angelsun

Litter before last....did three matings and five days later he took a little again....was cheap sex though as she whelped based on the 'real' matings. Also had my last manchester litter..three matings and 7 days later he squeezes through the rungs on the deck to jump into the other yard and go for a r*&t again....once again..cheap sex..she whelped based on the controlled rendevous!

German Pinschers may be the size you look for....right colour, and a bit larger...and purebred so you know what you're getting (no mixed breed surprises!)

We're entered and hopefully the weather co operates. It's local for us so don't want to miss out.

When Angel came at 10 weeks old, we put her in the trailer with her buddy Samm...between him and her blanket and some toys, she quickly fell in love with the trailer. When my new girl comes from Canada, she'll have her inside house bed/blanket from her crate put in the berth and she should feel more comfortable. The crazies here rush to the trailer and we have to be sure to not leave the doors open or they will all try to crawl into a berth together...not a smart idea with full grown Shepherds!

Interesting idea.....definately would work to keep people interested and let others know how far along they are on the track!

Never have done that...always have based my decisions on more tangible sources such as extensive chats and meetings with the actual person instead of what may have been put on an internet site. Have been selling/breeding long before the world wide web and in all that time have made only two mistakes in selling a pup...all without the aid of google!

I chipped as soon as I was able to when living in Canada because I believed it was the best way to ensure a lost dog got home. I chipped cresteds and manchesters so size wasn't an issue, and never concerned me....since being here, I"ve convinced my other half to chip as part of our litters (shepherds) and even though it isn't mandatory, I feel that we should not have to be legislated before we feel we have to do something. I will love to see mandatory NATIONWIDE chipping for registered dogs.

I had to rehome Fraser at 12 years of age when I moved here. Wasn't easy to do. He was a large displastic boy with a hard coat to maintain (mixed breed with double coat that needed to be clipped frequently) I had thought long and hard about putting him down before my departure thinking no one would be able to care for him for the time he had left....as it turns out, a family took him into their homes, spoiling him silly and enjoyed his singing and goofy mutt ways until two weeks before Xmas when he quietly passes away on his large comfy dog mattress by the fireplace. They didnt' have him long, but it was a lifetime to them and they loved him dearly. I take solice in knowing that he had almost another year to enjoy. Yes there are good homes out there that know that older dogs are special gifts that are not here in their lives for long but make a large imprint anyway.

Teddy: Partipaws TD Bear TeaParty Nudge: Partipaws Nudge Nudge Wink Wink Squirt: Partipaws Get together Yeah, I know...some a bit long but could be squished....the middle being what happens the day after the office party when everyone comes back to work and the gossip starts at the watercooler!!

Title Angel the German Pinscher Title Tripp the German Shepherd Work on some obedience for Samm the Shepherd Await impatiently the arrival of M the German Pinscher (from my litter born in Canada) Bring in the frozen semen from my boy in Spain Breed above mentioned semen to above mentioned Angel. Keep working like mad on getting as many out there to know and want to participate in Rally Obedience as humanly possible! Build up my Stained Glass studio And lots of personal stuff.

I'm old school obedience as wel and don't have any issues with this list overall. I will state however that there is a time to not use punishment when correcting and that depending on the dog, distraction techniques work much better. I'm not a fan of no punishment for anything however as some training regimes follow. And yes I do shape/clicker but not with all dogs and only for certain aspects after I lay down the foundations.

