Before the Beginning

Nesko vom Struwwelpeter with his BH medalAt WächterEngel German Shepherds, training begins before the puppy is even conceived.  We plan a litter by selecting only the best combination of genetics from Our dogs are well behaved in a groupboth a physical and mental standpoint.  We choose lines that have produced solid working dogs with the character and mental stability to also be faithful and obedient family companions.  To further insure physical soundness, all dogs in our breeding program have received either a German clearance on their hips and elbows or an OFA rating of good or excellent.

Does our program really make a difference?  Read some Puppy Testimonials from people who have bought our puppies.

3 to 16 Days

At three days old, our puppies begin a thirteen-day program of Bio-Sensor Neurological Stimulation exercises.  This period coincides with the most rapid developmental stage of their neurological systems.  The process of gentle movements, thermal and tactile stimulation have been proven to increase your puppy’s mental stability, nerve, confidence, performance and immune system.  Whether you buy a puppy for work, for sport or just for companionship, your dog will be healthier and show less stress in any situation.

Holding a puppy upside down Holding a puppy upright Tickling a puppy's toes with a cotton swab Laying apuppy on a cold towel Holding a puppy on its back

4 to 6 Weeks

Introducing puppies to other dogsOur next stage of puppy enrichment is between 4 and 6 weeks of age. This two-week window is the most important stage for emotional and social stimulation.  At this time, we begin social contact with other people, children, other animals, crates, car rides, sights, sounds and smells.  This is a critical, limited time period Socializing puppies with other peoplein which we develop the human bond and companionship factor in your puppy to insure you the most affectionate, confident and loyal family companion or working dog.

Starting in this same 4 to 6 weeks old period, we lay the foundation for future obedience training by teaching the puppies that humans are a source of reward in the form of food, play and affection.  By utilizing positive, motivational techniques that appeal to the puppy’s natural drive, we introduce them to housebreaking, to coming when called, and to bonding with people.

"These pups are absolutely beautiful! They look so healthy and happy and robust and I love how many of them already have their ears coming up!!! Super, super, super!!!" -- Jackie Scara, Jacksonville, FL

6 to 8 Weeks

Negotiating a teeter-totterPuppies in an agility tunnelBetween 6 and 8 weeks, we introduce them to new sights, sounds, surfaces, people and animals.  This lays the groundwork for a stable, self-confident adult dog.  We also perform a temperament test on each puppy to determine what he/she will be best suited for: family companion, competition, special needs, therapy, Schutzhund, family or personal protection or police canine unit.

Puppies playing tug Puppies in an agility tunnel puppu going through a mini tire obstacle

 

Developing into the Future

The final, but ongoing phase is enrichment.  As the puppies grow, we continue to expose them to various environments and higher levels of training depending on the goal for each puppy.  We take pride in matching the correct puppy with the correct family and environment.  We are committed to always being available to help you with your dog through continued training and education.  Besides the basic training the puppies have already been started on before they leave our home, we offer a free five-week basic training course for the owner and puppy.

Remember

Last, but certainly not least, these puppies were bred and developed to be physically and mentally superior so we highly encourage you to continually develop your dog’s abilities while enriching your relationship with him/her.

Testimonials

Here's just one of many testimonials we've received from our customers.  Read more on our Puppy Testimonials page.

Zeli of Black Dog FarmZeli

Hi Jason and Carol,

I took Zeli [Nesko vom Struwwelpeter and Vira von den Wölfen to the vet for her first checkup.  The vet takes care of the police K-9s in Jacksonville so really understands and appreciates working line dogs. As soon as he came in the room he said "Wow - that's what a German Shepherd should be built like!"  He was quite impressed with her character, too, remarking that "Someone must have spent a lot of time with this litter for her to be acting so calm and self-confident in here."  I am very, very pleased with this combination of genetics and expert puppy-raising.

~ Anita Gard, Jacksonville, FL