The journey of puppy breeding begins well in advance. The initial step involves selecting prospective parents with an impeccable lineage, characterized by a robust bloodline and a history of proven generations that can be thoroughly researched. Following the selection process, health testing is imperative, which includes evaluations for hips, elbows, and a comprehensive DNA analysis for over 200 conditions, thereby ensuring quality through confirmation and recognized titles.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) offers the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) certification, which mandates testing for hips, elbows, degenerative myelopathy (DM), and temperament. Furthermore, in Germany, the SV has established three breeding levels: Basic, Advanced, and Premium. For more detailed information, including additional requirements such as microchip implantation, please feel free to inquire, as I have omitted some specifics for brevity.

Basic: Hips, Elbows, WB Title, Min Confirmation of rating G.

Advanced: (all above +..)

Titles BH, AD, IGP or ZAP

Premium: (All of the above +…)

Titles IGP, Breed Survey

Since I began breeding, the standards for German breeds have evolved significantly. Initially, I was taught that achieving a “SG” (Very Good) rating or better was essential. I subsequently focused on excelling with “V” (Excellent) ratings, then IGP (Schutzhund) and completing a Breed Survey.

My Bloodlines consist of proven  |:| V, IGP 1-3 , KKl |:| German Shepherds

Prerequisites for these evaluations included assessments of hip and elbow conformation, among other criteria. I have followed these criteria to provide transparency into my breeding program. Everyone has something to tell you, but I wanted something I could prove to you! The dogs I have chosen to possess these wonderful traits to pass down to the next generation and you have more than my word that they have proven themselves to be as I know them to be!

Now to the Fun Stuff … PUPPIES!

In preparation for welcoming a new puppy into our families, I have created a comprehensive Puppy Handbook designed to ensure that families are fully equipped for the best possible outcomes.

From the moment they arrive, the puppies find comfort on soft veterinary bedding, supplemented by a heating source that cradles them in warmth and supports their delicate joints. Raised in my home, these puppies are always within earshot, allowing for constant supervision and interaction. ESI & ENI Protocols are implemented for puppy’s long-termphysical and mental health but also give their mom a well-deserved break.

As time allows, I share milestones through videos and photos, offering insights into their development and emerging traits. This aspect of the process is something I cherish, as it allows families to be involved from the very beginning of their puppy’s life.

As the puppies’ transition to a stage of advanced movement, they are gracefully introduced to a more expansive area, thoughtfully designed to promote their physical and mental well-being. With rubber-textured flooring, this space facilitates spot training and ensures messes can be managed easily, contributing to their future success in housebreakingwith favorable time. Daily engagement is essential to satisfy their curiosity and desire to explore their new environment, with mindful additions to their safe area. Early handling and grooming practices align with our Early Socialization and Environmental Enrichment protocols, which are crucial for their development. This grooming also helps keep the mother comfortable from the puppies’ sharp claws.

The bond with their mother, who provides multiple vital immune benefits and nutritional support, is guided by her wishes. During this phase, we introduce a high-quality diet emphasizing gut health, which is closely linked to overall well-being, including immune function. From the outset, we incorporate organic superfoods, fermented products, goat milk, and a raw beef blend, with some other all natural products that have proven outcomes to give the puppies the best possible start in life after their mother. This meticulous approach has consistently resulted in healthy puppies, both physically and mentally, easing their transition into new homes and facilitating initial housebreaking efforts. Additionally, they are exposed to the sights and sounds of a busy family life, which is integral to their socialization.

As the puppies reach the next stage of their early lives, we embark on outdoor adventures in a designated puppy area, carefully designed for their safety and growth. The space features high-pile turf with a thick rubber backing to ensure joint health, provide traction, and facilitate sanitation, all while resembling a typical yard where they will eventually live. Purposefully selected items enhance the puppies’ experiences with their littermates, fostering confidence during this critical developmental phase. The environment is constructed to allow safe exploration, enabling the puppies to enjoy the joy of discovery in a thoughtfully curated area adjacent to our home. This proximity allows for close monitoring as they encounter new stimuli, such as yard work tools, gunfire, and the sounds of nature from our expansive six-acre property surrounded by multiple 40 + acre farms.

