Kleinen Wiese German Shepherds

Posted By Sandy Wilson on September 4, 2010

Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese

Producing good dogs generation after generation is not by accident – it is breeding with purpose and excellent genetics.  I also think that you must make the decision to keep high standards to produce the best dogs that you can, rather than make exceptions and lower standards for breeding.  I have  a vision in my head of what I want to produce and have always kept to those standards which I have set for myself.  I don’t want to make compromises when breeding, as the goal is to always try and improve what you have and make it better and also keep what is good in your genetics strong. Good breeding can be a challenge — there is so much to consider.  There is no way to control what is going to come to surface in each dog’s gene pool such as recessessives, etc, so when selecting a breeding pair of dogs, it can be quite  a challenge.  The better you know the dogs your breeding and the more homework you do on the dogs such as researching progeny produced and also what characteristics are coming out strongly from each dog, the better you are able to predict what might come out in your breeding.   You can’t just select dogs for specific traits to improve breeding, but you must look at the dog as a whole and what it possesses that makes it a great dog worth breeding.  Breeding is a crapshoot, but the better you know the dogs and the more reseach you do, will help you to “load the dice” to produce an outcome in your favor.  Finding dogs whose gene’s “nick” together are probably the best and when you find that special match of male and female, you can produce some very special dogs!

For me, dogs that posses natural herding instinct, genetic obedience,a full grip, a solid temperament, and good work ethic start from good genetics and we have been lucky enough to see the progression of these fine attributes through selective breeding.  This has been our goal since we started breeding our dogs, as we have never lost sight of it in our breeding program and we hope to continue breeding very selectively and produce good dogs.

Hera v. Fafnerhaus with “A” Litter

(Hera v. Fafnerhaus X Diesel v. Schulmeister, SchHI, AD)

Also important for breeding good dogs is structure, especially for working dogs.  They must possess solid structure and  movement, hips and elbows must be x-rayed and be free of any dysplasia (I prefer OFA at 2 years of age),  the dog must move properly coming and going thereby exhibiting true balance of movement and not extremes in any aspect.  Balance and freedom of movement are important in a dog’g longevity and also allows a working dog to perform to it’s fullest capability.  The well structured dog will have the ability to work for longs periods of time and possess good agility to do all different types of work.  You cannot merely base breeding decisions on a dog’s coat color, side movement, ear set, etc.; it is the dog as a whole that makes a a good dog worth breeding, not just one aspect.

Below you will see several photographs of several generations of dogs that have been carefully bred.  Below is Alf v. Fafnerhaus, known as Nicky, his son Dux v. Fafnerhaus, known as Luki, then two great grandsons, Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese and Caden von der Kleinen Wiese, and lastly a great granddaughter to Nicky, our little Delta von der Kleinen Wiese.  I know and have known each and everyone of these dogs personally and I can truly say that the fine qualities that I look for in a working dog have surely been passed down from generation to generation.  Nicky is a dog who I would love have all of my dogs be like – he is the vision of a dog that I want to always produce in my breeding program.  To me, he was the total package!

Alf v. Fafnerhaus working at Nickelsberg Farm – Nicky worked everyday his whole life – what a dog he was.

As I have mentioned in my earlier posts, Nicky was the last dog that was produced out of Schafermeister Manfred Heyne’s last HGH dog.  Nicky’s sire was Nick von der Stammherde Ramholz, HGH, and the dam was Margaret von Fafnerhaus, SchHI.  Together these two dogs produced one of the best herding dogs I have seen that still possessed the old herding blood and had the genetic obedience that Manfred always talked about.  His work ethic was simply incredible and his temperament flawless in my opinion.

Below is a Nicky son, Dux, who Manfred handpicked from a Nicky litter when he was in the US.  He took Dux back to Germany with him and titled him with a HGH and also used him for his everyday working dog to herd his flock of sheep.  When Manfred was too old to work Dux anymore, he sent him back to the place of his birth to continue to do the job he loved the most, tending sheep.  I know Manfred missed this dog terribly, but he had such love for Luki, that he knew that he would be happiest working as he had done for Manfred.  To this day, at 12 years of age, this dog still can move sheep and has such a presence.  What a boy he is – so proud — such HEART!!

