Last night I had a very hard delivery with a first time German shepherd mom.She started labor at noon,three days early, which in itself is a little worrisome, but not that unusual.I now know why she was early.Anyway after several hours the first puppy was presented in the vaginal canal, but too deep for me to pull it out.This is when I first became worried that this delivery was not going to be normal.After two hours and several doses of Oxytocin, I was ready to take her in to the vet for a possible C-section.Of course this always happens on Sunday or holidays after hours.
I placed her on the grooming table to examine her one last time before calling the vet and I could feel that the puppy had progressed far enough that I could pull it on out, which I did.To my surprise the puppy was alive and is doing very well today.This puppy was large, but not unusually so, and I surmised that because this was her first puppy she just had trouble pushing out an above average puppy in size.I also surmised that the rest of the puppies should come much easier at this point.I was wrong.
The next puppy proved to be just as difficult if not harder for her.After five hours and several doses of Oxytocin this puppy presented itself breach.After feathering and some brave pushing by the new mom, I was able to grab the rear feet of the puppy and ease it out.This puppy was two to three times larger than the average newborn German shepherd puppy.Unfortunately, this puppy did not survive the breach delivery.
Heidelberg’s Farrah and Her New Puppy After a Difficult Delivery
This proved to be her last puppy and explained her difficulty in delivering such large puppies.Sometimes when females have small litters the puppies can grow too large to allow for an easy and normal delivery.When this happens the female will often have the puppies a few days early to keep the puppies from growing any larger.
Going to a vet during delivery is very expensive and also could expose the new puppies to diseases.Therefore, it not a decision made lightly. No easy way or formula exists for knowing when it is time to seek professional help.For example, I had a female that was in labor for over 24-hours with no progress made towards delivery.I had been in contact with my vet and he said that we had waited long enough and to bring her in.While picking her up on the delivery table a viable puppy fell out on to the ground.I was sent home and while on the way home she had another two puppies in the 10 minute drive.She ended up having 10 healthy puppies.Another female was in labor all day with presented puppy that was stuck deep in the vaginal canal. After several hours of pushing she was exhausted and could not push anymore, and this time, in the middle of the night on the 45 minute drive to Oklahoma State University Animal Hospital she fell asleep and delivered the puppy in the backseat while snoring. When she fell asleep she relaxed enough for the puppy to slide on out into the side-pocket of my trucks door.In this case she had to have a C-section to deliver the remaining four puppies because she had exhausted her ability to push.All five puppies were healthy and are doing well today with their owners.
Making the decision to go to the vet during delivery problems is not easy and best should be made once you have surpassed your knowledge and abilities to deal with the myriad of issues that could arise during delivery.Knowing when you have exhausted your expertise is also not easy.
If you are considering getting a German shepherd puppy consider getting one of our older puppies and save a little money on some very high quality shepherds.
Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge
Hi Everyone,
Damon is a young 14-month-old, long-coat Heidelberg German shepherd that has almost completed his first level of Rally.Damon and his owner went out to the barn to feed their horses . Damon is still on leash while feeding because he likes to chase the neighbor’s cats (he mainly wants to play) and he wants to herd the horses at inappropriate times.The owner had experienced some health problems and has been falling a lot, and this time she fell at the barn and badly twisted her leg.She screamed and dropped the leash.
A Six-Month-Old Heidelberg’s Damon Relaxing at Home
Once she had dropped the leash she thought ‘oh no Damon is going to chase the horses and I am hurt too bad to stop him.However to her surprise Damon straddled her while she was lying down and stood over her until she was able to stand.Damon stood there on alert guarding her and trying to figure out what happened and why did his owner fall.She said, ‘it was so obvious he was guarding me’.Damon completely ignored the neighbor’s cats and horses and focused completely on protecting his owner.Once Damon realized there was no real threat he got behind his owner and started pushing on her back with his head to help nudge her up.
A Six-Month-Old Heidelberg’s Damon Sitting Nicely at Home
I have experienced similar behavior with our Heidelberg German shepherd while falling in the show ring.I have taken some hard falls over the years while running around the ring and each time our shepherds have immediately come up to me and start licking my face.Whereas, I have seen other shepherds being shown where the handler has fallen and let go off the leash and these shepherds that are not Heidelberg’s have taken off running away out of the ring and if they didn’t have a leash where somebody was able to grab them, they would probably still be running today.
A Six-Month-Old Heidelberg’s Damon Standing Nicely at Home
If you are considering getting a German shepherd puppy consider getting one of our older puppies and save a little money on some very high quality shepherds.