QUESTIONS 1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc) My GSD was a purebred sable female purchased back in June 1980. This dog was a great companion and watch dog and ended up to my surprise to be a lovely protection dog. I now am surrounded by (at today's count) 10 Sheppies in partnership with my OH who has been very active in the breed for about 30 years. 2. Where and why was the breed first developed? I'm currently trying to get a copy of the book by Von Stephaniz where it discusses the formation of the breed and why it was developed the way it was. Snips from a friend have quoted such things as a dog designed to not be kenneled and must have human companionship. Websites also state such things as this breed being designed as a great all round, multi purpose breed. Country of origin is Germany. 3. How common is it in Australia? Unfortunately good ethical breeders are overrun by BYB's that are mixing this breed with other working dogs such as kelpies and border collies, all for the sake of a dollar or two. It's common to see this with a popular breed. 4. What is the average lifespan? Although it seems the average is about 10 years, unfortunately there are many cases of dogs dying very young (5-8 years of age) and wonderfully many more cases of dogs living well into their teens. 5. What is the general temperament/personality? A bit aloof but warms up when figures the situation is not a threat or concern. Protective and attentive. Quick to learn both good and bad things!! Wants to please generally but isn't afraid to work things out on their own if human intervention isn't around. Can be a great family companion as they seem to have the ability to switch on and off as the situation is needed to be a happy goofball to a stern deterrent to a threat. Will bark but generally aren't yappy. I always said if they bark, there is usually good cause for it. 6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult? Like any breed, each dog is an individual. Some love a good run everyday and others are pure couch potatoes! I believe this breed adapts to the family it lives with in this regard. 7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with? Yes I believe as long as the breeder is there for support and guidance and the owner is willing to put a bit of time into the basics. They are a large dog that must be taught manners. Most basic obedience classes can offer what this breed needs. 8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods? Yes I beleive they can but like many other breeds, another for company is also a good thing. They tend to do pretty good in pairs I have found (of opposite genders) 9. How much grooming is required? Very little....infrequent baths unless they get out and roll in something disgusting and a good rake through every week to keep the undercoat from flowing across the floor is usually enough in most cases unless you have a long coat and a daily brush is my recommendation to keep matts at bay. 10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?I don't beleive so, see above regarding first time owners. 11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of? Hips/elbows and in some lines epilepsy. 12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be) build trust with your breeder and don't be afraid to ask questions and check up on their past activities in the breed and as a breeder. It is your right to be sure they are honest and ethical and you must be comfortable with them.

59-60 post implant...longer is reason for a section. I use progesterone for natural matings as well as I don't like to waste time or subject the bitch to unnecessary breedings as well as I like to know when she will whelp so I can plan around it. Have been doing it for years with success. Looking forward to the next breeding which will be a frozen implant. Hoping that things aren't too terribly different here than what I was used to in North America!

unless you have ANKC papers stating otherwise, like me :rofl: Sorry just had to add that as I find it funny ;) Yes, I know the 'inside' joke on that and I will never agree with the ANKC ruling regarding white shepherds, but remember...I come from a place that had no issues with Whites and called them German Shepherds....as it should be in my opinion.

I would like to address a few things separately in this thread based on my experience firstly as an owner and now as part of a home that has bred for almost thirty years. firstly, having a breed survey is not an indication of quality or compliance to the standard regardless of what many may beleive. There have been many that have said that our dogs would do better if they were breed surveyed, however this house can lay claim to Grand Champions and dozens of Champions as well as many performance titles. All of which obtained without breed survey. H testing for those that are not aware is hemophilia and it is required that males be tested as they are the ones affected. First generation offspring from imported must also be tested (males). It should be noted that the requirements are not simply set out by the GSDL but the ANKC. You do not have to be a member of the GSDL to test or breed or own a Shepherd, however you must be a member of the ANKC to register a litter/dogs and the same applies to showing. Tattoo is not the only acceptable form of permanent identification, and many breeders (ourselves included) do not tattoo simply because in many cases it becomes illegible. We have chosen to microchip all our dogs as a means of more secure identification should a dog go missing. We have a dog here that has been tattood and you can not read it. We also chose to chip him....we feel far more secure with the latter form should we need to have him identified. However, I beleive that the Shepherd clubs insist on tattooing and have not in the past recommended chipping. I would like to see that changed and allow breeders the option to choose what method they are most comfortable with for the safety of their pups/dogs. Buying local is not always the way to go. All too often we fall into the trap that we must by from the local breeder simply because they are local. It is not a problem to buy interstate and many do just that. Although becoming a member of a local breed club can be of benefit, it is important to remember that they are simply one opinion, that has been formed in a coherant group...they do not reflect the beliefs or attitudes of many others out there. In regards to Schutzhund. The majority of dogs can not attain a title, regardless of breed. It is NOT about attack work, but courage and not limited to German Shepherds who in fact as a whole, do not excel at this sport. The Belgians do a far better job as they have a higher level of strength of mind overall to excel at this sort of discipline. Not achieving a Sch title is not an indication of a weak temperament. Training Schutzhund is very difficult and many dogs are simply not able to do it, regardless of their pedigree. Although I am in favour of a working title to complete a conformation title, I do not beleive that Schutzhund is a title that can be achieved by most, and as such should not prevent a dog from being considered a good structural example of the breed (definition of conformation states appearance and form) It should be noted that I know of quite a few dogs that have in fact been conditioned to the bite work and yet are not stable examples of the breed. Yes they can achieve a Sch title in such circumstances. As well, the BH isn't as tough as some think as I've had a few dogs fail miserably at the CD and yet sail through BH. Again, temperament or inner strength has nothing to do with passing or failing...that falls into the hands of the trainer in most cases as the majority of non passing trials are the direct result of handler mistakes or poor training habits. (not all, but more than you would think!) The same however should be said about the conformation title that should not be assumed is in fact a true test of the quality of a dog. In the end, a prospective buyer must develop a relationship with a breeder, be it local or interstate and do their research for not only the breed but the breeder. Remembering that we breeders will ask you a ton of questions but in return, you have the right to ask us just as many. Do not take any one breeders 'word for it' as you will always find in any breed, those that will preach one side of a story and exclude all the other possibilities. This is a very popular breed and like so many others, is also in the hands of the profit making back yard breeders. Do not be fooled by those that use the words "import" or "champion" and assume that these words in fact make a better dog to add to your family. This breed comes in Long Coats, plush coats and smooth/short coats....they are still GSD's regardless of how hairy they are....They come in black and tan (or shades of tan/brown), bi colour black, solid black and sable (and there are quite a few tones of Sable) as well as white. They are still GSD's regardless of colour. Like ANY breed, there are lines that are great with young kids, and others that are not....there are lines that are stubborn and lines that are very biddable. You can not pigeon hole the breed as being distinctly one specific thing as like ANY breed, just like people, we have variations. We do however have common traits of loyalty and protectiveness regardless of coat type or colour or pedigree or breed survey or title.

