Size
(when grown) -
Details
Good with dogs,
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.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.Peyton is a super handsome boy who ended up as a stray in a very crowded kill shelter in Oklahoma. He was Heartworm positive, which made him unadoptable and put him at the top of the urgent list. Lucky for him, he is an incredibly sweet boy, and the shelter volunteers adored him, and fought very hard to buy him a little extra time while they sought rescue for him. When they asked us to help, we couldn't say no...and the rest is history! Peyton has now successfully completed his Heartworm treatment. He is fully recovered, and ready for an active forever home of his own! This is how Peyton's awesome foster dad describes this sweet boy: 'Peyton is a great puppy that has improved a lot in the few months I’ve had him, and he is only going to keep getting better. He still has a lot to learn but he picks up things quickly, especially when treats are involved. He LOVES food! He responds well to his name. Known commands that he excels in are sit, lay down, drop it, go to crate. Commands he knows but need polishing are stay, leave it and to come when called. By far his best trick is waiting patiently for meals until you say “ok”. He loves playing tug of war and fetch with his kong toys and tennis balls but his favorite is a knotted rope. I have not had luck with anything that squeaks since they only last about 15 minutes before he destroys them! When we’re done playing, he likes to switch back and forth between spending time on my (his) bed or in his crate for naps. He’s loves being petted but only on his terms (in typical German Shepherd fashion!). Sometimes he likes having some alone time, but when it's time for bed, Peyton couldn’t be more cuddly and likes to take up a minimum of 70 percent of my (his) bed. Peyton has been great with everyone that he has met thus far. However, because of his large size (80lbs) and the fact that he has a tendency to try to greet everyone with puppyish enthusiasm, he might do best around adults for now (he is working on not jumping up in excitement). He is great on car rides and loves going on them. He’s very calm and just gazes out the car windows. He is great on walks, super excited and pulls at first but calms down quickly and enjoys being out. He used to be startled by traffic and loud noises, but he is getting more used to those, and is doing better every day! Peyton does great in his crate while I'm at work. He’s potty-trained and lets me know when he needs out. I know it’s just a matter of time before he turns into a well-rounded pup. With an active adopter, and maybe a doggy brother or sister to help keep him occupied, my Okla-homie will do amazing!'Like all German Shepherds, 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, Peyton's ideal owner will have prior GSD, or 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.Peyton's adoption fee is $350, all of which goes back into offseting 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. Learn more about the adoption process and requirements, and apply at: http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.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.
