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"Top 10 Reasons
Why a German Shepherd Dog
May Not be the Dog for You"
Why a German Shepherd Dog
May Not be the Dog for You"
German Shepherds require a serious commitment. Many of the dogs that come to rescue organizations have no training. It is important that the new family puts time and effort into training their dog.
These dogs have a high energy level. The very energy that allows these dogs to be police, search, guide and herding dogs is often the reason these dogs are surrendered. If you’re looking for a couch potato you may want to consider a different breed.
German Shepherds are highly intelligent. If they are not given a job to do they will often come up with their own.
Like any dog, the German Shepherd is a social animal and needs to be part of a family. The loyalty that endears this breed to many requires that it not be banished to the backyard.
German Shepherds are large dogs. The number one reason given by people surrendering German Shepherds is moving. Usually apartments do not welcome these dogs. If you don’t know where you will be a few years down the line it is not the right time to adopt.
These dogs shed non-stop.
They can be vocal, often whining and barking to communicate. If left alone for prolonged periods of time they may become problem barkers.
If you don’t like doggy smell, consider a different breed. Also, bathing can be challenging due to the dog’s water-resistant outer coat.
A German Shepherd must respect its owner. This is not accomplished by heavy-handedness; it is only achieved when its owner treats the dog with equal respect.
These dogs originated as herding dogs. It is a heritage they carry still. Keep this in mind if you or your neighbors have livestock. Remember that in the state of Oregon a dog harassing livestock may be shot. Familiarize yourself with the laws in your state.
Our Puppy/Dog Contract
Vandenberg 'Ohana German Shepherds
Helping Puppies Become Better Dogs
The U.S. Military developed a program in the 1970’s called “Bio Sensor.” (It became publicly known and is often referred to as the “Super Dog” program.) The program was developed to improve the performance of dogs used for military purposes.
The basic premise of the program is that early neurological stimulation exercises could affect the performance of the dog. The Army’s research revealed that early stimulation of the puppy influenced rapid neurological growth and development. These exercises improve the development of the puppy’s neurological systems by early stimulation and stress. Five benefits have been observed in dogs that were exposed to the Bio Sensor stimulation exercises:
Improved Cardiovascular PerformanceStronger Heart BeatsStronger Adrenal GlandsMore Tolerance to StressGreater Resistance to DiseaseWe incorporate the Bio Sensor program into our socialization and temperament development regimen. It fits easily into our puppy rearing process and is a well documented puppy development tool. However, we do not substitute it for the daily socialization and handling of the puppies. We believe that handling dogs at an early age helps with the physical and social development of the puppy.
For futher information about early neurological stimulation, please see an
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For your convenience,we have added Paypal for a safe, secure way to make a deposit or pay in full for your puppy. To cover the cost of this service, please add 4% to any payment made. (Example: $300 X 4% = $312.00)
Please contact us using the e-mail link prior to using this service to ensure that the puppy of your choice is available.
HOW WE HANDLE DEPOSITS
As is standard throughout the dog industry, deposits are non-refundable.This is to insure that both the buyer and the seller are protected on the sale of the pup for which deposit is being given. Deposits are placed by you for securing a pup or dog you wish to purchase from Vandenberg ‘Ohana German Shepherds. Your timely deposit will secure a puppy from our upcoming litter. Your deposit prevents puppy or dog of your choice from being sold to another buyer. If you are not positive about sending a deposit, or your housing situation for bringing a pup into your home is unsure at this time, you may want to consider waiting until everything is right ... in the best interest of you and your new puppy.
Please confirm with us that you are sending your deposit PAYPAL via this web site or POSTAL MONEY ORDER (must be sent via Fedex or UPS over night or next day service).
Megaesophagus
One year ago I had never heard of megaesophagus. Had no idea anything like it existed. Over this past year I have been educated regarding this horrible malady whether I wanted to be or not - but don't misunderstand me. I would much rather know about it than not. I would just choose to learn about it without having to live through dealing with it.
I had a dog that is a carrier. The dog produced two litters, each with a different bitch, and both litters had affected pups. The first litter had two affected pups and because it was quite mild I did not recognize that I had a problem (I thought that these pups were gobbling their food too quickly causing them to vomit occasionally). With the second litter there were two severely affected pups and my education about this awful thing began. I had the pups euthanized and have neutered my stud dog. The remainder of the litter were sold on limited registrations. I have contacted the owners of the pups from the first litter to let them know of this as it is my understanding mega is likely an inherited gene.
(Both bitches my male was bred to had previous litters with different stud dogs and produced healthy, thriving pups. My boy that passed along the mega-e is KeKoa Hahai Vom Banach, out of Aron Vom Poppitz & Sindy Vom Ludwigseck)
I contacted Dr. Leigh Anne Clark at Clemson University, received and returned cheek swabs for my male and two females (the only two bitches my boy was mated with) and heard back from Dr. Clark that my male carries the genetic marker for mega e, the two girls are clear. Because the research is not complete, Dr. Clark has asked that I not make public the detailed information she passed on to me until the study is complete. She needs as many as possible samples from suspected mega e dogs. (If you have any dogs that you suspect are affected or are possible carriers, please contact her and participate in the study!)
I know, from my personal experience, that a dog can be a carrier, not affected, and pass the affliction on to pups. I believe that one of my boys' parents, sire or dam, is a carrier and although he is not affected (shows no sign of mega e) he passes it on to his offspring.
I know of one litter mate to my boy that was diagnosed with bone cancer before she was a year old. The sire of my boy has had an episode of bloat and torsion (his owner had his stomach tacked so as to avoid a reoccurrence). In all of my research/reading (on-line) I have seen references to these two things and their possible relation to mega esophagus.
Here is a link to excellent information written in easily understood language - megaesophagus
Jaz has been bred to Vom Holtzberg K9's stud dog,
Ernie Vom Grafental
Black Sable German Import
OFA Good Hips GS-74092G26M-PI,
Elbows Normal OFA GS-EL 19097M26-PI
We are looking forward to a late February/early March litter of beautiful black sable and solid black puppies!
Watch for a "Pregnancy Confirmed!" announcement!!
