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.

Nyx is a beautiful, super sweet puppy. This is what her doting foster parents have to say about her: "Nyx is one of the sweetest puppies we have fostered. She is easy-going, smart, and inquisitive. She arrived to us very skinny and shy, but is definitely coming out of her shell. Nyx gets along well with the other two dogs in her foster home. She likes to wrestle with her foster sister, even though her sister is much bigger. She quickly understands when her foster siblings have had enough. She loves to chase a lure on a pole. She has become more confident over time investigating the backyard’s nooks and crannies. She loves sticks, flowers, and hiding. She does like to dig if allowed, and isn’t above grabbing an unattended sock. She is quickly learning to sit and to wait patiently for her food, even though she gets very excited about feeding time. She is working on potty-training and is almost there. She is working on potty-training and is doing well. Nyx is very comfortable in her crate. She goes in and is learning to wait for the signal to come out. She loves sleepy afternoons on the couch. 

Like any of our dogs, this beautiful girl 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, Nyx's ideal owner will have prior GSD or similar herding breed experience, and a friendly dog buddy for Nyx. 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.