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.

This is how Peyton's awesome foster dad describes this sweet, shy boy: "Peyton is a great dog that has improved a lot in the time that I’ve had him, and he is only going to keep getting better. He still has a lot to learn but he picks up things quickly, especially when treats are involved. He LOVES food! He responds well to his name. Peyton knows well "sit", "lay down", "drop it", "stay", "leave it", and "go to crate". Peyton is working on his recall. By far his best trick is waiting patiently for meals until you say “ok”. Peyton loves playing tug of war and fetch with his Kong toys and tennis balls, but his favorite is a knotted rope. I have not had luck with anything that squeaks since they only last about 15 minutes before he destroys them! When we’re done playing, he likes to switch back and forth between spending time on my (his) bed or in his crate for naps. His favorite place in the house is his crate and where he feels safest. He’s loves being petted but, in typical Shepherd fashion, on his terms. He is pretty independent and likes having alone time, but when it's time for bed, Peyton couldn’t be cuddlier and likes to take up a minimum of 70 percent of my (his) bed."

Sweet Peyton is cautious and introverted in new environments away from the people he knows. It will take extra time for him to adjust to his new home. Other than that, Peyton really enjoys people, whether they come to over to visit, or he sees them when he is out and about. Because of his large size (80lbs) and the fact that he has a tendency to try to greet everyone with puppyish enthusiasm, he will do best around adults (he is working on not jumping up in excitement). Peyton loves going for walks and car rides. He is great on car rides and enjoys going on them very much. He’s very calm and just gazes out the car windows. Peyton used to be startled by traffic and loud noises on walks, but he is getting more used to those, and is doing better every day on walks! He loves walks in quiet areas, exploring trails, lakes, and sniffing new areas.  Peyton is still a puppy at heart and knows how to use his size to his own advantage and can be a little stubborn at times (he will occasionally plant his butt down when he doesn't want to move). It just takes a little patience and persuation (or a good treat) to get him moving in the right direction! He would be great as an only dog. Peyton is currently the only dog in his foster home, but goes to doggy daycare on occasion and does well in small groups (he prefers laid-back dogs that do not get in his face). He also enjoys walks by himself and with doggy friends. Peyton has a sensitive stomach and is currently doing great eating Zignature Turkey kibble. Peyton is 80lbs and a tall build and he will need a handler that his fit, and steady on his/her feet, as he continues to learn good manners. Peyton's ideal adopter will have prior GSD experience and will continue his training -with positive reinforcement methods- (sit and wait, not jumping up, not mouthing, etc...). Payton will need a kind, patient adopter who understands he needs a little extra time to adjust, and who will allow him the personal space and time he needs to warm up on his own terms. He is a fabulous boy and a diamond in the rough, who will reward his lucky adopter with many years of happiness.

Like all German Shepherds, Peyton would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that he needs. Because of that, Peyton's ideal owner will have prior GSD, or similar breed experience. 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 provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills, and manners. This boy is a diamond in the rough. He is going to make the right adopter very happy!

Peyton's adoption fee is $275 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. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption., all of which goes back into offseting 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. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption.