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.

"Hello, my name is Bjorn, which is Swedish for bear. I am 5 months old. I love to play with my older foster sister, Maple Beanz -she is a two-year old Shepherd mix-. I especially like stealing her toys and hiding them in my kennel. When Maple tries to take the toys back, a fun game of tug ensues! I love to explore new surroundings and I love new people. There is also a cat that lives with us. I haven’t had much interaction with the cat, but he seems okay. I would like to be the cat’s friend and play with him, but he’s just not that into me, yet. After I am done playing, I love to cuddle up next to my humans and foster sister, and take a nap. At night I sleep in my kennel in the bedroom. My humans have told me that there are little humans called kids, but we haven't met one yet. Besides playing and sleeping, I also really love food! My humans have tricked me into doing "sit", "touch", and "leave it" using food. I will sit nicely before I exit my kennel. You might just have to wait a few seconds. I am very sweet, playful, and eager to learn more! I would love to find a forever home with active humans who will love me, continue my training, and I would LOVE to have a playful dog buddy!"

Bjorn loves toys. He also likes playing fetch. He is extremely food-motivated and very trainable. He is very, very sweet, and a total people-pleaser! Bjorn will let you know when he has to go to the potty and when he is hungry. Bjorn loves his naps and likes to cuddle up to a human or another dog to better enjoy his nap. He is the cutest, sweetest napper in all of the land!

Bjorn's ideal home would be an active household with prior GSD, Belgian Malinois, or similar breed experience, and with a playful dog buddy. While adorable, GSD and Belgian Malinois puppies require patience, structure, positive reinforcement, and redirection to channel their energy in appropriate ways. Like all puppies, Bjorn will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization. Bjorn's adoption fee is $395, all of which goes back into offsetting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (treated if positive), and microchipped. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.