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.

Wolfgang is a very handsome big guy who was rescued from a crowded kill shelter in Oklahoma. 

Wolfgang (or “Wolfie” as he is affectionately known around his foster home) is a strapping young male German Shepherd Dog who has bounced around through multiple homes in his short life, but finally found a group who understands what this fantastic GSD boy needs! Wolfie is believed to be between 2-3 years old, and still has a bit of bouncy puppy spirit in him, but is also capable of being incredibly focused. Like all young GSDs, Wolfgang is at his best when he gets daily structured activity – he currently gets a minimum of two miles of walking each day, and more often between 3-4 miles. Wolfgang does great on walks, focusing on his person and ignoring distractions going on around him. Wolfie also loves all kinds of toys, and will happily play fetch (although ‘drop it’ is still a work in progress!), gently carry a stuffed toy all over the house, or settle in with a bone. Wolfgang currently lives with three other dogs (one large female, one medium male, and one puppy). Wolfgang does best with lower-key adult dogs who don’t crowd his space, but with time, supervision, and crate rotating, he would likely do well with most dogs. Once Wolfgang has warmed up to another dog, his playful side comes out – like many shepherds, his preferred play style is rough and tumble wrestling. However, Wolfie is also great about reading other dogs, and won’t force a non-playful dog to play with him. Wolfgang is not quite mature enough to be trusted loose in the house when his people are gone, and does have some crate anxiety. He has made huge bounds in his crating thanks to a combination of medicine and a special diffuser, and continues to improve. Given how smart he is, Wolfgang does require a heavy duty, reinforced kennel to keep him in – wire kennels are no match for this intelligent escape artist! Wolfgang has some protective tendencies, especially in the home, and his foster has been working to socialize him with frequent trips to Lowe’s, Home Depot, the vet, and other places, and teach him that he no longer has to fend for himself. Because of this, Wolfgang with require a very experienced GSD owner who is prepared to continue consistently socializing Wolfgang, and closely monitoring him in public and when visitors are over. 

Wolfgang's adoption fee is $350, all of which goes back into offseting 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.