tooth, or a partially-broken tooth). However, dental x-rays revealed the issue was in fact 3 partially-broken teeth, the fragments of which had lodged near Lancelot's eye socket. Lancelot was referred to Twin Creek Animal Hospital for dental surgery. Lancelot had his dental surgery 2-13-18, and while it was a little more involved than initially anticipated, it went very well. The tooth fragments that had lodged near Lancelot's eye socket were successfully removed, and none too soon, as the dental surgeon found that the infected fragments were causing purulent discharge behind Lancelot's eye, and it could have resulted in damage or loss of his eye! Lancelot is expected to recover well, and have a great outcome, now that the fragments have been removed.

He is a little timid, but very sweet, and he will readily go to strangers to be fussed over. He can be anxious in new situations, but seems to really relax with structure. Once he knows what you want from him, he is eager to please. He has been working on sit, stay, come, down, plus a few tricks, and his foster parents tell us that he catches on very quickly.  Kenneling is coming along gradually.  He loves the outdoors, even the cold, and he is really good about asking to go out potty.  He seems to especially like children, and is good with dogs, and indifferent to the two parakeets in his foster home.  He enjoys chewing on his Kong, likes to go for car rides. He is a youngster with so much potential, and a true charmer.

Like all German Shepherd Dogs, Australian Cattle Dogs, and other herding breed mixes that we have in rescue, Lancelot 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.