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.

We recently rescued Tanner from a SD reservation. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die on the reservation due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness, among other causes. Fortunately for Tanner, he is one of the lucky ones: he was able to get out safely and he will now get to experience life as a beloved family pet.

Tanner is a handsome, very sweet and young boy who appears to be around 1 year old. His fosters tell us that he is a super dog who loves everyone he meets (people and other dogs). He is great with kids, adults, and dogs of all sizes. He still a puppy at heart, can be a little mouthy at times, loves to zoom around the yard, and loves to play fetch! In fact, Tanner will play fetch with just about any toy you can throw: Kongs, balls, anything! But for the most part, Tanner is pretty calm and mellow. Tanner also knows how to keep himself entertained: he is so adorable when you watch him play in the backyard by himself with his toys. Tanner walks well on a leash, loves to go for walks, and does great on car rides.  He sleeps well through the night in the bedroom on his dog bed. Tanner is pretty quiet  most of the time (although he will alert you if someone is at the door). He is progressing in getting better in being kenneled when his fosters are gone, simply by having the household dog come lay down by him. We would love for Tanner to have a dog buddy in his forever home! Tanner is an incredibly sweet dog, who is great with people and dogs of all sizes, and such a gentle soul. Tanner truly is the whole package! Not only is he super handsome, calm, and even-tempered. He is also so gentle towards people and other dogs. He will make a fabulous companion for a very lucky adopter.  

Tanner is an amazing dog who will excel with active adopters who are able to provide daily walks in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training (positive reinforcement training) that all dogs, but especially youngsters, require. 

Tanner's adoption fee is $275, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and treated if positive), and microchipped. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.

Like all German Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs, and other herding breed mixes, Tanner will need training (positive reinforcement training), consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. 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 work on his/her leash skills, manners, and social skills. Our dogs 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.