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.

Archer is an adorable 10 month old youngster who was picked up as a stray and taken to a nearby shelter. Archer was extremely skinny, scared, and stressed out. We went and met him at the shelter Sunday before Memorial Day. And we fell in love with this super sweet, scared youngster, with the tough exterior. We went back and picked him up that same day so that he wouldn't have to spend the holiday alone and frightened at the shelter. And as Archer hopped inside our transportation van, we could tell that although scared, he was also a bit relieved and hopeful!

Archer is a gorgeous, slender, typical high-energy GSD youngster. He is sweet and loving, but also very energetic and enthusiastic. He will need an active family who will exercise him, continue to gently guide him, and continue to gently socialize him through positive experiences. 

Archer loves to be on-the-go all the time. His favorite thing is to be with his humans. He likes to stick to you like glue! He REALLY likes his food and is extremely treat/food motivated. In fact, he often rewards the giver of treats and food with sweet puppy kisses :).

Archer loves his crate and is super quiet when crated. He is learning to play and he reminds us of a baby goat or kangaroo, bouncing around and putting everything in his mouth! Archer does well with dogs big and small, and cats. However, he sometimes needs to be reminded not to chase smaller animals. Archer corrects easily. He is great on walks, and he is eager to please his humans. 

Archer is a very sweet, loving, huggable youngster who's obviously had some rough beginnings. He seems to have been treated unkindly in the past and lived a sad, isolated life prior to rescue. Archer needs very slow introductions. He is crate and stranger-reactive and unsure of men. And he still gets spooked by everyday things: swinging arms, fast movement, .... Because of that, we ask that Archer go to a home with no children under 10 y.o. 

Archer is still a puppy, he is very sweet, and he is a fast learner who wants to please. He approaches life with hope and wonder, and loves to learn new things. He has lots of potential!

Archer's ideal new pet parent will have experience with shy/fearful Shepherds. Archer needs a confident, patient, kind leader, who will allow him the time and space that he needs. And who will continue to gently socialize him and, and provide positive experiences to help him gain confidence and reach his full potential. 

Like all German Shepherd puppies, Archer will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.