Dux v. Fafnerhaus, HGH “Luki” – Nicky Son

Pictured above, Dux v. Fafnerhaus, HGH (Alf v. Fafnerhaus X Ussa von Kuchenthal, HGH), working on Nickelsberg Farm.  Dux or “Luki” as Manfred Heyne called him, was his last true working dog before passing away earlier this year.  Luki was very well trained by Manfred.   I was so lucky this year to have my boy Aiko work along side of him, herding the sheep together – it was really a sight I won’t forget and a memory I will have forever.  I have been extremely fortunate to have seen several of the dogs who Manfred had trained himself –  what dogs they were – Manfred was a genius when it came to dog training and breeding, but more than that, he loved these dogs with his heart and soul and loved the German Shepherd Breed for what it was originally bred for – real work, true intelligence, a dog with real spirit and with a zest for life.

Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese – Nicky Grandson

Aiko herding over 300 sheep at Nickelsberg Farm where his grandfather Nicky had once worked the same flock.  I know Nicky would have been proud of his grandson!

Aiko (Hera von Fafnerhaus X Diesel vom Schulmeister, SchHI, AD) is out of our Nicky daughter Hera.  Hera was our first true herding dog that had all the herding instinct and talent we could ever ask for.  She is obedient beyond belief and a super worker.  She was a dog that could do everything.  She could track, do protection work, obedience, agility and herd sheep – she is amazing.  We were so in love with these genetics, that we knew we had to try and save these special working dogs and so we decided to breed Hera.  We produced our Aiko von der Kleinen Wiese and also kept a daughter Arla von der Kleinen Wiese.  Aiko is so much like his grandfather Nicky – intelligent, possesses great work ethic, natural herding abilities and a wonderful temperament and balanced structure that allows this dog to trot all day.  We loved this breeding so much, that we repeated it later on and produced some very nice puppies.

Caden von der Kleinen Wiese – Nicky Grandson doing schutzhund work (Repeat Breeding “C” Litter)

Caden is presently training at the Calgary Schutzhund Club in Canada and doing very well.   Donna Brinkworth is training under the direction of Dan Waters and Training Director Wade Waters.   Best of luck to Donna & Caden!

Below is a picture of our Delta, the next generation and she is proving to possess those same wonderful qualities in these genetics that are so prepotent.  Delta is very obedient and extremely intelligent and so easy to train – she is really a joy to work with.   Delta is a great granddaughter of Nickys.  She is just a little over a year old now and really working beautifully on the boundary.  She is just starting out, but I see that she is so happy to work, and she listens so well!  She loves working the sheep and looks so forward to her weekly lessons and I see that each week she is progressing with great confidence.  Delta is out of our Arla von der Kleinen Wiese (Hera & Diesel) and Hawk v. Eichenluft, SchHIII.

Hawk was a nice match for Arla as he has such strong working dogs in his pedigree, a solid temperament, and he also comes from a line of intelligent dogs.  Best of all, I was pleased to find Hawk had some significant HGH dogs in his lines that go back to “good” old blood.  To me, it was so important to find a dog that nicked together well with our lines, but still have our lines be prepotent in the breeding and so far that is happening.  Hawk added greatly to our gene pool and we were so thankful to have the opportunity to breed our Arla to him.  Hawk is retired now and getting older, but what a super dog he is and in great shape.  Thank you Kandi and hugs to you Hawki (Click on Rokanhaus German Shepherds on the sidebar for more on Hawk)!

Delta von der Kleinen Wiese

(Arla von der Kleinen Wiese x Hawk v. Eichenluft, SchHIII)

Delta always seems to be in perpetual motion; she loves to play ball or do anything that involves going outside and being the center of attention.  Right now she is training for herding and we are going to get back to her tracking this Fall.  She is an awesome tracker!

