HARMONY GROVE ENGLISH SHEPHERDS
How My ES Journey Began:
I found the English Shepherd Breed by chance about seven years ago. I was amazed I had never heard of this breed, developed right here in the United States on family farms, many, many decades ago. I spent a good amount of time trying to learn whatever I could about the breed, and everything I learned endeared me more and more to these fine, unspoiled, working dogs. As is my way, I spent any down time researching everything I could find on the breed. I had been contemplating a move to a farmstead/homestead lifestyle for some many years, and was nearing the finalization of that dream. Finding this breed was a tremendous stroke of luck and very serendipitous.
I acquired my first English Shepherd Dog, a female, nearly 6 and a half years ago. It has been a great journey, a learning experience that I treasure, and I am hooked on this breed, with its smarts, inherent working instincts, loyalty, nurturing qualities, and all around positive companionship.
In early 2011, Arwen, (pronounced AhR-ROh-When), meaning Fair or Nobel Maiden, was flown in cabin to me, from Indiana to NJ, on the day she turned 9 weeks old. My first herding breed dog, and super smart, so there were some challenges and some learning to do. We weathered through the first 3 months of my inexperience and her mega smarts and enthusiasm, and became a solid team. I am over the moon for this dog and she is such an integral part of my life I have no idea how I would get on without her.
I wanted to take my time and learn all about Arwen, and at the same time delve more intently into the breed. I contacted MANY breeders and owners, joined active forums, joined the national breed club (ESC), and breed lists. I poured over pedigrees, asking a gazillion questions of anyone who would tolerate it, and there are many patient, generous, knowledgeable folks in this breed! I contacted as many owners as I could of the dogs in Arwen's pedigree and asked breeders about the dogs behind her going back several generations. As time went by I became satisfied that I had a fine example of an English Shepherd, a dog whose genes were a very positive reflection on the breed. I took my time deciding on the temperaments and traits for a male pup that would be the very best pairing for Arwen, then nearing 4 years old. My goals were to keep working instincts intact, build on biddability, keep the smarts, and produce all around fine family, farm dogs. With the excellent help of Peg Egertsen of Cedar Creek English Shepherds, who has been a treasured friend and mentor, I settled on an upcoming planned litter, for my male pup, due at the end of 2014.
In the middle of one of the worst winters, where it felt as if life existed inside of an igloo, Jasper Jem, came to me. Despite the snow and ice bound environment, Jasper was an instant hit around here! (see Home Page). He was such a biddable, happy fellow, eager to be with you, always at your side, always asking what next? He made me laugh so much of his growing up with his comical ways. He had a knack for changing sad to glad.
In 2016 Arwen had her first litter down on the GA farm. I was so proud of my dogs and adored those pups who were a very nice blend of their parents. I find it hard to let my pups go, as they are so much a part of the family and I get to know each one in depth. Jasper and Arwen produce pups that are balanced and a pleasure to be around. Litter 2, was very much the same. I have had such great reports from all the pups in both litters. There is always some mystery to breeding, despite careful planning and everything learned. But, in two very special litters, here at Harmony Grove, I have been so blessed to have pups that better what I have in my dogs, which is the dream of every dedicated breeder. I stand on the shoulders of experienced breeders whose selections and insights make up the dogs behind my two. I have benefited from the work of Peg and De Butcher, and the guidance, experience and wisdom of the English Shepherd breed community.
I acquired my first English Shepherd Dog, a female, nearly 6 and a half years ago. It has been a great journey, a learning experience that I treasure, and I am hooked on this breed, with its smarts, inherent working instincts, loyalty, nurturing qualities, and all around positive companionship.
In early 2011, Arwen, (pronounced AhR-ROh-When), meaning Fair or Nobel Maiden, was flown in cabin to me, from Indiana to NJ, on the day she turned 9 weeks old. My first herding breed dog, and super smart, so there were some challenges and some learning to do. We weathered through the first 3 months of my inexperience and her mega smarts and enthusiasm, and became a solid team. I am over the moon for this dog and she is such an integral part of my life I have no idea how I would get on without her.
