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.

Gibson is a gorgeous young boy who was out of time at the shelter due to space. He is outgoing, playful, fun, and he LOVES other dogs. Gibson is around 1 year old and still a puppy. He has the cutest little ears and gorgeous blue eyes!

Gibson (who also goes by Gibs) is a super sweet boy, full of love and personality. He has all the smarts of a GSD, with some of the Husky sassiness and stubborness, and he is simply irrestible! Luckily, he is very food-motivated, and eager to work for his favorite treats! Gibson recently started agility classes and was the star of the class from the very beginning, figuring out new obstacles in under 60 seconds!

Gibson is still all puppy, and absolutely LOVES playing with the other dogs in his foster home and at doggy daycare, where he is a favorite! While Gibson has ENDLESS energy when it comes to playing with other dogs, he's overall a moderate energy dog who is fine with a short to medium walk each day, and is capable of being incredibly calm in the house. Gibson will need an experienced owner who understands he needs gentle handling, patience, and lots of positive reinforcement as he continues to learn to trust humans (he can be a little selective, and needs slow introductions to new people). Once Gibson knows you, he LOVES cuddle, and he loves and bonds to his trusted humans as much as he does other dogs! 

Gibson's ideal home would be a household with prior GSD or Husky experience (preferably with a playful dog buddy). While adorable, GSD teens require patience, structure, positive reinforcement, and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all German Shepherd/Husky teens, Gibson will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. Gibson's adoption fee is $350, all of which goes back into offsetting 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.