Delta – she is an intense pup when at work!

More on Delta later as she progresses in her training with the large flock!

Category: Herding, Schutzhund, Tracking | No Comments »
Tags: Aiko vd. Kleinen Wiese, Alf v. Fafnerhaus, C-Litter, Caden, D-Litter, Delta, Dux v. Fafnerhaus "Luki", Hawk v. Eichenluft, Schutzhund, Sheep Herding

Posted By Sandy Wilson on July 2, 2010

DELTA VON DER KLEINEN WIESE  – “D” Litter

(Arla von der Kleinen Wiese  X  Hawk vom Eichenluft, SchH3)

Delta is a great granddaughter to “Nicky” Alf v. Fafnerhaus, one of the finest herding dogs I have ever known and seen work for so many years.  I am so pleased to see these genetics being passed down through the generations and seeing how they have that same attraction to sheep and williness to work.  These genetics are very strong in this line and I hope we can continue to keep this line alive.

Delta has shown that same strong attraction to sheep and has started her formal herding training for boundary work and she is learning her commands very well.  Right now while she is just starting, she gets very excited at her lessons.  Much has to do with maturity, conditioning, and also the fact that she doesn’t get to see 200 sheep everyday – and of course with lots of lambs running around just adds to the excitement of the whole training experience.  Sheep and lambs in close proximity are extremely stimulating for a dog who is attracted to sheep!   I am seeing steady progress though and that is what we are working for – a reliable dog!  Training your dog for herding is a long process and taking short cuts has consequences later that may be hard to fix, so it is better to take your time with a young dog and shape the behavior properly, then you don’t have to go back and correct problems, you avoid them.  She already has the instinct to work the sheep and the attraction, but she just needs to learn to control her urges and learn how to use that instinct.

On her first exposure to the large flock, she was behind an electranet at about 7 months old just to see if she had the interest and yes, she definitely had the interest, an overwhelming desire to work but a bit full of herself.  Alot of what her early training will be is to keep her calm and have her focus and concentrate – we want her little head to have it together!  She is a very confident pup in nature, but just a bit much prey drive and unharnessed energy.

Delta’s first exposure to the large flock!

Delta’s beginning training was sporadic due to difficult weather conditions and Spring’s lambing season, but now we have had some regular training sessions and we are making progress.  She picks up on the boundary without a problem and knows some of her commands and responds very nicely to my voice.  She is also able to take a correction and come right back to work without a grudge or too much sensitivity, but she does get the point!   Her little brain is really working!  One thing I have a difficult time with is making my voice flatter – I tend to bring my voice up higher and this only excites her and gives her the wrong message, so I have to also be very aware of what I am doing and how I affect the behavior of my dog.  We are always learning!   I certainly don’t need my voice to encourage and motivate her, she has all the motivation and drive she needs all by herself.  If anything, I will need to bring her emotional state down some.

Another thing I have learned that really helps my dogs is not praising them so much, but to praise at the appropriate time.  I do tend to talk, pet, and coddle my dogs a bit too much (as I love them so) and this is something I don’t want to do with Delta – she doesn’t need it and I don’t want to baby her.  I want her to respond to me, but also want her to be able to work independently and as she matures and gains confidence, to be able to work a good distance from me.  Some dogs need the praise and build up, but Delta is one that doesn’t, so I have to keep that in mind at all times.

Delta always seems to have a ball in her mouth – its the first thing she looks for when going outside!

These dogs are so smart and they want to truly please.  I am enjoying training this little gal, but she is full of energy and enthusiasm and I know it will be  a matter of time to let her settle into focused work.  I am in no hurry with training her quickly, as she is so young and just a year old now.  I think it is important to think about the mind and the body of the dog and realize the maturity level of the dog and how you can progress with them to maximize their training, but also prevent injury with too much work when they are young.  Every dog is different and I think when you realize that, you can tailor your training to fit them and their abilities.  Certainly each dog has it’s issues to deal with and as a handler, that is the true challenge of sheep herding.  There are so many variables to consider.