I wanted to take my time and learn all about Arwen, and at the same time delve more intently into the breed. I contacted MANY breeders and owners, joined active forums, joined the national breed club (ESC), and breed lists. I poured over pedigrees, asking a gazillion questions of anyone who would tolerate it, and there are many patient, generous, knowledgeable folks in this breed! I contacted as many owners as I could of the dogs in Arwen's pedigree and asked breeders about the dogs behind her going back several generations. As time went by I became satisfied that I had a fine example of an English Shepherd, a dog whose genes were a very positive reflection on the breed. I took my time deciding on the temperaments and traits for a male pup that would be the very best pairing for Arwen, then nearing 4 years old. My goals were to keep working instincts intact, build on biddability, keep the smarts, and produce all around fine family, farm dogs. With the excellent help of Peg Egertsen of Cedar Creek English Shepherds, who has been a treasured friend and mentor, I settled on an upcoming planned litter, for my male pup, due at the end of 2014.
In the middle of one of the worst winters, where it felt as if life existed inside of an igloo, Jasper Jem, came to me. Despite the snow and ice bound environment, Jasper was an instant hit around here! (see Home Page). He was such a biddable, happy fellow, eager to be with you, always at your side, always asking what next? He made me laugh so much of his growing up with his comical ways. He had a knack for changing sad to glad.
In 2016 Arwen had her first litter down on the GA farm. I was so proud of my dogs and adored those pups who were a very nice blend of their parents. I find it hard to let my pups go, as they are so much a part of the family and I get to know each one in depth. Jasper and Arwen produce pups that are balanced and a pleasure to be around. Litter 2, was very much the same. I have had such great reports from all the pups in both litters. There is always some mystery to breeding, despite careful planning and everything learned. But, in two very special litters, here at Harmony Grove, I have been so blessed to have pups that better what I have in my dogs, which is the dream of every dedicated breeder. I stand on the shoulders of experienced breeders whose selections and insights make up the dogs behind my two. I have benefited from the work of Peg and De Butcher, and the guidance, experience and wisdom of the English Shepherd breed community.
HOW I RAISE MY PUPS:
My pups receive handling right away and as soon as appropriate I begin neural stimulation. They are raised inside and outside. They are introduced to many sounds, and moved around inside and out. I spend a lot of time with my pups. They get love and attention, and new stimulus often. They are held and touched and loved several times per day. Both Sire and Dam teach, correct and nurture all of their pups. As soon as they are old enough, I start to introduce some sit and down commands, making it happy play, with rewards.
My orientation is very holistic and I avoid chemicals wherever possible. I use my skills as an Herbalist with my dogs and pups regularly. I feed a raw diet to my dogs and supplement before, during and after pregnancy and whelp. Puppies begin on raw feeding and immune enhancing supplements after natural weening.
I do not release my pups until they are 8 weeks old. I like them to have this full time with both their parents and with me. I make every attempt to associate them with different people, sounds, music, etc. I place pups based on temperaments and traits that are observed over time, and the needs and lifestyles of owner candidates. I take into consideration preferences, but, matching by superficial considerations like coat color, take a back seat to matching the right pup with the right person, family and circumstance. Making the right placements is priority one. My pups have been placed on active working farms, and homesteads, many already working and learning to work different stock, including chickens, goats, sheep and cows. They have also been placed in active family homes, and homes where a full commitment and dedicated time and training is offered.
My orientation is very holistic and I avoid chemicals wherever possible. I use my skills as an Herbalist with my dogs and pups regularly. I feed a raw diet to my dogs and supplement before, during and after pregnancy and whelp. Puppies begin on raw feeding and immune enhancing supplements after natural weening.
I do not release my pups until they are 8 weeks old. I like them to have this full time with both their parents and with me. I make every attempt to associate them with different people, sounds, music, etc. I place pups based on temperaments and traits that are observed over time, and the needs and lifestyles of owner candidates. I take into consideration preferences, but, matching by superficial considerations like coat color, take a back seat to matching the right pup with the right person, family and circumstance. Making the right placements is priority one. My pups have been placed on active working farms, and homesteads, many already working and learning to work different stock, including chickens, goats, sheep and cows. They have also been placed in active family homes, and homes where a full commitment and dedicated time and training is offered.
