Nutrition:
Q: What do you feed your dogs and puppies?
A: My adult dogs are fed the Farmina Ancient Grain formulas and Virtue K9 Octane. We also feed the adults raw, using the 80/10/10 Prey model formula. All of our puppies are started on Fromm Large Breed puppy and I have had great ortho results on this formula. At this time I do NOT recommend grain free kibbles, due to there being a possible connection between grain free kibble and heart disease in dogs. 
-For German Shepherd puppies I highly recommend looking for kibbles specifically created for large breeds. Ideally the kibble should contain 1.2 to 1.8% calcium and 1.0 to 1.6% phosphorus. Feeding your puppy a diet with too much calcium significantly increases your puppy's risk of developing dysplasia. 
Overfeeding and excess weight has also been proven to greatly increase your puppy's risk of dysplasia. 

Q: What Supplements do you use/recommend?
A: I recommend Omega 3-6-9 supplements from Spring Time Inc (not needed if feeding Virtue dog food). I also really like Rogue Origins 5 in 1 complex for my adult dogs and puppies. 
 
Q: Where Can I purchase Raw for my dog?
A: There are a lot of not so great raw food companies out there that have just as much, if not more preservatives and junk than traditional kibble diets. I HIGHLY recommend texastripe.com They are not just exclusive to Texas and provide a wide variety of proteins. I also highly recommend Oma's Pride, and Stella and Chewy's. 


General Information: 
Q: How much are your puppies and what do they come with?
A: My pups are typically priced at $2500. Discounts are given to proven working homes, repeat buyers, and military/law enforcement. My pups come with full AKC registration, a health and hip/elbow guarantee, up to date vaccines/deworming, shot records, and life time breeder support. 

Q: Do you have a waitlist and how do I get on it? How much are Deposits?
A: Yes! Most of my litters have started a waitlist before the breeding takes place. I like to discuss your future goals for the puppy, and what kind of temperament and drive level you're looking for. Once we agree on a breeding that suits your goals I can add you to the waitlist. I can add you to the waitlist at any time. Once the breeding takes place I will require a deposit of $300 to hold your spot. I typically accept 2-3 deposits per gender, per breeding before the pups are born. After the pups are born and I have a full gender count, I will start accepting more deposits if there are still pups available. Deposits are non-refundable unless I can't provide you a pup (example: You wanted a male pup from a specific breeding, but not enough males were born). However, deposits are always transferrable to another litter.

Q: Do I have to spay or neuter my puppy?
A: No, I do not require you to spay or neuter your puppy at any point in their life. There has been plenty of research that shows spaying/neutering can increase aggression and disease in dogs. Also, keep in mind that my policy states that any puppy purchased from my kennel MAY NOT be neutered/spayed before 24 months old. Growth plates in dogs don't typically close until 18-24 months old. Spaying/neutering before maturity can greatly increase the risk of dysplasia. 

Q: How do we socialize the puppies before they go home?
A: All puppies are born and raised inside the house with the family. From day one they will be handled and touched around their toes, ears, and bellies. We like to desensitize puppies to human touch early on. From days 3-13 I introduce early neurological stimulation (ENS) to the puppies, this is done once a day for about 14 days. More information about ENS can be read here: https://breedingbetterdogs.com/article/early-neurological-stimulation

At 3-4 weeks old we begin to expose the puppies to loud noises, such as pots and pans dropping, vacuum cleaners, high powered tools, and general house life. We also introduce new items for the pups to climb on such as tarps, balance balls, tiles, wood, etc. Starting at about 3 weeks old puppies also get their nails dremelled every few days. We like to introduce at least one new item, a new scent, and new experience every day. We follow the AviDog development protocols, more information on AviDog can be found here: avidog.com 

We begin to acclimate the crate into play time and feeding time. Starting at 6 weeks puppies are fed inside the crate to associate the crate with a pleasant experience and safe space. At this time we also allow visitors and friends over to handle and play with the puppies for extra socialization. Puppies are also introduced to our own puppy-safe adult dogs. 

Q: Do you health test your dogs?
A: Yes! All dogs in my breeding program have certified normal hips and elbows through either the OFA, FCI, or SV in Germany. All of my breeding dogs have certified full and correct dentition. My dogs are also DNA tested and tested for DM before breeding.