Yes, same here...well said!

You as a breeder continued the fight for her - I would have not. I agree...there is a time when we as breeders must stop intervening. I don't consider tube feeding, intervening. It's more of a convenience and time saver if supplimentation is required due to extreme circumstances. I lost 7 pups in one litter last year, none of which I stepped in and tube fed. They didn't need it but they died regardless. I waited for puppy number 8 to die like her siblings....I didnt' step in other than to give antibiotics to her (and her surviving siblings prior to their death) and the mother. I stood back and let nature dictate what would happen. She lived and is strong and healthy. I taught a girl to tube feed a litter when the mother didn't have any milk. What took her by bottle, hours to get done resulting in no sleep for her or her family, after tube feeding, took only minutes and their lives were much better for it. These pups have grown to be healthy happy dogs that now some have pups of their own. Choosing to save a deathly ill or doomed pup is one thing...tube feeding versus bottle feeding to speed things up and simply get the bellies full and let the humans get some rest, is another story.

I learned to tube feed quite a few years ago and was taught the how's and why's of doing it. I don't have any issues doing this and with a large litter, it saves a ton of time and everyone is happier in the end. What could take two hours to bottle feed, can generally be done in 20 minutes with tube feeding. Some will say that it does not encourage the sucking action or reflex and that comes back to bite the pup later on, but I can say in all the litters that I've had a hand in helping with, this hasn't been the case. I believe that tube feeding should not be done as a matter of course because you (as a breeder) are tired or lazy and want it done quickly, but if you lose a bitch for example and there is no other option than full supplimental feeding...it's wonderful. To top up pups from time to time, or give that little one a bit more, I still think bottle is the way to go, or sit with the mom and let the little one nurse whilst the fatties are held off to the side for a bit. Biggest mistake people make in tube feeding is not having enough length of tube to go down far enough, and having that tube too small in diameter. If you have the basics in canine anatomy to follow, you won't 'drown' a pup. You can however overfeed and rupture a gut and you can create a regurgitation which can aspirate into the lungs by overfeeding. My rule of thumb is small meals frequently instead of one mega meal and risk this. As well, take your time and don't rush either insertion of the tube, or putting in the formula...all too often, people take their time putting the tube in, but power syringe the liquid and this is where problems arise. Regardless of breed, I can feed by tube a puppy to a nicely full belly in about 2 minutes start to finish.

I've had litters where I did well and made a profit. Text book litters with no drama for example. I've had far too many however that barely broke even and too many as well that put me in the red. In the end, the ones where I made a buck or two, only just got me out of the hole that the disaster litters got me into! I don't beleive that we as breeders should be ashamed for being good business people and coming out with a profit. I agree that if we had another business we would not be so PROUD to announce we lost money as we doggie people seem to do.

