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.

Lexi is an adorable, sweet and lively 4 month old GSD girl puppy. Lexi was surrendered at the shelter by owners who could not afford the care of a puppy. While at the shelter, she was diagnosed with ataxia (wobbling and missteps on her back legs), however, she was evaluated by our vet, and she appears to be a normal, healthy girl, simply at that somewhat awkward, slightly clumsy puppy stage that GSD puppies go through! She is smart, full of energy, and is thrilled to be in a foster home with humans that understands her needs (a good routine, lots of activity, learning and stimulation). She loves playing with the household dogs, and cuddling with them. And in typical GSD fashion, she likes to be affectionate with her humans... on her own terms! Lexi is a happy pup, sweet yet feisty and 100% adorable! Lexi likes all toys - rope toys, stuffed animals, bones, antlers. She redirects well when she starts chewing on something she’s not supposed to. Lexi is working on crate-training, and she's doing great with potty-training! This adorable girl will need an active, experienced owner who will continue to work on her socialization and training.  

Lexi's ideal home would be an active household with prior GSD experience, and a playful dog buddy. While adorable, GSD puppies require patience, structure, positive reinforcement, and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Lexi will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. Lexis's adoption fee is $450, all of which goes back into offsetting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (treated if positive), and microchipped. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.