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.

Riven is an approx 4 month-old boy pup, whom we rescued from a reservation in SD. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die young due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. We are so glad that we were able to help sweet Riven!

Riven arrived very emaciated, suffering from extreme hair loss, scabs, and itching terribly due a severe case of Sarcoptic Mange, and sick with intestinal parasites. He was treated for all of those on arrival. Mange treatment lasted a couple of months due to the severity of his mange: his skin was very raw and sensitive and he had  to receive very frequent changes in bedding, baths, and be gently lathered with coconut oil and vitamin E cream every day to help soothe his skin. Riven required several mange treatments 2 weeks apart before he really started improving, but he now looks great, his fur is soft and luxurious, and he is looking and feeling great!

Riven recently gave us a quite a scare when he developed pneumonia and became lethargic. Abnormal heart sounds where detected, followed by an x-ray that also revealed some abnormally enlarged coronary arteries. Riven was referred to K-State for an echo-cardiogram and a cardiac consult. Fortunately, the echo was normal and there was no evidence of structural heart disease, so the heart murmur is considered benign and not a source of concern at this time :). Riven has been doing great since, has been neutered, and he is available for adoption!!

Riven is a happy, go lucky puppy who loves to play and have fun,  but who also enjoys to chill out after playtime. He is very calm and respectful of older dogs and loves to play with other energetic puppies. As he gets bigger, he is learning how to throw his weight around and can be a bit of a bully to smaller, less confident dogs, but he easily calms down and is redirected when his play gets a little too intense. He is very food-motivated and knows to sit to ask for something that he wants it. He also knows "down" and is doing well learning "place" on his bed. Riven loves all people and so far has been a confident and resilient puppy. We expect that with continued training , exercise, and socialization, Riven will grow into a stunning, pretty laid-back guy.

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