Happy (late) New Year!!  Ready to start training!

Happy (late) New Year!! Ready to start training!

Sorry this didn’t get posted sooner!  It’s that time of year where we make New Year Resolutions. Even though I went for several years “not” making resolutions, I really did make one. “I’m not going to make New Year’s Resolutions!” was my resolution!

Hopefully you have room for one more resolution! We have a few  new toys in the training yard for the dogs, thanks to Don Crean! We have a new teeter-totter and a ramp. Dean built us a jump and a table a while back, so we have several things to work on!

This year, if you’re not attending our free Saturday morning trainings, think about coming. It could be a great resolution for 2018. We have class, weather permitting, on Saturday mornings starting at 10:00 am here at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennel. We work on basic obedience, manners, socializing all of the dogs, and show practice as needed.

When we are getting ready for upcoming shows, we work on helping the dogs remember what they need to do. But our main goal is to prepare you and your puppy for the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. We usually have the test in May.

What is the CGC test? It is an official American Kennel Club (AKC) title. Once your dog passes the test and all of the paperwork and the fee is sent to AKC, your dog will have CGC at the end of their official AKC name.

The great thing is, you don’t have to come to every class. You can come a couple of times a month and practice at home. Then when it is time, you will probably be able to pass the test.

When class is over, it’s a great time to pick up supplies or have your dog’s nails clipped. We do not limit it to only German Shepherd Dogs, so please join us when the weather is nicer for a fun morning!

To see if we are having class, check our website and Facebook at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennel.

Obedience and Canine Good Citizen Class at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels  Playing Leap Dog!

Most Important Command to Teach Your Dog

Most Important Command to Teach Your Dog

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

The first and most important training command you can teach your dog is to come to you when called. Even if you live in a subdivision and your dog is either secured in the backyard or on a leash there will be a time when your dog or puppy slips the lead or escapes the backyard. By correctly training your dog to come when called can save its life or save you from an expensive vet bill. For example, you are walking your dog on a leash and a cat runs out in front of you into traffic. You are relaxed and not expecting your dog to bolt, thus the leash slips out of your hand and your dog is after the cat heading into traffic. Unless the dog is well trained to come there is nothing you can do except pray.

A Two-Year-Old Patriot playing in Pine Bluff, AR at Dog Show in February 2013

A Two-Year-Old Patriot playing in Pine Bluff, AR at Dog Show in February 2013

You can and should start training your new puppy to come to you when called as soon as it comes home with you. Do this at home and often, have tiny treats that your puppy cannot resist, and frequently say your puppy’s name followed by the word “come”. Every time the puppy comes to you give it a treat and love on the puppy then spend a couple minutes playing. The command to come should always be a positive experience for the puppy and never punish your puppy or dog for not coming. If they don’t come be patient and just try again in a few minutes. The idea is to make the come command enticing and irresistible from the dogs’ point of view and this takes time and patience. Making the come command enticing to your new puppy is done by treats they love, affection, and play. If you do this exercise four to five times a day while your puppy is young by the time you actually start formal training with a leash your puppy will be coming to you directly with great enthusiasm.

Heidelberg's William v Carlie (Jury)

Heidelberg’s William v Carlie (Jury)

Nothing makes a dog owner more proud than when their dog or puppy comes to them during training class with great enthusiasm. Once the dog starts formal training you will first teach your puppy or dog to stay and once that is mastered you can start training using the come command on leash using the three enticements of irresistible treats, love and praise, and play. If your adult will not come when you call it, even if your dog is old, you can train it come with practice and using the three positive enticements. Next time, I’ll show you how to train your dog to stay and to stay for hours if necessary.

Well socialized male Heidelberg's German Shepherd Dogs

Well socialized male Heidelberg’s German Shepherd Dogs

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 that are ready to go home.   Also, please see our web page: https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com/
Sincerely,
KeystoneGermanShepherds

Fabulous German Shepherd Puppies Ready to Go Home

Fabulous German Shepherd Puppies Ready to Go Home

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

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Hi everyone,

We have several nice puppies available now.  I’ll write about them below, but first I’ll catch you up on what we’ve been doing lately.  I’m committed again to posting most everyday that I’m home and not at dog shows.  We had a very busy show schedule this going to Claremore, Grove, Stillwater in OK, Cortez, Colorado, Albuquerque, NM, and Garden City, KS.  We are preparing to go to Billings and Great Falls, MT.  We have managed to pick up several wins and including some major wins.  However, we should have done better, and were quite unlucky do to weather cancellations and last minute judge changes.  We have eight German Shepherds Dogs on their way to Champion titles.  Easily two to three year project to finish all.  However, Heidelberg’s Patriot, Jude, Ekko , and Daphne are close to completing their championship title.