Inside, I have redesigned their living area to include easy access to their designated spot and aligned crates that mimic a den, similar to what they would experience in the wild. Their mother has a designated space to monitor and interact with them as she wishes. This setup encourages the puppies to become comfortable in their “dens,” allowing them to sleep overnight while gradually reducing their reliance on indoor spots, instead opting to relieve themselves outside during outings.

While some littermates may initially struggle with the unfamiliarity of a crate in a new environment, potentially resulting in sleepless nights, we practice short one-on-one crate naps using established protocols that reward positive crate training experiences. Our puppies have grown accustomed to these routines, making the transition to this next phase seamless. We aim to create a crate that serves as a sanctuary from the start, fostering a positive association for the entire litter. This approach proves invaluable for both the puppies and their new families during the crucial bonding period, alleviating one concern from the to-do list. For my puppies, this means a less stressful transition—an outcome that is close to my heart. Every decision I make is focused on setting these little ones up for success in their new homes.

As puppies develop, it is essential for them to achieve age-appropriate socialization goals. We also continue to expand grooming and handling exercises, ensuring that they become comfortable with these experiences. An important aspect of their development is introducing kibble, a diet carefully selected based on years of research that has yielded positive outcomes for both my parents’ dogs and their puppies.

In addition to this, we are committed to nurturing the puppies’ natural instincts by establishing a strong recall. This training is reinforced through various experiences, whether they involve frolicking in the yard, following us down the hallway, or encountering a diverse array of sights, sounds, and experiences on our property. Successful implementation of recall training is a shared focus.

Puppy manners are consistently rewarded throughout the day, fostering food motivation through positive reinforcement. A clicker will also be introduced for families wishing to incorporate this tool into their training routines. I believe these puppies possess a solid genetic foundation, and it is my goal to enrich their experiences to cultivate resilient and well-rounded individuals, recognizing that each puppy and family is unique. This early exposure will enhance their future achievements.

During this phase of the puppies’ lives, families on my reservation list are invited to meet the litter as well as the parents of nearly all my breeding’s. While I occasionally utilize an outside stud, I prioritize working with trusted breeders who share my values. Observing the true temperament of a stud dog over an extended period, rather than just during a breeding session, is crucial. This approach allows for the verification of all pertinent documentation and an assessment of the home environment in which the dog is cared for. Such diligence is essential to ensure the quality of the stud and to select a suitable partner for producing the next generation. Consequently, I prefer to utilize my own carefully selected studs, with whom I have shared daily life. This experience provides me with a comprehensive understanding of their temperaments which are than independently proven with titles that they meet the German Standards for breeding.

Each litter presents unique characteristics, and I have learned that rushing the temperament assessments can be detrimental. True temperament evaluations cannot be accurately conducted until puppies are over six months of age. These assessments provide valuable insights into their potential future dispositions. You may wonder why I conduct these assessments; they give each puppy a voice regarding the home in which they will thrive. It is essential for families to understand as much as possible about the puppy they are choosing to welcome into their lives. Positive feedback from my matchmaking process helps ensure a proper fit based on each puppy’s and family’s unique preferences, lifestyles, and needs. This is particularly important for those seeking service or therapy dogs, as specific temperaments are crucial for various roles—whether for families with special needs, dog sport enthusiasts, or those with young or mature families. While this step is filled with anticipation and excitement, it plays a vital role in setting each puppy up for success in their new home.

As the puppy selection process unfolds, families are informed and choose their puppies according to the order of their deposits. This selection can be guided remotely through images and insights or conducted in person, with essential information shared throughout the process.

As puppy pick-up day approaches, each puppy is given a refreshing bath in preparation for their new adventure. They will receive two vaccinations, a microchip—which will be transferred to the new family upon final payment—and a puppy bag containing some of our favorite items.

While I have conducted extensive research on the theory, breed standards, training & products I use and recommend.  I always welcome questions and suggestions from families, as each situation is unique. Please know that I provide lifetime support for all my puppies. My input to my families is returned in the successful outcomes with my puppy’s living a fulfilled happy life!

Even after all of this … There is still a chance I managed to leave something out. Haha.. So please reach out with any questions you may have.

Reach out to connect by phone 443-866-6400 Call/Text between 7a-7p EST or email GoldenRidge@grfgsd.com