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.

Blaze is a super handsome young man who absolutely LOVES water. His favorite thing is to splash around in his doggy pool. He even enjoys just laying down in it. He really enjoys his drinking water as well and therefore requires monitoring. However, he is completely potty trained and has no problem letting you know when he needs to go out.  He enjoys playing frisbee and chewing on bones but, his favorite toy is the smaller (toddler size) basketballs (partially deflated of course). He also LOVES the 'splash ball' for the pool. He likes to go for walks and has good leash manners; however, he is a big boy, and does pull a bit.  He loves to be petted, especially belly rubs; but mostly just likes to lay at your feet. A perk for those that don't want their friends on the furniture: he prefers the floor! He occasionally sleeps in his dog bed on the floor but, ignores the couches completely. He absolutely loves his humans and doggo friends and gets upset when they leave and when he's in the kennel. Blaze does not love his kennel and would do best with a daily routine and adopters who are home a lot, or willing to take him to doggy daycare. Blaze loves going to doggy daycare and having friends to play with. He is super sweet and follows directions very well. He knows 'sit' and 'wait' and just learned 'shake'. He has been working on 'lay down' and 'off' as well. Blaze can also hop a 4 foot baby gate easily, so his ideal home will have a 6 foot fence.

Blaze is looking for a patient, experienced, dedicated adopter. Someone who has plenty of of time to dedicate to his training (positive reinforcement training) - ideally someone with prior GSD or Husky experience, and who is home a lot and is able to spend lots of quality time with him, and can provide a calm, loving environment, with structured exercise. Blaze is not a fan of being left home alone or being crated. However, he LOVES going to doggy daycare!! He would do best with pet parents who are home a lot, and where he would normally not need to be alone more than a couple of hours at a time.  He must absolutely have at least 1 dog playful dog buddy his size in his forever home (he is however, great with dogs of all sizes and different temperaments - he loves being around other dogs, and would LOVE more than one sibling!). If that is you, please submit an application to adopt!