Training the German Shepherd

USCA German Shepherd National Championship 2011 Kansas City, KS Brigitte & Eva

Here at Fox Hill Farm, the home of Von der Nordsee German Shepherds, we believe in a solid  temperament suitable for family life, sport, and the work field. Our German Shepherds are bred for  health, soundness and versatility. Von der Nordsee shepherds are of the best imported bloodlines who possess beauty and balance through their spirit as well as structure. They all have certified hips and elbows to ensure the best genetics are passed on to future generations.

When I started my involvement in the world of Schutzhund, I was told that success required my dogs to live separately in a kennel environment. While I understood the reasoning, it wasn't the way I wanted to live with my dogs.  I enjoy seeing my dogs run free together on the farm, play in the sand at the beach, sack out on the couch while we watch a movie, sleep at the foot of my bed, and kiss my friends and family who visit.  I made the conscious decision for all of my shepherds to be pets first and Schutzhund dogs second. They may not be as competitive as a result, but it's a choice I have made for myself, my family, and my dogs.

Charlie Brown says it best, "I've decided to devote the rest of my life to making my dog happy".

Our dogs are beloved family members who we have dedicated our life to raising and training. Schutzhund is a sport which rewards the partnership between a person and their dog in three phases: Tracking, Obedience, and Protection. Schutzhund requires an intense level of dedication and commitment to the relationship with your dog. We raise our puppies with positive based training methods and believe that exposure to a multitude of surroundings is of the utmost importance for healthy mental development.

Thank you Betty Lindblom of 5 Dogs Photography for shooting us this season!

Schutzhund Trials 2011