I've attached a couple of pictures we took of Lincoln yesterday. I think when he is full grown he is truly going to be a very handsome dog. Linc is about 60 lbs. as he approaches 8 months of age. We are feeding him twice a day Nature's Variety dry kibble mixed with Authority canned food - both very good quality foods.
About a month ago, we completed an 8 week long puppy class. Lincoln and a Rottweiler were voted as the puppies who put in the best efforts. While I don't have any thoughts of getting any kind of obedience titles for Lincoln, we do continue to work with him on the basic commands on a daily basis. He catches on very quickly. We have signed him up for the basic obedience class which will start in late August. He still likes to chew on things that he shouldn't, but compared to several months ago is getting much better about it. He is also a little mouthy with us as well, but that too is lessening. He doesn't do it in an aggressive way; more as a greeting, but we definitely don't want him doing it at all. When he does, we tell him no and walk away. He has taken to the crate with no problems. We keep him out of it as much as possible and only put him in it when no one is at home or at bedtime. The first crate we got for Lincoln was a large Deluxe Vari kennel which was supposed to be a good fit for German Shepherds, but a couple of months ago, we had to get the extra large because he had outgrown the large. He seems really comfortable in the extra large one.
We are giving some thought to possibly getting another long coat, a female, down the road, but if we do, it wouldn't be for another year or so. We'd like Lincoln to get over his "puppy stages".
Best wishes,
Bonnie
I was taking pictures last night and I thought you might like to see how Lewin is doing. He is doing wonderful in his obedience classes. Once we have completed our task, he likes to set and observe everyone else. You were right when you said he likes himself. Everyone comments on how well behaved he is. He is definetly laid back. He keeps his cool at all times. Everyone in class could not believe how relaxed he is. A lady I was talking with said her GSD puppy was so hyper it was hard to get her into class. He reminds me of Don Juan, he likes to think he is a ladies man. I am looking into the AKC organizations in Louisville for additional obedience training and Agility clubs. Here is a current picture of Lewin, taken last week.
Wendy
I wanted to let you know I am absolutely THRILLED with our newest puppy from you! Of course, it is exactly what I expected as she is what?? the third dog I have gotten from you! No one could ask for better companions or healthier dogs... I am going to have to start thinking of a group discount one of these days as all three of the girls are doing great and still running strong. Tasha is the most beautiful dog you could ever imagine and truly my best friend. Raina has developed now and has become so much prettier than I ever thought. Of course, she decided she loves my son more than me but that is okay. She made a dog lover out of him and I never thought that would happen. Says a lot about the type of dogs you sell. They have the best personalities you could imagine... Skylar, the puppy, is a real hoot! She brings lots of laughter and is getting real solid on her training already.
You better plan on being around for a long long time as I will need dogs from you for a long time to come... If you ever have anyone who really wants to know the "truth" about your dogs, please feel free to give them my email address and I will be more than happy to tell them what REAL German Shepherd Dogs are supposed to be.....they are supposed to be Raebark dogs!
Thanks again for letting me get dogs from you. They are the brightest spot in my life..
Sincerely,
Mikki
I just wanted to let you know how much I like my puppy. He was born November 18th 2005. I got him in January of 2006. He is a solid black german shepherd that is very smart. The whole family loves him. He graduated from a beginners puppy class as well as 2 advanced puppy classes. He is now tracking and doing great. He will be getting his TD title very soon. He has the ok from an AKC judge. He is a wonderful watchdog as well as a pet. His name is Raebarks Little Duce Coupe. Like I said before, we all love Duce and would not hesitate to get another puppy from Rachel. Duce is the smartest dog we ever had. He is good with strangers as well as other dogs/puppies.
Thank you Rachel for raising such a nice puppy.
