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.

Isabella is a totally adorable young girl, who had the bad luck of landing as a stray in a very high-kill shelter in Southern California. Isabella was friendly with people at the shelter, but her puppyish enthusiasm and bad manners when meeting other dogs, quickly got her placed on the shelter's kill list. In partnership with the amazing Miracle GSD Network, we were able to spring young Isabella out of the shelter in just the nick of time!

Isabella is a wonderfully exuberant, and curious young girl. At about 1 year old, she's developed the body of an almost full-grown GSD, with the heart of a puppy! She's very attentive and a fast-learner. Her growing list of commands currently includes Come, Sit, Stay, and Leave It. While making friends with other dogs isn't easy for her, once she knows a dog, she loves to play wrestle and play tag. In fact, we would really like for Isabella to have a playful dog buddy in her furever home! She's a rough and tumble girl, so playmates her size or bigger are probably best. Much of the world is new to her, but she enjoys meeting people, does well on car rides, and continues to steadily improve on her social skills. Isabella is a delightful youngster who will excel with active adopters who are able to provide daily walks, in addition to backyard playtime, outings for socialization, and the usual training that GSD youngsters require. Because of that, Isabella's ideal owner will have some prior GSD experience.

Isabella is a wonderful girl who will be the delight of an active, GSD-loving owner. Like all German Shepherd youngsters, she will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. Our dogs 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, plenty of activity and mental stimulation. 

Reminder: 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 work on his/her leash skills, manners, and social skills.