Kimberhund German Shepherds
Grant & Rose Kimber, Box 1400 L0G 1N0 Nobleton, ON, Canada

Dear Potential Puppy Families, Ethical breeders truly understand your desire to get a puppy soon or right away. But please understand that it’s a process that c...an not be rushed, and the health and well-being of our dogs and puppies comes first. Before the pandemic, many of us had wait lists of 3-6 months before a puppy would be available. And due to the pandemic the demand has increased exponentially. Wait lists for many breeders are up to a year or more. Unfortunately scammers have been taking advantage of the desire and demand to get a puppy right away. There are many false advertisements and websites claiming to have puppies for sale. Legitimate breeder websites and images are being copied, and contact information is edited. If you send your deposit chances are likely you will lose the money and still not get a puppy. Please be aware of the scammers, and find legitimate and ethical breeders to work with. Here is a US based article but much of the information is still relevant in Canada. Please take time to read and educate yourself and others. https://www.consumer.ftc.gov//new-dogand-scammers-old-tric

According to immunologists, titer testing is a potential lifesaving test before the decision to vaccinate any pet! (Remember vaccines are hugely important, however over-vaccinating is reckless!)

Socialization... it's probably not what you think it is. Dogs go through a critical period of development that lasts roughly from 3 weeks-16 weeks of age. In t...his time, they're forming ideas and opinions about the world around them; good and bad. They're developing social bonds, and learning how their behaviour impacts other living creatures. A dog that has a quality socialization program is one that will reach its fullest genetic potential. Socialization is about giving them the tools and outlook on life to navigate through our society with minimal stress to themselves and others... now to my point. If your entire plan for socializing your puppy is taking it to puppy classes, puppy play parties or the dog beach, you are GOING to have problems. Unfortunately, the idea that puppy-puppy or puppy-dog interactions constitute 'socialization' has been continually force fed to well-meaning, but misinformed pet professionals. Either two things will come of such a plan... 1. Your puppy meets the wrong dog and has a bad experience. Bad experiences are just as bad as no experiences. A bad experience during the critical period can result in lasting negative impressions and behavioural problems; namely, fear and aggression. 2. Your dog has a positive experience. And that positive experience creates a positive value for other dogs. And their positive value out-competes the puppy's value in you. Doesn't sound that bad? As it stands, the second problem is waaaay more common than the first. Right now, the issues associated with an extreme positive value in other dogs is taking up probably 70-80% of my workload. What issues are they, you ask? - Inconsistent Recalls - Poor Leash Walking Skills - Reactivity (sometimes eventuating into aggression) - What many refer to as 'selective deafness'; *Fido is perfect when it's just us, but as soon as he sees another dog...* Just to name a few. And the thing is, most owners see all that as the problem. When in fact, it's just the various symptoms of the real problem; a poorly structured socialization program that's resulted in their dogs developing a TONNE of value in other dogs, and comparatively little in them. The owner. The one that feeds, walks, plays and loves them. And the thing is, it's not the owner's fault. It's my own industry's. Other trainers. Well-known, well-read sciency-folk. And I don't know why other people aren't seeing the correlation. I very rarely see behavioural cases that stem from a LACK of experience, but that overwhelming stem from an extremely skewed socialization picture. I'm sure the word 'socialization' is the problem too. It implies *social* experiences and interactions. When really we can broadly divide 'socialization' into social and environmental experiences. And of the 'social' experiences, MOST should entail NO direct interaction. While a lot is missing from most owner's socialization programs, that's probably the biggest thing; they've never given value to themselves, particularly in the presence of other dogs. A huge part of what I do with my personal dogs is to take them around other controlled dogs, and pay them for looking at me. In their head, they're learning that other dogs are good (socialization), and that when they're around, I'm going to pay them really good stuff. Here, I'm giving myself value. I'm building the puppy's engagement in me. Thus, what often becomes a distraction and a constant thorn in the side of obedience and manners, now becomes a cue to focus on me. The graph below is an example of a (not very detailed) socialization plan. The exact percentages will differ between puppies a great deal, but the main point to note is that MEETING OTHER DOGS and MEETING PEOPLE constitute a tiny fraction of the whole shebang. And that ratio will stay relatively consistent across the board. I'm not offering nor recommending any puppy classes anymore, with the exception of @dogmanaustralia. I'm now offering private lesson programs which I've found to be infinitely more successful in preparing puppies for life. If you're after a class environment, I'd also recommend you check out @northcoastk9academy. And for online training purposes (for my remote followers) check out @thedogtraininglab by @solutionk9dogtrainingtaranaki

Awesome memories from 4yrs ago.

