Kleinen Wiese German Shepherds

Posted By Sandy Wilson on June 6, 2010

Caden von der Kleinen Wiese – Rewarded with the TUG!

One of our puppies from our “C” litter, Caden, is turning out to be a wonderful working dog and I am happy that Donna Brinkworth of Red Deer, Canada, is doing so much with him.  These dogs were bred for working – they absolutely need the mental stimulation and they have such great work ethic.  The love to play, but work is something they cherish and need, whether it be herding, schutzhund, obedience, agility or just a very active home life!

Just a Wee Babe!

CADEN as a pup!   (Hera v. Fafnerhaus X Diesel v. Schulmeister, SchHI, AD)

Donna Brinkworth is pursuing schutzhund training with Caden and he undoubtedly loves the work.  He has been tracking since he was 9 weeks old and is doing well.  He has alot of drive and gives his all.  Currently he is working on his obedience, as well as some protection work and he absolutely loves it!  No surprise there!  Donna is working along with and under the direction of Dan Waters of the Calgary Schutzhund Club and some other wonderful experienced handlers of that club.  Dan Waters is an accomplished handler who owns and trained Ali vom Daechsel, SchHIII who was the #5 dog at the Canadian Nationals in 2009.  We want to thank you Dan for being such a great teacher for Donna and taking her under your wing!

Donna Brinkworth and Dan Waters tracking with Caden in Red Deer, Canada.

We expect to see great things from this boy, as he has so much potential.  I’ll be making a trip out to see Donna this Summer and will get to meet some of her mentors and friends.  I am very much looking forward to the opportunity to meet the members of the Calgary Schutzhund Club and hopefully see Caden doing some obedience and protection work.  I can’t wait.  I’ll be sure to have an update on that trip!

Caden tracking at a seminar as a demo dog.

Best of Luck to Donna and Caden!

We wish both Donna and Caden lots of luck in their training!  Donna tells me she is learning so much with this dog.  We are so proud of you both!  See more on Donna and Caden’s adventures on her blog – “Spiritdance Dog Tracking and Sheep Herding” – on right blogroll.

Category: Puppies, Schutzhund | No Comments »
Tags: C-Litter, Caden, German Shepherd, Schutzhund, Tracking

Posted By Sandy Wilson on April 17, 2010

Delta - she was just a baby then!

Delta von der Kleinen Wiese - 9 Months Old

It’s hard to believe we had pups 9 months ago!  Delta is really growing up and maturing, but still has a long way to go as she is still such a puppy!  She has completed two obedience classes and has learned so much.  She knows all her basic commands and is now starting some beginning herding too at Kergloff Farm where she can be exposed to a much larger flock of sheep.

With such a young dog, she is not quite ready to do the formal work of an adult dog, as she is still structurally not mature and also not able to take corrections as an adult dog can.   She needs gentle guidance and calm praise – she is a very excitable dog!  Delta is very receptive and very intelligent, so I know she will learn quickly as training continues.   I know as the handler that I need training too!  She is just learning the ropes and that takes patience.  I realize that I need to be calmer, speak in a  lower tone and not get her excited with my high voice and NOT to coddle her.  I know I am guilty for petting and over handling my dogs, so I must try not to over indulge in the affection department!

Delta watching the sheep through the gate!

Much time has to be spent laying down a solid foundation in herding and I don’t think many people realize just how much time is dedicated to training.  It takes time training in very small increments, but it is so important to take it step by step and not push the dog and make mistakes that you’ll have to fix later.  Better to take baby steps now at the beginning and move according to your dog’s pace and you can avoid correcting problems later.  Herding is not a job that you teach your dog in a few months, it involves a great deal of time and dedication, but it’s all worth it in the end.

Aiko and Delta watching the sheep in the pasture.

She loves to watch the sheep!

Presently she is learning to be in control of  herself and being relaxed and calm around the sheep.  Calmness around the flock takes time, but is so important; we want to get that in her little head first and foremost before we can move on.  It is impossible for a dog to work when they are hectic and not thinking straight – you have to have a dog with a good head, calm confidence, good nerves, and a dog who can focus in order to work and learn.

