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.
Spyder is a beautiful 1.5 year-old Belgian Malinois boy. Spyder came from a shelter in Oklahoma where he was a staff favorite due to his sweet, playful demeanor, intelligence, and friendliness. The shelter manager reached out to us, as they are forced to euthanize for space, and they were hoping that this fabulous boy could be rescued. Thanks for an amazing, experienced foster who stepped up, were were able to help Spyder.
Spyder is a gorgeous young boy who will capture your heart when he buries his head into you for petting and attention. He is the ultimate Velcro dog who will stick close by in everything you do. He would be a great partner for running, hiking, swimming, and going on adventures. Spyder is very smart, loves to learn, and would benefit from continued training. In less than a week, he has learned -and needs to keep practicing- Wait, Sit, Down, Watch, Touch, Leave It, Take It, Drop It, Swing (into Heel position) and is working on his loose-leash walking. As is common with the breeds that we rescue, Spyder can sometimes be a little "mouthy" when he gets excited. He is working on that, but for that reason, it may be best for him to go to a home with older children. Spyder is dog-friendly. When meeting new dogs, though, he prefers respectful dogs who aren't too much in his face. He is an active young dog who needs an active owner. If you're looking for a cuddly, loyal, adventurous, ride-or-die partner, Spyder is a gem!
Like all Belgian Malinois, GSDs and other herding breeds that we have in rescue, Spyder 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, Spyder's ideal owner will have prior 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.
Spyder's adoption fee is $400, 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.
More about Spyder
Good with Dogs
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.
Video of Spyder:
Other Pictures of Spyder (click to see larger version):
Currently we do not know if Spyder will be able to attend the event, HUGS at Nebraska Brewing Company on Saturday, September 20th, 2025.