Happy (belated) 1st Birthday to the fantastic pups of the U litter: Tess, Max, Coal, Roxy, Ukko and Lucky

(Please read this whole post to the end) At this current time we do NOT have puppies available. All reputable breeders I know, myself included, have been overwh...elmed by inquiries from pandemic shoppers ... thinking that now is a great time to get a dog because people are home. Please do your research. Take your time. Wait for the right puppy that is going to be the best fit for you / your family. Ask about health certifications on puppy parents, grandparents, etc... Find out about the importance of genetic diversity testing and planned breeding. Understand what titles have been accomplished and what that information means. Don’t rush the process for the quickest or cheapest puppy. Sometimes what you might save in cost for the wrong dog ... will be spent in a lifetime of vet bills for a sick dog. And please read the following: HOW MUCH FOR A PUPPY? Let me say a few words to you, yes you, the person who writes an email to simply ask the price. The person who calls and after hearing a price states: I can buy a cheaper pup elsewhere. I also address you: The person who doesn’t care about papers because I want just a pet. No dog is just a pet. Behind every pure bred puppy/dog is a BREEDER. I’m using capital letters to differentiate a breeder from a pet factory or mill. A reputable breeder does not breed dogs without papers, which does not protect the integrity of the breed. Registration papers are records of lineage that document bloodline and allow one to research any possible health issues present in the lineage. When you tell a breeder you don’t care about papers what you’re really telling them is you couldn’t care less about the health of the puppy; you just want the cheapest thing you can find! When you buy a puppy from a reputable, quality breeder, this breeder is responsible for the health of every pup - both dogs owned and every pup they’ve sold - for its lifetime. This breeder will skip holidays, miss sleeping, and most of their personal house space has been turned into space for their dogs. The truly passionate breeder who loves what they breed, puts their whole heart and soul into it. Not only in puppies that are sold, but also in each client who owns a piece of their heart and is now a member of their extended family. This does not take into account any puppy/dog who might get sick or need extra help to thrive. Breeders worry about their babies after they leave and will take one back without question. A breeder will get their hands dirty, often covered in everything accompanied with birthing. Because that’s what life is about. In the middle of birth and death is life. The wheel that keeps turning. A breeder will do tests, echos, xrays, analysis, emergency c-sections, vaccinations, register litters, research pedigrees, de-worm, as well as microchip their puppies and get them evaluated by specialists. Last, but by no means least, a breeder CHOOSES the family lucky enough to have one of their puppies. Yes, you read that right. A true breeder chooses who they sell to because they are not making money off the sale. There is no compensation that can offset the investment a breeder has made, so they need to be confident it's the right fit.Often, it means saying "no," more than yes. A good breeder has different criteria for those wanting to carry on their bloodline. Why? Breeding is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. It’s a lifestyle choice set aside ONLY for the few devoted people willing to sacrifice. A dog is never: Just a pet. It’s the breeder’s legacy, a little boy’s best friend, a little girl's protector, an elderly person's therapy, a member of the family, someone’s whole world!!! Written in part by: Sr. Eduardo Loredo Translated into English by: Angel Sophia Nogga Modified for dogs by: Amber French

Here is a natural solution that is way safer for your dogs!!

For those who missed this post - here is a study on duration of immunity after vaccines. Up to 15 years! One is not surprised that vaccine companies do not want us to know.

Pet owners watch this!! We try to educate our puppy families on best practices for their dogs. Never be pressured. Do your research. Ask questions. Do NOT over-vaccinate! Do titre testing instead!! Do NOT over-medicate!... Do NOT agree to surgery or procedures without finding out information and relevance. See more

A picture is worth a thousand words. Never leave collars and tags on your dog inside the house!

https://www.facebook.com/MyForeverHome/

Excellent article! www.instituteofcaninebiology.org//twenty-key-elements-of-a

This beautiful girl is available! She is 6 months old! Vega is a confident girl with a very outgoing personality. She loves people and would make a great personal companion or for training/sport. Vega is active and independent and would be a lot of fun for an experienced handler. She is microchipped, vaccinated, and health checked. Vega sleeps through the night and is crate trained too. Please send us a message if you are interested or would like more information. Grant...: 416-998-5043, [email protected] Rose: 416-524-4440, [email protected] www.pedigreedatabase.com/german_shepherd_d/breeding.result See more

This is a message that people need to understand. In Canada, where the temperatures are even colder, the risk is even less!!

Mace got his IGP2 today! 97-95-93= 285. Goal for IGP3...search the blinds Mace!! But today, great job buddy.