How we raise our puppies.  We are dedicated to producing stable, well-balanced German Shepherd puppies.  We utilize top German bloodlines known for producing good hips, even temperaments, and high trainability.  All our breeding females have calm temperaments and strong maternal instincts.  We provide each of our dams with a stress-free environment, premium diet, regular exercise, and plenty of family interaction throughout pregnancy.  

Neonatal period.  All of our litters are born and raised in a home environment.  We consider the first few days to be mom's special time with her litter.  We keep the whelping room warm, comfortable, and relatively quiet during the first three days.  This gives our females time to recuperate and bond with their puppies.  We line our whelping box with large bath towels that are stitched together and covered with a clean fleece blanket.  This provides good traction and since everything is frequently washed, keeps our pups clean and healthy.

We perform Early Neurological Stimulation from days 4 - 16.  ENS has important health benefits such as improved heart rates, increased stress tolerance, and improved disease resistance.  We also provide daily gentle handling throughout the first few weeks of our puppies' lives.    

Socialization period.  Once our puppies are approximately three weeks old, we begin providing regular environmental enrichment activities.  We systematically expose all of our puppies to new objects, flooring types, 'puppy challenges' and areas.  This type of environmental enrichment enhances intelligence, confidence, and learning.  

Our puppies are well-socialized with a variety of children and adults throughout their development.  We maintain a puppy journal with daily photo updates so our puppies' families can watch them growing up.

Early socialization creates a solid foundation for future training.  To build on this foundation, we begin basic obedience training including 'sit', 'down', and lots of happy recalls. 

Around five or six weeks of age, we will begin some tracking imprinting.  This simple activity increases a puppy's desire and willingness to track later in life.    

We formally temperament test our litters with the Volhard method at seven weeks of age.  We utilize the results of these tests (as well as our observations over the previous weeks) to determine which puppy is best suited for each home.