We at Keystone German Shepherds have available some wonderfully good deals on some older German Shepherd Dog puppies.We now have younger puppies available and even more that will be ready to go to their new home in the upcoming weeks. Since we have several 16 to 18 week old puppies, we have discounted the price down to as low as $1,000.00 to $1,200.00.These puppies are basically potty trained and are ready to start basic obedience training.
Older Heidelberg Puppies that are ready to go to their new homes
Most everyone that is looking for a puppy wants the cute young fluffy ones, but they are only at this stage for a few weeks.Actually it is so much easier for the new owner and better for the puppies choose an older puppy.By the time a puppy is over 15-weeks-old it has no more interest in living with its litter-mates and they prefer human companionship over other dogs.Therefore, you have no sadness when you bring an older puppy home.In addition, they are mentally developed enough to understand the house rules and they do not want to go to the bathroom in your home.
Older Heidelberg puppies playing chase
If you are considering getting a German shepherd puppy consider getting one of our older puppies and save a little money on some very high quality shepherds.
This is a quick post today to remind and encourage everyone about the start of our new Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Basic Obedience Class at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 10:30 am. There is no charge for this class and all breeds and ages are invited.The only requirement is that your dogs must be up to date on all their vaccinations.
We concluded our summer training session in August with several owners and dogs passing the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Class.Since the conclusion of that class AKC has announced a new advanced level for Canine Good Citizen. With the introduction of AKC Community Canine, the AKC’s CGC program now provides a comprehensive three- level training program for dogs and their owners. Beginning with AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, progressing to Canine Good Citizen and now to AKC Community Canine, the CGC program trains dogs through all stages of life to be well behaved in society.We are excited about the new program and will match our training class exercises to meet the qualifications of this advanced level of training.
We Cannot Wait to go to School
We look forwards to seeing new faces and old friends.Please make it out for our free training.The more participants that we have makes for a better class and training opportunities for all.
AKC Community Canine expands on CGC skills and lays the beginning foundation for obedience, rally and therapy dog work.Many of you with young dogs are planning on moving through to bigger and better things for your puppy, and we thank you for allowing us to be a part of this journey.
Slow School is Open
Please continue to check out our web page as we post updates on available litters: https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com/PuppiesForSale.htm. We have several wonderful puppies that we are accepting deposits on, and these puppies will be ready to go to their new homes on September 9, 2011.
Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds
I am so sorry that I have been so sporadic on these posts.Ever since mid-June it seems that I have lost control of my time since I have been unbelievably busy.However, with summer ending and all the associated chores, I am hopeful I will have a little more time to share with you my stories and knowledge of the wonderful German Shepherd Dog.To make up for my tardiness I have a true and inspiring story for you today.
A Male Heidelberg Puppy that is currently Available at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels
A longtime friend and Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog owner, John had his life saved by his beloved male Heidelberg, but not in a way you would ever expect.John is a Heidelberg dog collector and has gotten into breeding and showing Heidelberg German Shepherd Dogs, but while over the years John has had several Heidelberg’s, he had his favorite male, Gunner that went everywhere with John.Gunner was approximately five-years-old and had already finished his Championship and was John’s prize stud dog.
Heidelberg Puppies that are currently Available at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels
One day John came home and Gunner immediately came to John and rather than giving John the regular greeting of sitting and waiting for John to lean over so Gunner could give him a kiss, Gunner immediately stuck his nose in John’s calf and started licking.John thought maybe that he had brushed up against a girl that was in-season and did not think too much of the calf licking.However, Gunner was persistent in licking John’s calf so much so that John took a shower so Gunner would stop.Gunner did not stop.This went on for a week, and so much so that Gunner got scolded and put outside several days.
Heidelberg Puppies that are currently Available at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels
John thought Gunner had developed some kind of personality problem and was upset that his prize stud dog and companion had become Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) over John’s leg.While deciding what he was going to do with Gunner, John had the television on and a program came on about how European Doctors were using dogs to detect cancer.
A Male Heidelberg Puppy that is currently Available at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels
John scheduled an appointment with his doctor, and he found that John had under-the-skin melanoma in the calf.Almost anyone that has under-the-skin melanoma by the time they feel sick and seek medical help they usually die five days later because, by this time, it has spread throughout the entire body and is the brain and the lungs.
A Male Heidelberg Puppy that is currently Available at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels
John had major surgery on his calf to remove the cancer and for two years had undergone chemo treatments.He is finally cancer free.Needless to say, Gunner was even elevated to a higher status in John’s house and while ten-years-old now, Gunner is still doing well.
