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.

Meet Orbit! He is the perfect boy for someone with an active life. He is a great companion, always by your side. At a little less than a year old he does amazing in the kennel and is potty trained. He’s a big puppy. He does very well with other dogs, always wants to play. Orbit LOVES going to doggy daycare! He has a shy and submissive temperament. His favorite game is fetch. He’s got a great drive for toys and food, he’s eager to learn new things. He has a lot of energy and puppy left in him, so he needs someone who can keep up with him, provide good structure, and continue his training! He absolutely loves people and loves being petted. Overall orbit is a hilarious goofball who needs some place to call home.

Orbit's adoption fee is $350, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age- appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and 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.

Like all Cattle Dogs and mixes, and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Orbit will need training, consistency, boundaries, and lots of activity and socialization in order to be a well-balanced, well-behaved dog. This sweet boy would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that he needs. Because of that, Orbit's ideal owner will have prior Cattle Dog, Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, GSD, or other similar breed experience. 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 provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills and manners.