Arla von der Kleinen Wiese (Delta's Dam)

Hawk v. Eichenluft, SchHIII (Delta's Sire)

Above is Delta’s dam, Arla von der Kleinen Wiese, who was a natural with the sheep at a very young age.  She was lamb tested at 8 & 10 weeks and was exactly what I wanted and she showed much interest in the sheep from a very young pup.  Arla has very strong working and herding lines in her pedigree and they really came through as her herding ability was so instinctual and she was so easy to guide and teach.  In addition, is a picture of Hawk v. Eichenluft, SchH3, Delta’s sire, who is a very strong working dog from some outstanding working bloodlines.  Besides Hawk’s strong working pedigree, he also has some “old” herding blood mixed through his pedigree.  I was hoping to see the herding come out in this breeding and from what I have seen, Delta is showing some nice herding instinct with good attraction to the sheep.  She is also showing strong work ethic and she is very intelligent – too smart sometimes for her own good!

So now that Winter is finally over and Delta was really showing interest in our sheep, it was time to see if she was ready to start her training.  The first time Delta was exposed to a large flock of sheep, she was very excited and was doing some barking and running up and down the electra-net fencing.   We did this just to expose her to the sheep and see if she was indeed ready to work – and yes, she is ready to work and begin some training.   She is a bit exuberant at this time and we just need to harness that energy into constructive learning and focus.

Delta's first exposure to a large flock! (8 months old) KERKLOFF FARM, Knowlton, NJ

Yeah, I am happy to say, she is READY!  This dog is so active – seems like she is in perpetual motion all the time, and so it will be good for her to soon learn her real job in life and that is herding the sheep!   I am hoping to title her when she is fully trained, as I think she has much potential like her mother (Arla v.d. Kleinen Wiese) and grandmother (Hera v. Fafnerhaus)  before her!  I owe so much of this herding talent and wonderful genetics to their great grandfather Alf v. Fafnerhaus AKA Nicky!   Delta definitely has some strong working lines in her pedigree, as well as strong herding genetics – she is really a powerhouse of bloodlines that I can’t wait to tap into.  I think she has potential plus!

Hera v. Fafnerhaus (Delta's Grandmother)

Alf v. Fafnerhaus - known as Nicky (Hera's Sire and Delta's great grandfather)

More on Delta’s adventures later – right now it’s time to play another game of fetch – this dog could fetch a ball all day long!

Delta loves to run around with the ball in her mouth all the time!

Always in motion!

Category: Herding, Puppies | 2 Comments »
Tags: Arla vd Kleinen Wiese, D-Litter, Delta, German Shepherd, Hawk v. Eichenluft, Sheep Herding

Posted By Sandy Wilson on March 31, 2010

Delta von der Kleinen Wiese (Arla v.d. Kleinen Wiese x Hawk v. Eichenluft)

Delta successfully completed her first obedience class at Orchard Hills, in Barto, PA.  She was in class with quite an assortment of dogs of different breeds and all sizes.  One of her favorite buddies was Hercules, a very big Great Dane.  The first time she met him she wasn’t quite sure what it was and barked at him, but soon they became friends.  I am still not sure if she thinks he is a dog, or a small pony.  In her first class she learned her basic commands and did well.  I also think it’s great that she is adjusting to all the distractions at the class.

There are many dogs all around the facility and an agility class going on at the same time, so it is alot for a young dog to take it, but it is a great experience for her.  Also I like the fact that the instructor, Phyllis Kraft, who is a very seasoned trainer, has been in German Shepherds for 45 years, so she is so good with all the dogs.  She really understands them and I love her gentle way with them.   It is a nice class because all the dogs are well behaved and there is plenty of time for socialization which is so important for the dogs.

Delta practicing her "Platz"!

Right now we are attending the second phase of obedience training and so Delta is coming along nicely.  I haven’t put a lot of demands on her as she is still very young, but she is improving each week we go to class and I see her more at ease all the time with the other dogs too.  One thing I can say that I am impressed with Delta is the fact that she has such super focus on me during class.  She doesn’t really care to play with the other dogs, but would much rather engage in play and training with me.   This is such an attribute as she is so dedicated to me.

Delta with her ball - she always has a toy nearby!