Aiko and Delta just posing for a photo!

At Delta’s last lesson, she was much calmer and worked nicely on a loose lead after she settled.  She has very high prey drive and is an intense dog, but she is showing me more and more focus on me and considering me part of the picture now.  As far as commands, she knows them and anticipates what to do and where to be which is great.   I am quite pleased with her steady improvement and understanding each week at her lessons  – that is my goal – steady progress!  Love this little pup!  My goal is to have her solid each step of the way as she is going to be a challenge just because she has so much drive!  I am enjoying the process of teaching and learning with this gal.

I am learning so much myself about what I should be doing or not doing.  I never realized how much you need to know in order to be a good dog handler and that each dog is sooooo different in how you must tailor their training. Also, unlike other training with dogs, there is always the other element of handling your stock at the time your training your dog – so lots to consider.   Delta needs minimal encouragement and very little praise, so I have to make sure I only praise when she needs it and I have to start carrying this into our everyday play or she is going to wrap me around her little paw!  I must be strong!

Right now she is working on one border with me keeping a short distance away into the flock and so far I am pleased at how well she is doing!   It is all new to her, but each step of the way she is learning and getting better – that is all I could ask of her!  I also have a wonderful teacher too!  Thank you Geary for your understanding and teaching my dog as well as me!  I think you really have to give trainers a lot of credit for they are teaching two students – the dog and the handler!  It’s definitely a challenge.

I wish I had some pictures of her working at her lessons, but right now my hands are full and I have to keep my attention on my dog.  Hopefully later, I can get a few photos of her training.

Delta as a puppy with her mother Arla – following in mom’s footsteps – herding and also strong ball attraction!

Category: Herding | No Comments »
Tags: D-Litter, Delta, Herding, Sheep Herding

Posted By Sandy Wilson on May 24, 2010

DELTA VON DER KLEINEN WIESE (Arla vd Kleinen Wise X Hawk v. Eichenluft, SchH3)

This weekend we decided to start tracking again; the weather was nice and there was plenty of moisture in the ground to hold a scent.  Delta is now 11 months old and hasn’t tracked the whole Winter, but now it’s time to start tracking again since she is a little more mature.  I set up a single straight track with one zig-zag to see how she would take a few turns and she did very well.  She is a very intense dog and really enjoys tracking, but she is still very young and immature.  She wants to blow through the track and she doesn’t even pick up some of the bait because she is too quick, so will have to work on slowing her down and possibly having her be more hungry to want to eat every piece of food on the track.

Delta above here really working and pulling hard on the track.  In hindsight, I should have picked a day with less wind, as the cross wind may  have made it a little more difficult for her tracking.   There were several parts on the track where she lifted her head and circled and so I want to make it much easier for her and build her confidence first.  I know she can do the work, but I don’t want her to get frustrated.  She loves to work and never quits.   Love this little gal!  She is one very, very active dog – always wanting to do some type of activity.  This is the type of dog that needs alot of mental stimulation.

Delta is a dog that loves to play and have something to do at all times.  Tracking, fetching the ball and doing little tricks, and herding the sheep are just a few of her favorite things to do.  This is a busy puppy!

AIKO VON DER KLEINEN WIESE (Hera v Fafnerhaus X Diesel v Schulmeister, SchH1)

Aiko (4 years old) is older than Delta and a much more mature dog who is methodical in his tracking and a real thinking dog.  He is a pleasure to take out and track with.  He has a very deep nose and great work ethic.  He keeps going and when you finish the track, he is looking for more.  Above is Aiko just starting his track; it was an  “L” shaped track with one turn and then a final turn that was short to find the Jackpot at the end of the track.  He had a great start to his track, and like with Delta’s track, there was some cross wind that made the track a bit more challenging.  Aiko lifted his head once or twice to catch the wind, but then found his turn and did a really nice track.  Again, checking the wind direction before the tracks are laid are so important when tracking with beginner dogs.  Aiko, even though older, started tracking only about 1 1/2 years ago, but he loved it and naturally did well.  He is confident in nature and a thinking dog.  He is the kind of dog that you don’t want to correct harshly, but needs just verbal correction and he fixes himself.  He is a sensitive dog that needs very little direction, and a dog who truly wants to please.  He puts so much effort into his work and you can tell he wants to do a good job.

