Liberty Shepherds
German Shepherd Puppies
Liberty Shepherds Dog Academy
It All Starts at the Beginning
I have been around dogs my whole life. I started volunteering in shelters at a young age, and have spent 25+ years helping to train dogs all around me.
At Liberty Shepherds, training starts at just two days old and continues throughout their lives to help form strong, confident, trusting animals. We follow the Puppy Culture training methods, along with my personal training methods I have developed over the years. I have titled many dogs in obedience, as well as done base and advance training for service dogs, therapy dogs, and scent work. I am an AKC Scent Trial Judge, CGC Evaluator and AKC Temperament Test (ATT) Evaluator.
I fully believe training is based on a trusting relationship between human and K9 to provide a strong, lifelong relationship.
Service Dogs
I grew up around dogs my whole life. Over the years is has become extremely apparent how healing dogs can be for those who struggle with all types of disabilities. I started training service dogs about 10 years ago when I found the temperament of the pups I was producing and raising were excellent for Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSD), ESA, and Therapy dogs. I found many of my pups were changing the lives of those who suffer with PTSD or anxiety related to military and life trauma alike. I spent years learning the ins and out of the laws around these animals and how to help men and women with disabilities live a more confident, free life. Today we have helped over 15 veterans, as well as many others with disabilities live a life with more confidence, peace, and freedom. We would love to help you do the same
Service Dog Prospects
Early Development
0-12 weeks
Training for service dogs starts here at just a few days old. We use stimulation to help the brain develop starting at just 2 days old. We start socialization to many different experiences to help build confidence and understanding of situations. As puppies are exposed, we see their natural demeanor toward different situations. This allows us to place puppies who would be good serve dog prospects on the right training path from the very beginning. As puppies develop me match their natural abilities to different jobs. Some of our puppies excel at service work, others do better as Emotional Support Animals and others are best suited for living a great companionship life with their new owners. Let help you match with the perfect pup for your needs and lifestyle.
Evlauations
4 weeks -2 years
We evaluate puppies starting at 4 week. We look at their drive, willingness to please, attention span and natural confidence. We then adjust our training to fit each puppy's needs. We continue to evaluate puppies and dogs as they get older and start training. Not every puppy who had potential will make it as a service dog. But by starting off this way, we have found our puppies are leaps ahead of dogs who do not start training until later in life.
Training
12 weeks - 2 years
While we start straining and socialization in our home at a very young age, once the puppy is fully vaccinated we start training out and about. We start with controlled, animal friendly places. As we build confidence and manners, we expand our areas. While Public Access is important, we are also training basic commands, task orientated tricks and so much more. We will come along side those who want to owner-train their service dogs as well.
Training Services
Here are Liberty Shepherds, we offer a full range of services to make sure your pet is a well-rounded member of society. I believe every dog has the ability to be a wonderful, behaved part of the family, and I will work with dog and owner to achieve that goal. I believe a training relationship should be built on mutual trust between human and K9 and every training method I use will build that trust. If you have any questions or would like to set up a consultation, please contact me.
Please note, some training sessions may not be available if we don't have a large enough class size.
Private Training
One of the best training methods for many dogs is in home private training. This allows me to see the dog in their natural space, and help correct behaviors while teaching both the dog and their owner. Private sessions also allow us to control the environment and make sure it is a positive experience for everyone. Private lessons are 45 minutes, booked 6 lessons at a time, usually once a week for 6 weeks.
I offer puppy Basics as a Private training option for those weeks before the puppy can enter an Obedience class. Contact to set up a consultation.
Private lessons start at
$50 per lesson puppy basics.
$65+ per lesson for Behavior Modification
Obediance and Puppy Classes
Obedience and Puppy classes are available for those looking to do obedience, socialization in a controlled environment, and spend some undivided attention with their pet. This is a 6-week course where we will cover the main commands most owners want their pets to know, as well as learn to communicate effectively with our pet. Each pet must be accompanied by their adult owner. All dogs and puppies must be fully vaccinated to attend any classes. Contact for next available classes.
Stay and Train
Stay and train is a wonderful option for dogs who need full emersion to change behaviors, or when owners need to leave town but do not want their dog to miss valuable training time. Stay and train is located on my premises where the dog will stay in a home environment. The dog gets multiple training sessions throughout the day from me. I also get help from my stable pack as well as my family when beneficial for the dog. I only take one stay and train at a time so you can be sure your pup is getting my full attention. Every family gets a consultation after training to help apply all the new techniques. *Dog must be evaluated prior to Stay and Train* Stay and Train fees start at at $150 a day.
Pet Sitting
Are You looking for a great place to leave your fur child while you are away? We do offer pet sitting at Liberty Shepherds. Below are some of the different options!
Basic Pet Sitting
Starting at $75 a day
All pet sitting is done in our home. Your dog must be crate trained (or non-destructive and house trained), up to date on all vaccines, and current on flea and tick prevention. We are located on 7 acres of fenced land with areas to run and play. Pet sitting starts at $75 a day. Your dog will be taken outside morning, noon, and night for a chance to run, play and use the potty. If they are dog friendly, they will get to play with our pack, but if not, they will get time out by themselves to keep everyone safe. They will be free to roam our home when not outside exercising and enjoy time with our family instead of being in a kennel run all day. Your dog will never be left outside unsupervised.
Extra Add On Services
Each Add On is $20 a day
We offer a wide variety of services for your dogs while they stay with us. Our number one concern is the health of your dog, both mental and physical. Please note these are all in addition to the three outdoor exercise times.
* Pool time (when the temperature is warm enough)
*Mental Treat Puzzles and games
*Pack Walks (for those who are dog friendly)
*If there is specific training you need, please check out our Stay and Train options.
Other Fuzzy Friends
The Best for Your Pet
I have lots of experience with all kinds of animals. If you need someone to watch your non-canine pets, please reach out. Those will be a case-by-case basis but I am happy to help whenever I can.