We have big plans for the Spring for Delta.  We will continue to track with Delta, but right now it is just too wet outside.  The ground is like muddy soup.  We are also going to start her training on sheep – so more on that later when we get into her formal training.  We are excited about this pup – she has a lot of zip and she loves to work!

Category: Puppies | No Comments »
Tags: D-Litter, Delta, German Shepherd

Posted By Sandy Wilson on March 14, 2010

We just went through one of the worst Winters that I think we have ever experienced here in PA.  With blizzard like conditions and several feet of snow just weeks ago, now we are facing heavy rainfall to top it off.  What a Winter!  The dogs have  been a little stir crazy wanting to go out and play, but the mud is terrible and it’s like walking through a mud pit.  Plus you can’t really play ball and have a great time as the balls just don’t bounce in mud.

Aiko in his favorite chair!

Aiko in his favorite chair when he is resting.  It is amazing he even fits in the chair, but somehow he nestles himself to fit nicely into a comfortable ball.  Delta, our new little puppy, has quite a game she plays with the older dogs.  She barks and runs off towards the door and alarms everyone to follow her as if she knows something they don’t.  This of course gets Aiko off his chair so he can also check out what’s going on.  But instead – not a thing – she just gets him out of his chair so she can take his spot.  She has the look of great satisfaction on her little face.  She is such a devil, but I love watching the games these dogs play with one another.

"Look whose got the chair now!"

Delta is always starting trouble with the older dog as she is the young one in the group and she just can’t help herself.  She is always initiating play with them by stealing their toys and giggle balls.  If that fails, then she goes around and picks up various articles, usually that my children leave around, and she carries them around and shows them to us.  It’s as if she is looking at us and saying, “Catch me if you can”!

Delta practicing her glove retrieval.

Of course once we see her with our various personal items, we have to retrieve them and the game is on.  We have learned not to chase her, but to command her to “bring” and she loves it.  She will fetch just about anything you throw.  Someday we will put this skill to use.  I would like to teach her to fetch my slippers and make me a cup of coffee in the morning too, but I guess that is asking a little much!  LOL!

I can’t wait for the pastures to turn green and the warmth of the sunshine upon us this Spring.  The sheep are just waiting to get out of the barn to munch on fresh pasture and the lambs are going to have a blast stretching their legs and running around like kids on a playground.  It’s always so exciting and the dogs love to watch them.  I can’t wait to get out herding again, but I am afraid that is at least another month or so away as the sheep are lambing now and we have to finish up with that task first.

I can’t wait to get our little Delta out to work the sheep and see if she has her mother’s wonderful instincts for herding!  So exciting!

Category: Puppies | No Comments »
Tags: Aiko vd. Kleinen Wiese, Delta, German Shepherd

Posted By Sandy Wilson on February 27, 2010

Link - our new ram lamb!

This year I brought two new ewes into our flock.  They both gave birth this month – one to a beautiful ram lamb named “Link” and the other to a beautiful ewe lamb we named “Stella”.  I think these two are going to make beautiful additions to our flock.  I can’t wait to see how their fleeces develop.  Now we have three lambs in the barn for our dogs to watch when we go in and feed the flock.  They put on quite a show jumping and running around the barn in front of the dog audience.  They are so darn cute when they are little lambs.  Soon after all our snows melts, I can just picture them on beautiful green pastures!  Can you tell I am thinking of Spring!  Winter has been a bit long for us this year with all the snow and I am anxiously awaiting the melting process!

Stella - our little ewe lamb.

We have had so much snow this year, record high snowfalls actually, and the sheep are just anxious to get out and graze in the pasture.  The dogs are equally excited as I am sure they can’t wait to help take the sheep out of the barn and into the pasture.  I am looking forward to taking the dogs out to work the sheep.

Delta in the newest of snowfalls.

Here you can see Delta and how high our snow is.  It is up to her chest after this last snow fall.  We have had three big storms this Winter and there is a prediction that we may have one more before this Winter is over.  I am predicting a wet Spring!  At least the grass and pastures will have a good start!

Looking forward to warmer weather and working the dogs!

Category: Border Leicester Sheep, Puppies | No Comments »
Tags: Border Leicester Lambs, Delta