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.

Meet River! River is a one year old German Shepherd with the sweetest and goofiest demeanor! Priot to rescue, River was living in an Amish puppy mill. Now that he’s been released, he is learning just how big the world really is, and he's loving it! River needs a home that is patient as he continues to learn and blossom. Understandably, he is still learning that people can be safe. He takes a little while to warm up to people, but once he does, he is the sweetest little shadow who will always be by your side! He had never been in a house before rescue, so he is like a big puppy who is learning all the things a younger pup would be learning. He is doing wonderfully! River is doing great with crate-training and potty-training. He already knows how to sit, lay down and wait! He also walks on leash beautifully! His ideal home would have a resident dog who is fairly tolerant of a very playful puppy. River absolutely loves to play and play with other dogs! But sometimes playing is just soo much fun and he doesn’t understand it's time to take a break when other dogs give cues. River would do best in a home with older kids as he likes to lean on the people he loves. He is energetic and hilarious! He will have you laughing everyday with his adorable puppy antics. He absolutely loves attention and being petted by people he is comfortable with! His foster mom takes him to pet friendly stores and to rescue events so he can get more socialized. And every time, he gets a little more comfortable than the last time! He truly is such a sweet boy with so much potential. River is going to be someone’s best friend! 

From his foster mom: “It has been an incredible joy to watch this gentle, sweet, young pup discover what it’s like to be a happy dog! Watching him grow everyday is very rewarding, and I think that his future home will feel the exact same way as he continues to flourish”

IMPORTANT CARE INFO: When River arrived, he was missing patches of fur and was extremely itchy. He's now regrown his beautiful fur and is very comfortable on a Cytopoint injection monthly and one tablet of Apoquel tablet daily (we may be able to decrease that after the first freeze, but there's a chance he could require both allergy meds year-round).

Like all GSDs, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, River will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet boy 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, Dresden's ideal owner will have prior GSD, or other 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.