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.

Kiwi is a very sweet, lovable, shy girl who is a well-behaved puppy! She loves playing with her doggy foster siblings, is potty-trained, and crate-trained. She is teething but corrects well when she is told no for chewing on something she is not supposed to. Kiwi is a little timid, but having a dog buddy really helps her come out her shell!  Because of that, Kiwi will need a friendly, laid-back dog buddy in her forever home. Kiwi is good with dogs, cats, and well-behaved children. Kiwi loves all toys, including bones, antlers, balls, and plush toys, and is very treat-motivated.  She is very sweet, cuddly, fun, and interactive once she warms up to you! 

While adorable, GSD puppies require lots of patience, positive reinforcement and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd puppies, Kiwi will need positive reinforcement training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. Because of that, Kiwi's ideal home will have prior GSD, or other herding breed experience. 

Kiwi's adoption fee is $395, 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.