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.

Ham is an adorable 9-week old girl puppy who was rescued from a reservation in SD with his 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. Ham is a very lucky boy to have made it into rescue, and we are so glad that we were able to help him!

Ham's mom, Kiah, was found as a stray with her litter, on the Reservation. The pups, including Ham, 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. Sadly, their mom, Kiah, didn't make it despite everyone's best efforts, due to traumatic injuries and damage that she had suffered prior to coming into rescue. Luckily, thanks to their amazing foster parents, Kiah's pups are thriving, and now ready for their furever homes!

This is what Ham's foster parents have to say about him: "Ham is a mama's boy. He loves to sit in your lap and is pretty quiet and reserved. He has started becoming possessive of his food with the other pups, and he will need for his new family to continue working on this with him. He is paper potty-trained. He loves to play and wants a lot of love. He does well on a leash and is learning sit and stay.".

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