Heidelberg's Jude v Renac

Heidelberg’s Jude v Renac

This Picture Taken In February of 2012 Shows Daphne's Perfect Gait

This Picture Taken In February of 2012 Shows Daphne’s Perfect Gait

A Two-Year-Old Patriot playing in Pine Bluff, AR at Dog Show in February 2013

A Two-Year-Old Patriot playing in Pine Bluff, AR at Dog Show in February 2013

Heidelberg's Ekko Quinnd with her owner, Riley Westfall

Heidelberg’s Ekko Quinnd with her owner, Riley Westfall

We have puppies available out of Jude and Grand Champion Kodi, please check out https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com/PuppiesForSale.htm.

Grand Champion Heidelberg's Kodiak v Queridad

Grand Champion Heidelberg’s Kodiak v Queridad OFA Excellent

Heidelberg's Jude v Renac

Heidelberg’s Jude v Renac

Below are some pictures of the puppies that we have available:

Victor and Vega on a Great Adventure

Victor and Vega on a Great Adventure

Wren a Kodi Who Loves to Be Held

Wren a Kodi PuppyWho Loves to Be Held

Aspen Letting Everyone Know that He's Special and in Control

Aspen Letting Everyone Know that He’s Special and in Control

Jude Puppies Playing, From Right to Left Aspen, Allen, and Annie

Jude Puppies Playing, From Right to Left Aspen, Allen, and Annie

Yancy and Yosemite Playing

Yancy and Yosemite Playing

Please call me at (918) 261-4729 if you would like to take one of puppies home with you.  Please visit our web page to learn more about these wonderful Heidelberg German Shepherds that we raise at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels.  https://kgsd.inventivehorizons.com

Sincerely,

Dean Heckathorn

 

 

 

 

Fabulous German Shepherd Puppies Ready to Go Home

Basic Care Tips for Your German Shepherd Dog

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

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Hi Everyone,

There are some basic care for your German Shepherd Dog that every owner should be aware of and that is what I am going to discuss today.  While German shepherd Dogs are relative low maintenance compared to other breeds you will need to trim their nails at least once a month and while doing so you can check the dog’s body for other problems.  After doing the nails comb the coat thoroughly with a straight steel pin brush to remove dead hair.  Check the skin for abrasions, ticks, or other problems.  We sell top quality steel rakes and grooming brushes at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels.  Often our prices are better than the big chain pet stores and we can ship.

A Happy Well Maintained and Healthy Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog

A Happy Well Maintained and Healthy Heidelberg German Shepherd Dog

If your dog is not eating well (it might be wormy) or if it appears to in ill health or not feeling well, take their temperature rectally for two minutes.  The normal temperature for a dog will be 101.5 – 102°.  If it is high or low you should consider contacting your veterinarian.

A Happy Heidelberg Puppy Litter Resting After Having Their Monthly Health Check

A Happy Heidelberg Puppy Litter Resting After Having Their Monthly Health Check

Heartworm preventive is a must for your puppy/dog or they can die of heartworms caused by mosquitoes. We use IVOMEC beginning at twelve weeks for puppies and of course continue their monthly dose for the rest of their life. Therefore it is a good idea to give them their heart worm preventative while clipping their nails and grooming every month.

It is a good idea to check for ear mites and ear infections every month.  If you see signs of ear mites then treat your German shepherd Dog immediately.  Although since we have started using Advantix and Frontline to treat our shepherds for pests such as fleas and ticks we have not seen a case of ear mites.  Whereas, ear mite infections used to be quite common.  Also, note if your shepherd seems to be holding one ear lower than the other, shaking its head, or pawing at its ear and you have ruled out ear mites as the cause, you may want to make an appointment with your vet immediately because ear infections in German shepherd Dogs are serious and can become life threatening. 

It's Time For My First Heartworm Treatment

It’s Time For My First Heartworm Treatment

The most common symptoms of ear mites: ears appear inflamed/red, ears refusing to stand, scratching on or behind the ear, shaking of head or holding head to one side, and/or visible dark dirt or wax in inner ear (actually ear mite poop).

Fleas and ticks: Nothing causes your dog more misery and disease than fleas and ticks!  The life cycle of the flea is as short as six days in an ideal growing condition.  In other words, a flea goes from egg through larval and mature state in only six days.  To put this in the proper perspective, only ten fleas can become TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY TOUSAND fleas in only thirty days!

While fleas carry less diseases than ticks, they do carry tape worm eggs that can cause your dog’s health to suffer.  Ticks carry several diseases that German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to, and if not removed from your dog’s environment most assuredly will cause the death of your beloved shepherd.  We at Keystone German Shepherds & Kennels used to struggle and spend small fortunes fighting ticks and fleas until they came out with Advantix several years ago.  Now we have no fleas or ticks on our dogs.

