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ABOUT USMy view of the German Shepherd Dog is one of versatility. Originally bred as herding dogs, they have developed over the years into protection animals, companion animals, service animals and all around working/sport animals. They should be level headed, and capable of performing any task in any environment, with strong biddability and appropriate discernment, reacting correctly to a variety of situations. My goal is to produce dogs who replicate these characteristics, and are overall sound (both mentally and physically) and correct.
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Our HeritageThe stars aligned when they sent me my very first well bred Shepherd, and continued to do so as it became evident that she was staying, despite outside forces and their best attempts. It wasn't long before I was spending my evenings laying tracks and my weekends at club, trial prepping in downtime from work and consuming every form of media and knowledge I could on the sport of Schutzhund. The thrill of my first BH (and subsequent IGP1) will forever hold a special place in my heart, and I aim to continue to prove myself and my dogs, for the sake of the breed.
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Our DogsAt Zwinger vom Rabenauge, my aim is to produce dogs who are well rounded and capable of performing well within any sport or task that they are set to. This means that many of my dogs are involved in multiple sports, from the pressure of IGP, to the critical thinking of herding, to things like Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, Scent Work and Competitive Obedience. I ask that my dogs adjust accordingly, eagerly taking on each new challenge and throwing everything they have into it. On top of this, I ask that they remain ever loyal and faithful companions, welcomed members of our homes, and trusted friends.
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The Inspiration
Zero is a German Shepherd Dog, born and raised in Alabama. When she was purchased, I was not as educated as I could have been. She was, well and truly, bought on impulse and with visions of grandeur, and her genetic background left much to be desired.
As a result, she was, in many ways, flawed. Her temperament was lackluster, riddled with insecurities and anxiety, and her hips were severely dysplastic. At a young age, she proved to be the dog I needed, testing my abilities and patience with strong reactive tendencies towards other dogs and fearfulness of some people and almost all children.
Over the course of a year, I threw ourselves into helping her conquer her limitations. I built up Zero's confidence, showing her that she had a choice in everything and that her choice mattered. I worked hard to counter condition her immediate reaction towards strange dogs, a process which took several months. When people asked if they could pet her, I simply told them no, and Zero began to understand that she was not obligated to greet anyone. It took time and effort, but she began to blossom, opening up to the world around her and being able to truly appreciate it. Nowadays, her reactivity is almost nonexistent, and while children are still not something she wants to engage with, she will actively and happily greet strangers.
While she was never intended to produce offspring, she was integral to my desire to produce dogs who did not have the same faults she did, and would not be failed by their pedigrees. She taught me the importance of genetics, patience, and skill, and for that, I will always be grateful to her.
As a result, she was, in many ways, flawed. Her temperament was lackluster, riddled with insecurities and anxiety, and her hips were severely dysplastic. At a young age, she proved to be the dog I needed, testing my abilities and patience with strong reactive tendencies towards other dogs and fearfulness of some people and almost all children.
Over the course of a year, I threw ourselves into helping her conquer her limitations. I built up Zero's confidence, showing her that she had a choice in everything and that her choice mattered. I worked hard to counter condition her immediate reaction towards strange dogs, a process which took several months. When people asked if they could pet her, I simply told them no, and Zero began to understand that she was not obligated to greet anyone. It took time and effort, but she began to blossom, opening up to the world around her and being able to truly appreciate it. Nowadays, her reactivity is almost nonexistent, and while children are still not something she wants to engage with, she will actively and happily greet strangers.
While she was never intended to produce offspring, she was integral to my desire to produce dogs who did not have the same faults she did, and would not be failed by their pedigrees. She taught me the importance of genetics, patience, and skill, and for that, I will always be grateful to her.
Null vom Rabenauge RATN, CGCA, TKA, ORT BC