What is puppy life like here at Impact K9 USA? Before the whelping process begins we have an x-ray done to determine how many puppies the Dam will be having. During the whelping process we try to make the Dam as comfortable and calm as possible. It has been proven that soothing music in the background helps calm the Dam so we have a radio on. As soon as a pup is born we make sure they immediately start nursing. This helps the whelping process for the Dam and also the pup starts to get the very valuable colostrum from her. Once all the puppies are whelped we clean up anything that needs cleaned so the Dam and the newborn pups have a clean whelping box. The Dam keeps the pups clean and cleans up after them. At three days old we start the Early Neurological Stimulation and continue it every day. We record the pups weight everyday to make sure they are gaining accordingly. Weeks 1-2 are calm and quite for the pups and Dam.

I will continue to go through puppy life in the next posts.

We still have a few Dutch Shepherd puppies for sale but they are going fast so if you are interested in one let us know!

Can working dogs be family dogs? Absolutely! A full service working dog can also be a family dog or transfer over to a family dog. My full service working dog, Casino, was great with my kids. When he was done working for good he came into the house and became our family protection dog. It all comes down to training and the dog knowing where he or she fits into the pack (family). Casino would bite on command and out (release) on command. He was very obedient and would do anything to please me. This is another thing I love about the Dutch Shepherd breed, they can train or work all day and then lay with you on the couch that night. As long as the dog is trained right and obedient they can also be family dogs. If the dog is not trained right or is not obedient I do not advise this.

We still have some female Dutch Shepherd puppies available!

In reference to article about puppy socialization that we shared on our Facebook page, I have a few things to say about it. It was a good article and a good view point on the subject. Puppies need to be socialized but the puppies focus needs to always be on you. It is hard to do but everyone you come into contact with should not be allowed to pet and play with the puppy or dog. You need to establish that you are the pack leader. Puppies need to be exposed to new things and environments but you need to make it a game and again, the pup or dog's focus needs to be on you. You should never force the pup or dog into something. Easing them into it is always better in the long run. I do agree that genetics has a lot to do with how the pup or dog is going to turn out in a sense. BUT I feel exposing the pup or dog to new things could alter this a little as long as it is done properly. The article makes some very good points. If you have not read it, you should and read the comments people have posted at the end as they also hold value.

We still have some pups available! Contact us for details or for more pictures or video!

The puppies are now 8 weeks old and ready for their new homes! If your looking for a Dutch Shepherd that would make a great family dog or a sport dog or a personal protection dog or a working dog do not wait! I see a lot of potential in this litter!

The last post only yielded one comment on our Facebook page for training which was IPO training. For those that don't know what IPO is, it stands for Internationale Prufungs-Ordnung. This is a dog sport that includes Obedience, Tracking, and Protection phases. The dog must pass all three phases during a trial. This is exactly along the lines of what training classes we will soon offer. We are also planning on adding Agility to this list and expand our agility course. We have access to a vast amount of timber to track in and some open fields as well.

If you have not checked out our Facebook page please do as we have added individual pictures of each pup that is available at this time. If there is a pup you want more pictures of or video of let us know. Also while your there like our page.

The puppies had their first round of vaccines. Boy was that a trip to the vet with 8 puppies! Everyone looks good and healthy! The pups will be ready to leave the end of this week. They all seem like they are going to be great dogs! We still have pups available!

We are in the works of talking about starting some training classes but would like to hear from you what classes your interested in attending? Please comment if you are interested in attending a class here at Impact K9 USA and what kind of training you are looking for.

Well I was going to do this post yesterday evening but the power went out and did not come back on until this morning. Thank god for the in-laws for bringing their generator (Thanks Mike and Linda). It was cool enough the puppies were comfortable in the whelping building.

The pups are all doing good and getting bigger. They are completely weaned and go tomorrow for there first vet visit. They will get their first round of vaccines. Next week they will be 8 weeks old and ready for their new homes.

Another soon to come announcement is we are discussing starting Obedience, Agility, and Bite Work classes (private or group). Continue to follow us here, on Facebook, or Instagram for this announcement. 

Happy National Police K9 day to all present and past working dogs and their handlers. A definite thank you to Duke who was my first partner for over 4 years and Casino who was my partner for 5 years! I know exactly what these dogs, handlers, and families go through and sacrifices they all make! We honor all K9's that gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty!

We at Impact K9 USA hope that our puppies and dogs become working dogs and help protect their communities and handlers!