Bailey *Youth*'s Web Page

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.

About Bailey Youth
Status: Adopted! Adoption Fee: $350 Species: Dog Current Age: 7 Years 11 Months (best estimate)

Bailey is an adorable, 12 month-old puppy, and a sweet cuddler that lives to play. She plays from the time she wakes up, to the time that all of her playmates go to sleep and she decides she has nothing better to do until they all wake up again :).

Bailey spent the first 8 months of her life bouncing around different homes, as various owners found themselves unwilling to keep her, due to her severe separation anxiety leading to constant accidents in her crate when left alone. At one point, this poor puppy found herself crated 24/7 outdoors, malnourished, truly skin and bones :(. Thankfully, a good Samaritan rescued her, and another one sought rescue for her, and that's how Bailey came to be with us. She is in a wonderful, very dedicated foster home, and she has made great strides. She has gained a healthy weight and is still growing, but it seems apparent that she will always be a small-sized Shepherd. Which makes her look even cuter, as she looks like a much younger puppy!

When Bailey first came into rescue, she had a tough adjustment period. Whenever alone, she experienced high levels of anxiety and stress diarrhea. Two months later, this cutie now does well being left out of a kennel or in an enclosed room with other friendly, confident dogs. It is essential that Bailey have a confident dog buddy in her new home, as she still gets stressed out if confined alone. Bailey is doing well with her potty-training. She still has accidents occasionally, if someone misses her subtle cues that she has to go out.

Now that she is comfortable and happy, she has started learning new commands and tricks and she loves to show off how smart she and be showered with lots of love and praise!

Bailey is still coming out of her shell and is a little hesitant around new people, but she is food-motivated and warms up quickly, especially when treats are involved! Because she is still a little skittish and worries around sudden gestures and loud voices, we are looking for a calm, nurturing environment, and kids 12 y.o. or older who will be respectful of her space.

We would love to see Bailey go to a home with another playful and confident dog since it helps her be more confident, secure and happy, which in turn really eases her anxiety. Bailey is very interested in the kitties in her foster home. She is playful but friendly, and should do fine with cats tolerant of her puppyish ways.

Bailey is a sweet gem. We expect that she will keep blossoming in the right environment, as she continues to grow, mature, and gain confidence. Bailey will need a dog buddy. She needs a very patient, loving, dedicated home who will give her plenty of time (months) to adjust, as we expect that she will go through a period of high-anxiety with renewed accidents, as she transitions into her new home. Bailey's ideal pet parents will be home a lot so that she is not alone more than 4 hours at a time.

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

More about Bailey Youth

Good with Dogs, Good with Cats, Good with Older/Considerate Kids Only, Needs a companion animal

Please review the information in the "About Us", "Important Considerations" and "Adopt" sections on our website menu, as it contains useful information about the breed, adoption fees, the adoption process and our requirements, and how meeting the dogs works.

Other Pictures of Bailey *Youth* (click to see larger version):