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.

Emma is a sweet, goofy, playful young gal. She loves walks and playing with toys. She knows "sit," "kennel up," and is working on "down" and "drop." Emma is very treat motivated and is a smart girl. She is working hard on her manners and greeting visitors without jumping up. She enjoys playing with the dogs in her foster home, as she is full of puppy energy. She loves being around the humans in her foster home as well, and likes getting lots of attention from them. She also really enjoys going for walks and playing outside with her foster parents. She is working on her leash manners as well. Since Emma is just a young pup, she will thrive in an active forever home. 

Like all German Shepherds, this sweet girl would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that she needs. Because of that, Emma's ideal owner will have prior GSD, or similar breed experience. Emma would do fine as an only dog, or with a patient/mellow dog her size.

 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.

Emma's adoption fee is $400, 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 testing 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.