Category Archives: Uncategorized

11 Month Birthdays

We went to Virginia Kennel Club handling class today, which happened to be Roz and Daphne’s 11 month birthday. Once they are grown, it will be nice to look back and see what stages they have gone through as they have matured. I’m not looking for perfection here, just practicing getting gone over by aContinue reading “11 Month Birthdays”

Recovery from Fibrocartilaginous embolism of the spine, one year later, 11 year old German Shepherd

If you have a dog with FCE, please read this. Videos are from beginning of recovery and one year post FCE. On Thanksgiving Day in 2023, my sweet baby Jane was fine in the morning before Thanksgiving preparations, and then after dinner, I found her completely down in the rear, unable to get up atContinue reading “Recovery from Fibrocartilaginous embolism of the spine, one year later, 11 year old German Shepherd”

Happy birthday to Johnny and Jane! They turned 11 years old on 10/30/2024

Jane is the granddam of my most recent litter of puppies that includes Daphne and Roz. Johnny is Jane’s litter brother. Jane had fibrocartilaginous embolism last year, which resulted in total paralysis of her rear legs. With lots of supportive care, she has made a very slow but steady recovery. When it has been aContinue reading “Happy birthday to Johnny and Jane! They turned 11 years old on 10/30/2024”

Roz got a point today!

This weekend was a two-day show weekend. Saturday was no good for us, as we did not win anything, although Daphne did get Reserve. But today, Roz won! She got Winners Bitch, beating the bitch who won yesterday! I about fell over from shock and excitement! It was her second show and her very firstContinue reading “Roz got a point today!”

Managing Intact German Shepherds

How exactly can intact German Shepherd dogs be managed? This post will cover managing one or more intact dogs, with a focus specifically on German Shepherds. Much information can be found on the internet about managing dogs that are intact, and you’ll find debates about whether you should spay or neuter. When searching, keep inContinue reading “Managing Intact German Shepherds”

Bone Development of German Shepherds in Adolescence

Eating appropriate amounts, Environment, Exercise, and Hormones are all important factors that affect bone development of German Shepherds. Shepherd Sight dogs are all checked for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are not bred unless they pass these OFA certifications. Here are links to what exactly the OFA certification means: https://ofa.org/diseases/hip-dysplasia/ https://ofa.org/diseases/elbow-dysplasia/ You can rest assuredContinue reading “Bone Development of German Shepherds in Adolescence”

Feeding and eating patterns of adolescent German Shepherds

How often to feed? I recommend feeding four times a day until 4 months of age, then three times a day until 6 months. Beginning at 6 months, they should be fed twice a day for the rest of their lives. Why is this so important? Infant puppies nurse many times a day. And thenContinue reading “Feeding and eating patterns of adolescent German Shepherds”

GSDs in adolescence

What are some considerations once a German Shepherd reaches 6 months? I’ve been a German Shepherd breeder since 2001. Some issues tend to come up more often in German Shepherds. The next few posts will cover temperament and training, eating and diet, factors that affect bone development, and managing intact (not spayed or neutered) dogs,Continue reading “GSDs in adolescence”

Good news at the vet for Roz

Roz went to see Dr. Miller today at Crossroads West Veterinary Center. I took her in because she had a tiny umbilical hernia, which I thought might need to be repaired. She also has a weird lump on her right rear leg. Not positive what it is, but it looks like a dew claw thatContinue reading “Good news at the vet for Roz”