Mary
I just want to tell you how pleased I am with Tilly (Matilda Victora von Lynnberg). She is not only exquisitely beautiful and healthy, but insightful, sensitive and highly intelligent. Tilly is sweet and intuitive, very well mannered and eager to please. I have been training her as a personal assistance companion and this spring she saved my life by awakening me to alert me to an emerging life-threatening allergic reaction. Even though she is not yet two years old or yet fully trained, Tilly is now on record with the City as a Service Dog.
Tilly is the second GSD I've purchased from Raebark German Shepherds, and I have been delighted with the temperament, health and appearance of both. We hope to breed Frax's daughter Zelda to a Raebark boy this year.
The veterinarians who have cared for my Raebark dogs through the years have congratulated me on choosing GSDs of such fine quality, and they have always been favorites of their practices.
Rachel R.
My name is Jackie, I purchased my dog from you in October of 2006. I haven't talked to you in a while but I wanted to let you know how Netti is doing. Netti is now 2 years old and is a very beautiful dog. She is very playful and gets along very well with my other shepherd which is a 3 year old male that I rescued at the age of 6 months. Netti is very sweet and loveable, but at the same time she is a wonderful watchdog. She is in great health and loves to play outside especially in the water. She loves to get out in the snow and just run around with Kasey. I have attached some pictures of Netti and Kasey so you can see what a beautiful Shepherd she is. I have recommended you to all of my friends that are looking for a well bread dog. If I were to ever get another Shepherd you would be the only person that I would consider buying another dog from. Netti is very easy to train and I have had a wonderful time with her in the 2 years that I have had her. I look forward to the many joyful years to come with Netti and Kasey. I am very thankful that I found you when I did. Thank you for my WONDERFUL Shepherd.
Jackie
Here is a picture of Maxx, out of Lewin and Whisper. He is a very handsome dog as well as a gentle giant. All of my friends and family cannot believe his calm and laid back personality.
I thought you would like to see one of your offspring! Maxx finished his basic obedience class in March and will begin Competitive Obedience training this month. He is very bright and eager to learn. Hope you enjoyed seeing him as he is today!
Sincerely
Toby Spreitzer
Thanks,
G. Hilliard
Just wanted to tell you I have recommended you to an associate from work. She is looking for a nice shepherd. Our Max is growing like a weed and is absolutely beautiful. He has a great personality and is getting his Shepherd bark. He alerts us now when guests arrive. His best friend is our Pug and the two play together all day long. Here he is lounging around waiting to be served. Not spoiled or anything, is he!? Wish we had room for a couple more! We are really thrilled with our shepherd from you!
Ken
Sending you a picture of Luke. Thank you so much for all the help you gave me to get me through the rough spot with him. Your guidance and advice was invaluable and saved our relationship. He has become an integral part of my life and I can't imagine him not being here. He goes everywhere with me now. He is still a bit apprehensive about the car but we are working on it together. A million thanks for all the help and for Luke.
Wayne
Just to refresh your memory a bit, I am the guy whose puppy was driving him crazy with the crying and shenanigans. There aren't words that can be spoken to describe my level of gratitude to you guys for helping me help Luke adjust. He is wonderful and turned out to be my best friend ever. I have fallen off the face of the Earth with my dog! He is just wonderful. I have taken the back seats out of my Jeep Wrangler and installed a memory foam mattress for my guy to ride on and he likes it...... a lot. We go everywhere together.
I hope that you can sense the level of satisfaction and contentment that I have achieved in my life due to a four-legged friend named Luke. Thanks a million!
Wayne Logsdon
Wanted you to see the three "kids" we got from you. As you can see, Prancer, Zoey and Onyx are doing just great and we could not have a better bunch. They are quite spoiled and we love them dearly. Thank you so much for having such wonderful dogs available.
Roger
Kilo is now 19 weeks and we LOVE him. He has a wonderful temperament and is adjusting nicely. We wanted to say thank you for all your advice and we appreciate when you talk with us on issues we are having. Attached is a current picture of him. We are currently looking into classes for him and will update you soon on our progress with Kilo.
Kerry and Beth Ann Grass