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.

Beck is a great and smart guy! He loves everyone in his foster home equally, and does not play favorites. Beck knows sit, down, NO, he comes when called, and he is potty trained. However, Beck is easily distracted when he is outside with the other dogs in his foster home, so sometimes it takes him a bit to finish his business. He needs to go out early in the morning to potty, but comes in and goes right back to bed when he is done. He does know to go to the door if you say, “outside.” He loves going for walks and is working hard on his leash training. He does better if you increase the pace to a slow jog. He loves getting cozy on a pillow, blanket, or human to sleep. He does not mind being in his kennel either. Beck likes to lay on the deck in the sun, but also enjoys playing with toys (including the vacuum that he tries to bite). He is a wonderful dog with lots of puppy energy and will make some family very happy.

Like any of our dogs, Beck would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that his breed needs. Because of that, his ideal owner will have prior GSD, or other herding breed experience. 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 provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills, and manners.

Beck'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. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply