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.

Esme is an adorable 9-week old girl puppy who was rescued from a reservation in SD with her mom and a litter of 7 pups. Reservation dogs lead a very hard life, with no shelter, little food, and no vet care. Many of them die young due to accidents, deprivation, and/or sickness among other causes. Esme is a very lucky girl to have made it into rescue, and we are so glad that we were able to help her!

Four days prior to rescue, Esme's mom, Ireyna had puppies under a stranger's porch. The pups, including Esme, would surely have died as the temperatures dropped.  With below zero wind chills, nights can be dangerously cold at Rosebud & Pine Ridge Reservations for the more than 2000 stray dogs and puppies trying to survive out in the elements. Many are lost, but we save as many as we can, and this sweet girl and her pups, were some of the lucky ones!

This is what foster mom has to say about adorable little Esme: "She is the smallest of the litter but very confident. She does not let the bigger pups push her around. She is very loving, will play with the other pups but is also content to just play by herself. She is also a cuddler unless the other pups are playing and then she wants in on the action! Esme is very calm when having her nails trimmed. She does exceptionally well on potty training: she always goes to the potty area".

Like all German Shepherd and German Shepherd mix puppies, Esme will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization, in order to become a well-balanced, well-behaved dog.