Category: Breeding/Puppies

Our Koda x Heidi litter are now three weeks old and doing fantastic. All puppies are plump, just like we love to see at this age. We have wrapped up their Early Neurological Stimulation now, but I wanted to revisit this important topic.

The benefits of Early Neurological Stimulation:

• Improved cardio vascular performance (heart rate)
• Stronger heart beats
• Stronger adrenal glands
• More tolerance to stress
• Greater resistance to disease

Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) consists of the following:

1. Tactile stimulation – holding the pup in one hand, the handler gently stimulates (tickles) the pup between the toes on any one foot using a Q-tip. It is not necessary to see that the pup is feeling the tickle. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds.
2. Head held erect – using both hands, the pup is held perpendicular to the ground, (straight up), so that its head is directly above its tail. This is an upwards position. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds.
3. Head pointed down – holding the pup firmly with both hands the head is reversed and is pointed downward so that it is pointing towards the ground. Time of stimulation 3 – 5 seconds.
4. Supine position – hold the pup so that its back is resting in the palm of both hands with its muzzle facing the ceiling. The pup while on its back is allowed to sleep. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.
5. Thermal stimulation—use a damp towel that has been cooled in a refrigerator for at least five minutes. Place the pup on the towel, feet down. Do not restrain it from moving. Time of stimulation 3-5 seconds.

Per Dr. Dr. Carmen Battaglia (Breeding Better Dogs), “Generally, genetics account for about 35% of the performance, but the remaining 65% (management, training, nutrition) can make the difference.” The first several weeks of a dog’s life is critical in shaping them into the best adult dog possible.

We welcomed three perfect puppies on 8/7/21. One harlequin boy, one heavily marked harlequin girl, one black boy. No puppies available at this time. Pictured below at six days old. All puppies and mama are doing great!

We are going to be very busy in August as we will be welcoming a second litter this year!

I still have a very full waiting list, but I’m happy to chat with folks on the slim chance I might have something available. Please email me with some information about yourself, including your location, the type of home you can offer a puppy, etc.

Actually one week and one day 🙂 Pictured below in birth order…

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming litter, due the end of June, 2021!

I do have a very full waiting list, but I’m happy to chat with folks on the slim chance I might have something available. Please email me with some information about yourself, including your location, the type of home you can offer a puppy, etc.

Excited to announce that we will be doing two litters in 2021. Details coming soon. Because I have been slow to formalize plans, I have not been keeping a strict waiting list and have been referring people along to other breeders. Assuming both litters take, I potentially have room on my waiting list. If you are interested, please send me an email with some information about yourself, including your location.

Available 8 week old fawn male. UPDATE: He has found a home.

Looking for a pet home. Located in central Iowa area. If you are interested in learning more, please email Denise at fdbgsd@aol.com and include some information about yourself and the type of home you can offer. Please include your location, info about other pets, etc. (Please do not call – all inquiries are going to Denise and will be initially handled via email. Thank you!)