We treat monthly with Advantix and switch out the next month with Frontline and have successfully eliminated fleas and ticks from our property.  Even our wild rabbits and squirrels are tick free because they use the treated – shed fur from our dogs as nesting material.  

I Am Tick and Flea Free

I Am Tick and Flea Free

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 that are ready to go home.

Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion.   Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds

Sincerely,

KeystoneGermanShepherds

Fabulous German Shepherd Puppies Ready to Go Home

Mass Cooking for Your German Shepherd Dog or Puppy

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Hi Everyone,

Below is an easy way to prepare several evening meals for your German Shepherd Dog or puppy. Once prepared you can freeze in individual bags and sit out on bag per day to defrost.  The defrosted contents can be added to the good quality dry-food in the evening to provide a fast, easy, and healthy meal for your German shepherd.

Healthy Food Means Healthy German Shepherds

Healthy Food Means Healthy German Shepherds

To do a mass cooking for your new dog:

Get a whole chicken and place it in your crock-pot.  Cook it for about 4 hours.  Then put whole carrots in the crock-pot with the chicken.  Cook 3-4 hours, until the chicken is done and the carrot are soft.

Healthy Food Means Happy German Shepherds

Healthy Food Means Happy German Shepherds

Let it cool to room temperature the let it cool in the icebox overnight.  The next day take the fat off the top and debone the chicken.  An ice cream scoop is about 3 ounces; place one scoop of meat in several zip-top baggies.  Then put the cooked carrots (1/3 of a carrot per feeding), 1 clove of garlic for each carrot third, and two table spoons of cooked spinach (2 heaping tablespoons per feeding) to match the carrots in the blender.  Put some of the broth in the blender.  Make a purée of the veggies and separate that into the number of feedings (6 carrots = 18 feedings).   Everything needs to be no warmer than room temperature.

Healthy Happy Shepherds Means Happy Owners

Healthy Happy Shepherds Means Happy Owners

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 that are ready to go home.

Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion.   Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds

Sincerely,

KeystoneGermanShepherds

Fabulous German Shepherd Puppies Ready to Go Home

Potty Training Tips for Your German Shepherd Puppy

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

Exploring the vast prairie of the Washita National Wildlife Refuge

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Hi Everyone,

In Most cases you and other family members are the sole source of information and training for your new German shepherd puppy.  Please read the following and follow the simple suggestions herein and you will have a wonderful, loving shepherd that is a real joy to live with you.

You Are Responsible for Training Your New Heidelberg German Shepherd Puppy

You Are Responsible for Training Your New Heidelberg German Shepherd Puppy

Housing breaking is best achieved and most important in the first twenty-four hours you live with your new German shepherd puppy. You either housebreak your puppy or create lots of problems for yourself.  Therefore, make up your mind that you are going to follow the instructions below and have a wonderful experience with your dog rather than poop and mess to cleanup.

A Properly Trained Heidelberg German Shepherd Will Provide Years of Pleasure and Security for Your Family

A Properly Trained Heidelberg German Shepherd Will Provide Years of Pleasure and Security for Your Family

Remember, when you bring your dog home the first twenty-four hours are the most important:  To begin, hang a bell with a string at nose height from the door the puppy will be going outside to potty.  Now every time you take the puppy out make it ring the bell with its nose and say “Let’s Go Potty”. Then you should make a “NONO” bottle.  For example, an empty plastic water bottle with six pennies wouldn’t really hurt the puppy or dog if you threw it and hit the puppy, but it would startle it immensely, thus stopping it from fowling the floor.  Therefore when you see the new puppy squat to potty, you will throw the NONO bottle at it. If you don’t have something light weight and noisy to throw, the puppy will potty before you can get to it to stop the mess.  If the puppy starts to get into position, throw your NONO bottle and shout “No Potty”.  Then take the puppy to the door, ring the bell, and repeat the key word, “Let’s Go Potty”.

You cannot involve yourself with watching TV, become absorbed in reading, talking on the phone, or anything that will distract you from watching your dog.  Your dog must be confined in an area that you can watch it.  It cannot have the run of the house where it can get away to another room, out of sight and potty.  You must watch your puppy at all times!!!  .  When you have an interruption and can’t watch your dog, either crate it or put it outside.

NONO Bottle

NONO Bottle

Normally the puppy/dog will begin to sniff the floor and circle and appear very nervous, sometimes even to the point of whining.  When this happens, say “let’s go outside and potty”. Always use the same door and procedure because all animals are creatures of habit.  Repeat the above and when you go to the door say “let’s go potty”.  After a day or two the puppy will start to ring the bell with its nose when it needs to go outside.

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 that are ready to go home.

Ask me a Question and I will provide my opinion.   Also, please see our web page: KeystoneGermanShepherds

Sincerely,

KeystoneGermanShepherds