For the dogs and for myself I decided to move to one of the most remote places in Slovakia. Living on 2300m2 in the western Carpathian, with the forests in front of our door, huge grasslands and a creek flowing straight through our garden, it’s literally dog paradise. They can choose freely to be with us inside the house, playing and running with the pack or accompany me while working on the estate. The High Tatra Mountains are in a 30 min reach and offer a wide scope of possibilities for hiking, skiing, biking or dog sled trails.
Nature here is breath-taking and still full of wildlife like bears, wolves, deer and foxes. We have well tempered summers. Though temperatures can raise above 30°C, we usually have 21-25°C with a breeze almost whole summer. However, we have harsh winters with a usual to -20°C and icy or snowy conditions. Much to the liking of our dogs and myself. We love the winter but also enjoy summer with its green meadows and plenty options to swim, hike or sitting by the fire.
Our puppies are born in the living room and are included in all daily activities in- and outdoors to get them the best possible habituation and socialisation. They all learn to harmonize together as a pack, being clean and calm inside the house, but also know how to stay alone, aside from the others and being comfortable in a car box or outside kennel. These little guys have horses, cows and chicken as daily scenery, a wide variety of surface types, rocks, tree trunks to run, play and climb on and they will neither fear loud machines, nor the chainsaw.
A property big enough for a pack is one thing, yet the German Shepherd is still a working dog and needs mental entertainment on higher level next to physical exercise. Structure, support and guidance during puppyhood and adolescence are crucial in raising a sound tempered dog. We do not leave things to chance. Our dogs have plenty of time enjoying pack life during a day, but a dog life contains many different phases, when boundaries, mood or hormones shift. The process starts far before the puppy is born. Understanding dog communication and the individual needs of each puppy can make a huge difference in his life. They look almost same when they are born, but each of them is unique, same as we humans are.
Each of our dogs, never mind if adult, youngster or puppy has specific needs and talents, so our daily training and entertainment contains hiking, swimming, scent work, biking, mushing, playing and comfy time indoors like cuddling and bonding.
Trips into civilisation will help our puppies cope with the modern world and humans, same as other animals. They learn to walk on a leash and being transported in the car. Since our puppies regularly use the creek as playground, they’re usually not afraid of water once they leave to their new homes. As much as our dogs love visitors, they are serious protectors of the property.
Having access to a variety of local grown and home-made products our dogs diet contains a lot of healthy fresh meat, bones, giblets, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits and herbs next to high quality kibble. None of them is picky and they all have great digestion.
Our puppies can be shipped worldwide to fair prices thanks to our reliable shipping partners and Puppy Taxis. Feel free to contact us if you want to know more about the options and prices for a home delivery for your puppy. You are also welcome to visit us or to pick up your puppy by yourself. We can help finding an accommodation or stay for you.
The love for our puppies doesn’t end when they move out, we normally keep in touch and support for a lifetime. Even though we are quite busy, we always enjoy any update, media or story from our puppy owners. And while we often hear from people breeders are often distant or inapproachable, we helped many beginning breeders building their breeding stock, useful information and advice. We do not fear people asking questions and I strongly believe, it is also a duty of a breeder to be available for any kind of questions someone might have about our dogs or puppy related information. Transparency in breeding is the most important thing to breed healthy dogs.
Choosing a puppy is a commitment for about 10-15 years. And we honour when people do the effort to prepare and inform themselves to ensure pleasant years to come, not just for themselves but also for their puppy.
The creek in our garden is pure relaxation. In summer, when birds and crickets sing it’s a pleasure to listen to the steady flow of water. With a camp fire next to it, it’s close to perfection.
Here in the mountains we have a lot of fresh water sources, like these. The dogs love them and your feet will do too if you dare to step in the cold water. This time Halo is walking with me.
Vergil is definitely one of the cutest puppy I raised. This boy has such a sparkling personality. And such a smart little guy. Until today belly rubs are totally his thing.
I do admit, the hammock is also my favourite place in summer. When evenings are chill (we have like 0 mosquitos) with a blanket of puppies on top of you… lovely.
Not sure if our pear tree likes it. ???? At least it doesn’t hurt him. Maybe he is happy for the extra attention our puppies give, because they sure do love play with him. And he’s always the winner.
This little polar bear is now one of the biggest dogs we ever produced. He is as friendly and loving as he is big. Jarvis is simply adorable. His button eyes as a puppy were to die for and his heartly nature radiates.
The valley we live in is surrounded by hills and mountains up to 1250 m NN. It doesn’t matter which side you walk up, the view is definitely worth it and it takes quite an effort too. 4 legs make the better climber.
Who doesn’t love to sit by the fire? We do. In winter indoors and in summer outside as a camp fire. We meet all elements here daily and get all nature sounds for free. And the best thing is… it’s real.
Our handsome Ozai. As they say, the good die young, he was an outstanding dog and was loved by everyone. He lives on in our Zuko and Samurai and his other kids. We miss you, boy.
Well, dogs need to be dogs from time to time and able to unleash the beast. Halo and Vergil do love rough play chasing each other and it’s way more fun if you can drive it through the mud, isn’t it?
Luckily here in Slovakia we have more luck with snow than in the Netherlands and it’s about time for me to train another dog or two who will step in Halo’s and Vergil’s footsteps.
Isn’t he cute? This kitten will help you through any bad mood. I think he took the wrong door when he got his body, because everything is telling me he should have been born a squirrel.