Bill with Aiko well into the first leg.  Aiko is a natural nose down dog who will work for very little food.  He just loves the work and moves at a nice steady pace too.    The plan for Aiko is more practice and experience for him tracking.  I think also letting the dog problem solve is a big one!  You have to be willing to let the dog figure things out and then praise, praise, to  let him know he is doing the right thing.   I think also taking Aiko to more locations so he can get used to distractions and other surroundings will be a big plus for him to gain experience.

Aiko working with his nose deep into the higher grass.   Next time I take him out, I think we’ll try a different location and more treats to make it a positive experience.  As soon as we get the long line out for tracking, he just gets so excited.  Anytime there is a job to do – he is up for it.  It’s another story when he is going to do sheep chores, he is bouncing and jumping all over the place in excitement, but with tracking he sets himself right in the mind set of sniffing the track.  That’s my boy!

Category: Tracking | No Comments »
Tags: Aiko, Aiko vd. Kleinen Wiese, D-Litter, Delta, Tracking

Posted By Sandy Wilson on May 7, 2010

Delta von der Kleinen Wiese (Arla von der Kleinen Wiese X Hawk v. Eichenluft, SchHIII)

Delta is really growing up and proving to be a really nice puppy – I can see so many good qualities that she has from her mother and father!  I definitely see she is one smart cookie!  She learns so quickly and is so willing to do anything I ask of her.  She is a very “up” dog and always a happy puppy.  She loves clicker training and offers me so many behaviors trying to figure out what I want.  I really enjoy training her.

Delta always seems to have a ball in her mouth – she just loves to play!

Today I was trying to teach her to put her front feet on a book to begin to teach her to pivot (see K 9 Solution Training Inc. for little video) by just moving her back legs and keeping her front stationary.  I love this method as it is all positive and no compulsion is used whatsoever.  There is no guiding with a leash either.  I love to train particular moves and positions all off leash with my dogs from when they are very young and to guide them into a behavior first before demanding perfection at a young age.  I think clicker training is just the best thing for this and if you have a smart dog, boy do they learn quickly with this method.

Just yesterday we worked on this and Delta was offering me a down on the book, a sit and so I had to tell her to “Steh” once on the book so she wouldn’t sit or try any other behavior.  When these dogs get used to the clicker, they just want to hear the clicker and get their treat, so they are just thinking, “Hey, what can I do for you!”    So since she was just so happy to do anything while on the book, I thought I better make sure I just work on her standing on it first and she got it in no time.  She just enjoyed it so much.  Everything she leans she does with great enthusiasm and of course she gets lots of treats which is great for treat motivated dogs.  Actually Delta is very “Ball” motivated, but sometimes I find I get too much hectic behavior, as she is so excited about the ball and so I find the treats work better.  Getting to know what works for your dog best is something you have to experiment with, but when shaping a behavior, using food and the clicker are just the perfect combination!

Today we did it again and she knew exactly what to do, so we did a little bit of pivoting and I just helped her a bit by guiding her rear around with my leg and boy did she pick up on it quick.  We moved around at little increments at a time and she caught on quickly.  I can see her really using her back legs now – we did this for a little while and then lots of praise and out to play some fetching.  She gets so excited just when she sees the clicker and she just wants to do something – anything!   I really get a kick out of her as she is just so much fun to train and watch learn.  It’s like seeing the little light bulb in her head go off – bing, bing, bing!

Tomorrow we’ll do more of this and then we’ll move in reverse direction so she doesn’t get used to going just one way.  I am actually really having fun using the clicker and seeing how quickly she picks up what I want her to do.

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

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