I did my own vaccines regularly when I lived in Canada for the following reasons: 1)I gave parvo only at 5-6 weeks as having a black and tan breed, we are highly succeptible to the disease and my area was rampant with it. I could purchase Parvo only vaccines from USA suppliers. My vets would not administer parvo only unless the vaccine was ordered specially and at a fairly high cost. They would not administer the vaccine that I purchased. 2)I then gave the equivalent of a C4 but in partial doses, that is one vial split for two pups. Why? Because only a minute amount of the vaccine is needed to kick in the immune system for the dogs, and how can you justify the SAME dosage for a 1 pound chinese crested pup compared to a 8 pound Great Dane puppy of the same age? This was given at 7 weeks. 3)I followed up at week 8 with an additional partial dose of Parvo only (half vial each pup) 4) At no point during this time was I required to take or subject my pups to one of the worst possible areas to contract a disease (a vet office) This is NOT a slam on my vets who were clean and tidy, but the reality is simply things like Parvo are so easily picked up and a rural vet practice that also deals with large animals can contain many possible problems for young baby dogs. 5)I cut down severely on vet costs because of my practices which meant I did not have to pass these expenses on to my puppy buyers. 6)I never lost a pup to Parvo or any other canine disease with this protocol. 7)At 8-9 weeks depending on when the pups were to leave, they would be vetted because it was required for flying them as most of mine went to the States. Anything I got ear cropped was vetted at that time prior to the surgery. All pups that left my home were at some point vet checked. Without administering vaccine, the vet check for a litter was $35 for the first puppy and half for each additional pup brought in at the same time. Once again, I was able to satisfy that the pups were healthy for their age, provide the proper documentation, and not add ridiculously high vet costs to the purchase price of the puppy. I have never had a single buyer for any of my pups complain about this proceedure.

I"m not sure if the photos have to be 'fresh' as in this year, but this is one of my favourites. When trying to gather 4 six week old pups long enough to pose/snap...mix a bit of wine into the situation...we had a blast!

Crate training

We dont' intend to take over or toss out regular obedience....that's the furthest thing from our minds...we do want to offer however, to those that find the jump from novice to open a bit much, or have hit a wall with a dog that is ring sour or just burned out, an alternative and something very fun and relaxed. I promote that Rally and Traditional obedience work together very well with improvements to both skills when both are done correctly. There are still many tha will only think on the traditional lines and that's fine....but based on declining trial entries, we know (regardless of the country) that obedience needed a shot in the arm, and Rally is that shot. We see an increase in classes and more importantly trials. then we find that after some Rally has been done and success achieved, these people go back with a fresh attitude towards traditional obedience trialling as well as some that have only done Rally and never CCD or CD etc, and are now ready to tackle that. In the end, we have seen both sports/disciplines thrive since the introduction of Rally, and it is my hope that the same thing happens here. I only know that the clubs that have held seminars, for the most part have gone on to offer classes and have mock trials with great success and the enthusiasm from owner/handlers and judges that have been to the seminar is over the moon. Adelaide region by the way, has had a few issues with organizing a seminar (through one club that has been in contact with me and now waiting for the Meeting in March with the ANKC to see if they want to pursue the seminar based on the interest of the ANKC to this sport) I will post any new information as it comes available. For anyone with ANY club in ANY region however, feel free to email me for the outline to the seminar to see if your club or doggie group might be intersted or able to host a seminar. We've had as few as 13 and as many as 25 attend.....

thanks....I was impressed with your big boofy black dogs..well perhaps biased...they are Canadian (Newfs)

Almost 13 years of age, bad hips and the best temperament you could imagine, Fraser the Wonder Dog passed away today in the loving care of his family in Canada. They opened their hearts to take in an old dog and give him almost a year of lavish attention and love. He was with me from the time he was a pup at 8 weeks of age, one of eight left at the pound and looking for a home. Fraser was shaggy, and large and no one ever really knew what breeds were in him but we had a lot of guesses. He was a therapy dog who only loved car rides when they took him to the seniors homes to visit those that he knew needed to touch his wooly, messy hair. He learned quickly how to sing, sit up and beg and talk quietly by clicker training. He loved the snow and the last bit in the spring in the yard, you always could find Fraser laying on it, trying to hold onto it just a little longer. He prefered to sleep outside, but as he got older, he appreciated his nice thick pillows I had for him by my bedroom door. He was a wonderful dog, that all too often many wanted to kidnap and take home with them as he got along with everyone and any dog or animal. He trained all the young dogs how to use the dog door and always made sure that they had a playmate, even as he got older and stiffer in the joints. He has gone to the local Vet College in hopes that they can find a reason for his passing, but I think old age just simply caught up with him. He will be cremated along with his Christmas pressies and put to rest at the local pet cemetary. I have his professional portrait hanging on my wall here, and it was one of the first photos to be shipped here with my things and the first photo to be hung on the walls amidst the purebred shepherds here. I will always remember Fraser as will many others who's lives he touched over his long life. I have no doubts he has easily won his wings for all the good he's done and smiles he generated. I"m also sure he will be again with his buddy Reise who I also lost this year. Both dogs were goofy and lovable and will be very missed.