A Female Heidelberg Puppy that is currently Available at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels
Please continue to check out our web page as we post updates on available litters: https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com/PuppiesForSale.htm. We have several wonderful puppies that we are accepting deposits on, and these puppies will be ready to go to their new homes on September 9, 2011.
Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds
Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge
Hi Everyone,
Tomorrow, I will return to discussing our young German Shepherd Dogs and the future of Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels, but for today I cannot allow the month of August to pass without discussing a small miracle on our behalf and a horrible tragedy to over 400 families in the Mannford, Oklahoma area.
Last year on Thursday August 2, 2012 a fire was started nine miles South of Mannford, OK when Billy Cloud threw his lit cigarette down on the ground just outside his trailer.The summer of 2012 brought most of the Midwest including Oklahoma a continuation of severe drought that started in 2011 with record high temperatures of 110 degrees to 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lit cigarette ignited a wildfire that burnt over 90 square miles and burned down over 400 homes. Throughout August 2 and 3, 2012 the wildfires raged several miles from us at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels.On August 4, 2012 my wife and I had lunch in Mannford and had a false since of safety against the fires since they raged so far away.Upon returning to home and the kennels, the wind shifted and the fires started burning straight toward us. Late that afternoon we lost electric and could see the fires approaching us.Roads in and out of our area had been closed, and while we had several wonderful clients and friends offer to come out to pick up our dogs and then drive them to safety, they were not allowed in.We were ordered to evacuate, but we would not leave our dogs so we stayed to fight the fires.We thought that we could save our kennels and house by manning several water hoses around our property.However, as the fire approach, we lost all water pressure.The Creek County Rural Water District water well pumps went out just as the fires approached our property.Without water we became very concerned for our own safety as well as the safety of our dogs.
Fires at 5:30 PM approaching Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels Property
At the time that we had lost water pressure a small fire truck came roaring up our driveway and told us that they only had 5-minutes of water and that they would not be able to save our house.He pointed to the woodlot that was 100-yards away from our house and said once the fire gets into the canopy of the trees the heat would be so intense that our house would just explode into flames.The firemen yelled for us to let loose the dogs from their kennels and to get ready to jump in the pond to save our lives.The fireman said they would be in the pond right behind us.
I was never so proud of my German Shepherd Dogs, as we let them out of their kennels, they remained calm and none of their normal squabbles or barking took place.They all knew that the situation was serious and they all stayed around but out-of-our-way. With the gates open they would be able to escape and return after the fire had passed.
At this time the smoke had grown thick with very little visibility.While only about 5:30 PM, it appeared to be twilight just after sunset.After burning down our neighbors’ houses, the fires jumped Highway 48 and started raging up our property.I will never forget standing in the driveway watching the fireman raise his helmet and start scratching his head.The fires had hit our forest and then began to die down and go out.The fireman was befuddled because for three days he had watch these fires hit woodlots and then just roar out-of-control.
I yelled down to the fireman that I had burnt my property earlier that year in March, burning all the leaves and fallen branches on our twenty-acres.He said that controlled burn had saved our home and kennels because the fires did not have the fuel to reach the forest canopy.We returned the dogs to their kennels, and watched the fires burn around while burning more of our neighbors’ homes.
Fire As It Burned Down Our Neighbor’s House and Approached Our Woodlot before Dying Down
We were saved from the fires, but due to loss of power, we did lose over 2,000 pounds of frozen venison meat for our dogs, most of the contents of our refrigerators, all four-corner fence posts, and suffered two-weeks without power with record high temperatures of 110 degrees and above.The Water District did restore water service on the 5th of August so we only had to haul potable water one day.
We were spared by providence because I was led to burn my property, which I had not done in about three years. Due to the senseless act of a drunk thousands of people suffered the loss of everything that they owned, and while no human life was lost several animals and even a customers Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog perished in the fires of 2012. Even though I am an experienced ecologist and have been trained in fire management and prescribed burning methods, I learned given the severe environmental conditions that we experienced in 2012 that wildfires can become extremely dangerous and unpredictable. I would most likely move our dogs much sooner and not stay if ordered to evacuate if ever faced with similar circumstances.
Please continue to check out our web page as we post updates on this litter and future available litters: https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com/PuppiesForSale.htm. We currently have Walker, a male puppy left.Walker is a wonderful highly intelligent and a very quick learner.Walker will be perfect for a family looking for an obedient and loyal companion that will provide home protection.Families with existing pets such as dogs and cats will be a good fit for Walker.Walker is very sociable.Remember that we do ship puppies.
Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion. Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds
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