Questions to ask ‘Before’ you decide on a breeder:
1). How long have you been breeding on a professional level?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - 21 years
2). Do you do this part time or full time?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - full time, along with training
3). Are the parents from proven lines? How are they chosen?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes, all our breeding stock is proven, imported from Germany, through top competition judges and breeders. Every litter is carefully planned and studied in advance, and therefore resulting in quality puppies with absolute sound temperaments and superior health.
4). Do you offer a written sales agreement?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes
5). Do you offer a health guarantee?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes, we offer a written health and genetic warranty.
6). Do you give the pups shots and also worm them? Do you give me copy?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes
7). Do you x-ray the parents for hips before they are bred? Can I see proof of both hip and elbow certification?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes, all our adults are certified for hips and elbows, with an ‘a’ stamp from Germany, before they are bred. Yes, we have registration papers available for viewing showing hip and elbow certification on ALL parents.
8). Are the parents registered? Will I get papers for my pup?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes, all the parents are registered. Yes, all pups are either registered with the AKC or SV (pink papers) from Germany
9). Can I see the parents?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes, the parents are always available for viewing. All our adults are extremely sociable and we encourage clients to spend some time with them to truly appreciate their sound temperaments, clear heads, and confident yet gentle nature.
10). At what age can I take the puppy home?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - 10 weeks of age. Taking a puppy home earlier than this age puts him at risk for insecure behavior as an adult, as the fear imprint stage runs from 8 -10 weeks of age. Also, the pups are still being properly socialized by the breeders, as the social imprint stage continues until 12 weeks of age. Lastly, the pups should remain with the litter until at least 10 weeks of age, to learn bite inhibition, social interaction with other pups, and respect towards adults, beautifully taught by the mother. Therefore, undesirable behaviors such as fear and aggression are prevented from spilling into adulthood.
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11). Do you socialize and condition your pups? How do you do that?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes, socialization and conditioning begins at 3 days old, using the Bio-Sensor program, developed by the U.S. Military in the1970’s. After 14 days, we continue on with introducing various stimuli during the transitional period, which helps to promote neurological development and increase brain activity. We then continue working with pups all through the Awareness Period, and then on to the Socialization period. Our goal is for each pup to meet at least 100 strangers before they reach 12 weeks of age. This is done through owners coming to our group classes, members of our schutzhund club, clients viewing our pups and facility, our own family coming over to play with puppies, all holding and handling pups, and helping with simple obedience.
We also play various sound tapes all day, to familiarize the pups to real life sounds they will encounter all throughout their lives. We enrich their environments with obstacle courses, fun activities, and different learning strategies, all set up to help them to stimulate their brain waves.
12). If things don’t work out, will you take the puppy back?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes, we always take our puppies back, regardless of the circumstance.
13). Are deposits refundable?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - deposits are non-refundable, but are transferable with no deadline.
14). Do you have a valid current business license?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes - (see attached)
15). What is your rating with the Better Business Bureau? Are you members?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - ‘A’ rating. This is a ‘true’ rating. Yes, we are members of BBB.
16). Are there currently any judgements or liens against your business?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - ‘No’, we have never had either
17). Can I see where the puppies are kept?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes - tours are always available
18). Can you supply me with a list of referrals?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes, (see attached)
19). Are you active in clubs for your breed?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes - We are members of the SV in Germany, GSDCA-WDA (German Shepherd Dog Club of America- Working Dog Association), AKC (American Kennel Club), South Corona Schutzhund Club.
20). Do you compete and earn titles to prove your dogs’ worthiness?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes, Doug Foster is a Certified Regional Helper, we compete all over the world in Sieger Shows and Schutzhund competition.
21). Do you have a mission statement?
Thinschmidt German Shepherds - Yes - Our Mission Statement:
‘To breed for the very best in temperament, health, and beauty, and to keep the same dog, in one home, for the life of the dog’.